Cranberry weevil numbers are above threshold (more than an average of 4.5 weevil/sweep set) in several areas. You should go out to sweep as soon as possible. Barring applications made tonight, the next best window to treat is likely late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. We had single sweep counts of 26 and 35 weevils from State Bog. Other growers have also reported numbers in the 20’s and 30’s. Other growers have scouted and found very few weevil, so it is important to check your own bog. Avaunt is the best choice for spring populations; it cannot be used after bloom. Spring damage can be very significant. Gypsy moth larvae are being picked up as well. Single sweep numbers are hovering around threshold (an average of 4.5 larvae/sweep set).
For those of you holding late water floods: Monitor water temperatures and scout for scum. Copper sulfate (e.g., Cutrine) will not get rid of scum already present but it will help to prevent new growth. If the water quality gets compromised, you may need to drain earlier. If all is proceeding well, the actual date of flood removal will vary with location and date of application. Inland areas should drain floods no later than May 15. Coastal Plymouth County locations: around May 20 and Cape locations should try to keep their floods on until late May. Remember to release the flood SLOWLY over the top board to protect water resources.
