Landscape Message: Jun 17, 2016

"Pests/Problems: The “big story in town” this week is about Gypsy moth caterpillars, which are in 4th and mostly 5th
instars. These late instar caterpillars are feeding heavily and the
resulting frass or “insect poop” can be heard falling in those areas
where caterpillar populations are high. In some areas the caterpillars
have done a good job defoliating oak and apple trees that were spared by
winter moth caterpillars. There are reports of heavy feeding in areas
of Carver, Plymouth, Kingston, Middleboro, etc. There are also reports
of a very few “sick” and dying caterpillars but not enough to make a
difference. We really need rain for soil moisture for plants and also to
activate the fungus, Entomophaga maimaiga. (See Tawny Simisky’s report in the Insect Section of the Landscape message)."

SOUTHEAST REGION - Deborah Swanson, UMass Extension Horticulturist for Plymouth County - Retired, reporting from Hanson.