Hickory Shuckworm, Cydia caryana
Pheromone traps in Tift and Irwin Co. were catching moths from early April through May and nearly June. As temperatures increase in the spring, overwintering larvae mature in the shucks and adults start the emerge. These early emerging adults lay eggs on on phylloxera galls. Those emerging in June lay eggs on pecan nutlets causing nut drop. Pheromone traps do not catch hickory shuckwrom moths during the summer and light traps are needed to monitor the adults during mid-May to mid-September. Oviposition and larval feeding causes nut drop when it occurs before shell-hardening. Shuck mining right after shell hardening reduces nut quality. Damage closer to shuck split does not effect quality but larvae overwinter and contribute to the next seasons population.

Observations from last season

June 5, 2002
Nutdrop caused by hickory shuckworm is beginning. Only light traps are catching moths.

June 28, 2002
Nut drop caused by hickory shuckworm continues.

July 9, 2002
Heavy nut drop from hickory shuckworm damage. Nuts can now support the development of larvae. These second generation larvae will develop in the nut and emerge as adults in early August. Oviposition after shell hardening leads to shuckmining damage.

Aug. 9, 2002
Hickory shuckworm sprays need to be applied to prevent shuckmining. If a insect growth regulator is used then spray when the shell-hardening has progreesed half way down the nut. Add a surfactant to improve the coverage of IGR's. If a contact insecticide is used then spray at shell-hardening over the entire nut. If weevils and stinkbugs are a problem use a contact insecticide. Aug. 29, 2002. Shuckworm damage at this time of year is the most damaging to kernel quality. Nearly all varieties are past gel stage and face the threat of damage from shuckworm, pecan weevil and stinkbugs. Growth regulator type insecticides will not control pecan weevil and stinkbugs.