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LATEST NEWS

The latest news on this seasons pests.

PESTS

Pea moth

There have been no reports of pea moth yet. Pea moth traps should be placed in crops now if they are not already in place. Traps should be monitored three times a week and a threshold is reached when 10 moths are caught in either trap on two consecutive occasions. When a threshold is reached a spray date can be forecast using the PGRO pea moth line on 01780 783099. Insecticides should only be applied when first pods are set. Tolerance levels in vining peas are lower and crops should be sprayed at first pod where moths have been caught, even in low numbers, in traps. See PGRO technical update 149, available on the website www.pgro.org for details. Traps are available from Oecos tel: 01438 832481.

Pea midge

There have been no reports of pea midge yet in any areas. Vining peas are more severely affected than combining peas due to their determinate growth habit, producing a short flowering period. Susceptible crops are those which are at enclosed bud stage. In areas where midge has been a problem in the previous year, crops should be examined for midge adults by pinching the outer leaves of the growing point together and peeling back the leaves to reveal the bud. If adult midges are found an insecticide should be applied as soon as possible to reduce the risk of eggs being laid. A monitoring trap is available from Oecos Ltd, 11a High Street, Kimpton, Herts, SG4 8RA. It comprises 4 sticky traps complete with pheromone lures. By monitoring catches of newly emerged midge in the overwintering site - in last year's pea field - the peak activity of pests can be determined. This will provide advance warning of infestation in the nearby pea crops. Traps should be placed in last year's pea field 10m apart as soon as possible.

Pea aphid

Although there have been no reports of pea aphid yet, it is likely that they will soon be present in crops whilst the weather remains warm. Many spring crops are late due to late drilling and slow development and aphid impact may be high. Viruses may be transmitted by the pea aphid into both peas and beans and sprays may be necessary to prevent damaging virus infection. To prevent yield loss caused by direct aphid feeding combining peas should be sprayed when around 20% plants are infested and vining peas when 15% plants are infested.