Apple Maggot Forecast

Apple maggot larvae cause damage to ripening fruit. If left untreated, these pest insects can spread across the entire tree. These insects primarily affect apple trees, but can also impact plum, apricot, pear, cherry and hawthorn trees. 

Apple Maggot Current Day Forecast

Apple Maggot Six-Day Forecast

WHAT ARE PHENO FORECASTS?

Pheno Forecast maps predict key life cycle stages in invasive and pest species, to improve management efficacy.  For insect pest species, Pheno Forecasts are based on published growing degree day (GDD) thresholds for key points in species life cycles. These key points typically represent life cycle stages when management actions are most effective. These maps are updated daily and available 6 days in the future.

Help us improve these maps! Our Pheno Forecast map products are still in development, and we seek input on their performance in your area. Give your feedback at the bottom of the page.

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Sign up to be notified by email approximately two weeks and again six days ahead of key growing degree day thresholds for species of interest at your location


Credits: Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org
Image
female apple maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella)

Species Background

Native to the eastern states, apple maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella) is widespread throughout the U.S. In late spring and summer, adults emerge from the soil and lay eggs in apples. The larvae tunnel into the fruit, causing decay and rot.
 


Credits: H.J. Larsen, Bugwood.org
Image
infected apples

Adult Forecast

We forecast adult emergence based on growing degree days. Apple maggot can be controlled by bagging the fruit, trapping, and spraying with pesticide. In all cases, treatments are most effective if initiated as adults are starting to emerge from the soil. Ideally, treatments are undertaken prior to egg-laying, which occurs ~8-10 days after emergence. The Pheno Forecast map indicates when apples should be protected from maggots using mechanical or chemical methods. 

For specific information on preferred treatment options in your region, we recommend contacting your local extension agent. For more information, visit University of Minnesota ExtensionMichigan State University Extension, or Washington State University Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center
 


EXPLORE THIS FORECAST

Learn more about this forecast using our visualization tool!

Phenophase

GDD threshold

Base temp

Start date

GDD method

Model origin

Source

Adult emergence

900-2000oF

50oF

March 1

Simple average

 MI

Wise et al. (2010)

More information on map development and re-use policy.

TRACK THIS SPECIES WITH NATURE'S NOTEBOOK

 

You can help verify this forecast by checking trees for this species and reporting your findings in Nature’s Notebook via the Pest Patrol campaign. Your observations will help scientists better understand when this species is active and susceptible to treatment.

 

Learn more about Pest Patrol

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Give us your feedback on our Pheno Forecast maps

Have you used our Pheno Forecast maps to plan treatment activities, or to know when to search for pests of interest? Do you have a suggestion of another species for which a forecast would help you make decisions? We'd love to hear about it!

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