Haines Tree and Spray

The research done by the WSDA, OSU, WSU, and Simon Fraser University, indicates that 75 to 80% of all cherry trees in the Bellingham area are affected by CBT and that 100% of all sweet cherry and Mt. Fuji ornamental cherry trees are affected.

UPDATED CONTROL MEASURE

Recent research in Whatcom County by Todd Murray has indicated that good control of the Cherry Bark Tortrix can be achieved by spraying the trunk and main limbs during the first two weeks of October. This is due to the unique biology of the tortrix which puts them, ie: the larvae, all at home and house cleaning which in turn, puts them in contact with the material as they visit the outside of the tree while pushing frass out.

Another good time, though not apparently as good as October, is early April as the larvae are engaged in the same activity - but some may have already left as adults.

An Abbreviated Overview

The first adult emergence is in late April or early May, at which time the female (which emerges two weeks after the male) lays eggs either singly or in patches of up to 3 to 6. Eggs are a milky white and change to a salmon egg pink color. They are laid near previous infestation.

The eggs hatch into larvae which are light brown to darkish pink with a brown head. The larvae overwinter between the bark and cambium layer feeding in temperatures above freezing during the winter months. They are fully grown in the spring and pupate in externally formed cocoons within "frass tubes." It takes about 15 days before they emerge from the cocoon. Adult emergence is as noted above: Late April or early May, with peak flights in June and August.

At different stages the larvae feed on the bark and outer sapwood, then they make tunnels between the bark and the cambium which essentially girdle the tree, which excludes transportations of nutrients to the roots. Die back of girdled sections occurs and then finally the entire tree dies.

At any time during the infestation, secondary problems can occur such as bark beetles, fungal infestation, or susceptibility to freezing damage, to name a few.

CBT is not limited to fruiting and ornamental cherry trees! Following is a list of trees of confirmed host siting: ornamental and fruiting plums, apricots, peach, Portuguese laurel, crab apple, apple, pear, mountain ash, black hawthorn, photinia.

Look for the sawdust like looking frass and gummy pitch in the crack/crevices of the trunk and main branches.

Call Haines for treatment at (360)733-6680 or (800)321-7378