The Satin Moth (Leucoma salicis) is an important pest on Oak, Poplar, Willow, and a few other hosts. Satin Moths typically overwinter as partially grown larvae, before emerging in spring and continuing to feed. After emergence, these larvae can be targeted by traps or insecticide treatments. The Satin Moth Growing Degree Day Model, developed by researchers, and available on the Pest Prophet app, is a tool growers can use to predict larvae emergence in spring, as well as the next generation larvae.

Initiating the Biofix

To properly use the model, the biofix must first be set. This is the date that will serve as the starting point for growing degree day accumulation. For this type of model the biofix date should be set to March 1st for the Northern Hemisphere.

Growing Degree Day Accumulation and Treatment

After the biofix is set, growing degree day accumulation can begin, using a lower threshold of 50F. Calculating growing degree days can be done using daily high and low temperatures, or using hourly temperature data using the Pest Prophet app. Larvae emergence occurs between 298-618 GDD(F) and then later at 1917-2271 GDD(F). These larvae can be targeted with insecticides.

Source:

Growing Degree Day Information. Nathan W. Siegert, Deborah G. McCullough and Jeffrey A. Andresen. Michigan State University, 2 October 2015. Web. 25 February 2016.

Using Growing Degree-Days for Insect Pest Management. Thomas Kowalsick and Scott Clark. Cornell Cooperative Extension in Suffolk County, March 2012. Web. 25 February 2016.