Exploring the impact of temperature on Xylosandrus germanus flight activity

For New York apple growers, X. germanus has recently become an economically significant apple pest. Female X. germanus rely on early spring emergence and mass attacks to overcome host tree defenses. Xylosandrus germanus emergence and flight activity are greatly influenced by temperatures. Once the beetles bore into the tree, insecticides are no longer effective. Due to this, apple growers often rely on preventative insecticide sprays to combat beetle mass attacks. Varying Spring temperatures can make it difficult to predict X. germanus flight activity, leading to over spraying. To investigate the impact of temperature on female X. germanus flight activity, we monitored their flight behavior over a range of temperatures to identify the specific temperature range that facilitates optimal flight performance in X. germanus. Our findings will enable agricultural professionals to make more accurate predictions about X. germanus emergence and flight activity, and to apply preventative pesticides with optimal timing.