Plant pests in Spring

Evidently, the day length has increased and we are experiencing higher temperatures. As a result, plants receive more sun light, based on the orientation of the garden bed, courtyard, balcony, etc., and new growth appears in the form of flower buds, stems and leaves.

Insects are cold-blooded animals, meaning that their body temperature is similar to that of their surroundings. They do not maintain a body temperature as do mammals and birds. Most insects do not develop or function well at temperatures below 10 C. This base temperature varies a few degrees up or down, depending on the insect species, but is near 10 C for most insects. When the temperature hangs between freezing (0 C) and 10 C, insects typically go into a dormant state in which body functions are greatly slowed down.

When temperatures are around 10 C for an extended period in the spring, plants continue to expand leaves and grow stems, and they can get ahead of their insect pests that are present but not developing. As a result, insect pest populations may be typical, but plant damage caused by those pests may be much less than normal.

Insect populations typically do not emerge at once. Some insects hatch from overwintering eggs or emerge from overwintering pupae early, and some of the same species emerge later.

The life cycle of plant pests becomes important as it provides gardeners with information on how to treat plant pests. As all insects hatch from eggs, they are short-lived and in some exceptions some insects can produce two or more generations per season e.g. aphids. Therefore, proper and timely identification of insects can assist in treating garden plants with greater success.

Happy Gardening!