All drench treatments must be completed at least 18 days before harvest. Light infestations are generally inconsequential, but severe ones can cause premature defoliation, weaken the plant, and reduce fruiting potential for the following year. A foliar application of Sevin during harvest will give temporary relief from FIRE ANTS that were not killed by mound drenches earlier in the season. Since mites are well-protected under bud scales, adequate spray material must be applied at high pressure to cover and penetrate the buds. The larva of this beetle tunnels inside the cane and pushes its sawdust-like excrement out through a small hole.
Infested canes are easy to spot by looking for mounds of frass.
This pest is seldom very abundant and it can be controlled simply by pruning out affected canes. Post-harvest disease management involves continuation of biweekly leafspot sprays and scouting for problem areas. Once a bush is severely defoliated, fungicidal sprays are not effective. However, growers should record problem areas and be ready to apply pre-harvest and early summer leaf spot sprays the following season. Look for defoliated bushes associated with areas of excessively wet soil.