Q. Would you review the life cycle of PTB for me? They seem to emerge in waves.

A. PTB overwinters as 1^st or 2^nd instar larvae in limb crotches of young branches. The overwintering cells are called hibernacula. As the weather begins to warm, the larvae begin to feed within the hibernacula, creating chimneys of frass. As the weather continues to warm, the larvae emerge and begin feeding on flower buds and new foliage. Eventually, they mine into the tips of new shoots creating the characteristic dead shoot tips or “flagging” that is often seen in infested orchards.

The mothers from this overwintering generation emerge in April or May. Three more successive generations will develop, for a total of 4 generations in a normal year. During the year, larvae feed and develop on nuts or in shoots. The final generation develops the overwintering hibernacula soon after emerging from their eggs.

Q. I have an organic almond orchard. Is Deliver OMRI Listed?

A. Yes, Deliver is OMRI® Listed and NOP approved by the USDA. Deliver is also on the Washington State Department of Agriculture Brand Name Materials List (BNML).

Deliver can be used in organic operations, as well as on conventionally produced nut acres.

Also, Deliver is a residue exempt material, which is an important consideration for those of you who export your nut crops.