Brood X of Periodical Cicada Active

Hello, everyone,

Periodical cicada does its most important injury by its oviposition behavior, using its ovipositor to make slits in shoots were eggs are deposited. The section of shoot or branch beyond this point dies, resulting in a brown flagging. Usually, this occurs beyond where fruit are growing, but this can vary and growers should be observant. The injury has its greatest impact on young fruit trees and grapevines, and these plants should be protected during periods of adult activity.

This year's appearance periodical cicada's Brood X has commenced. First appearance of emergence from the soil was seen on April 28 (thank you Adria Bordas for the notice!). Development was slowed by the period of cool weather we experienced. With warmer activity, adults are now becoming more active, and Mark Sutphin has noted this activity in Frederick County orchards. For more details on periodical cicada, follow this link for a 20-minute recorded presentation: https://www.virginiafruit.ento.vt.edu/PeriodicalCicada2020 There are 15 broods of periodical cicada (12 17-year forms, three 13-years forms in more southern areas). The details of distribution may change with changes in land use. Brood X (this year's brood) will be most intense in northern Virginia, north through eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. However, there are pockets in southwestern Virginia and North Carolina. If any of you note activity in southwestern counties, and in any counties around the edge of the range (see map), please le me know, so that we can update our records!

More later, Doug