Spatial distribution of 17-year periodical cicada (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) exuviae and oviposition injury in Mid-Atlantic, USA Apple orchards and implications for management

Tree fruit orchards in some Mid-Atlantic states are within the geographic range of 17-year periodical cicada Brood X, Magicicada septendecim (L.) and M. cassini (Fisher) (Hemiptera: Cicadidae), can be badly affected by injury from its oviposition branches. Several applications broad-spectrum insecticides, such as pyrethroids, needed to mitigate this injury, but incite secondary pest outbreaks impacting natural enemy populations. The spatial distribution exuviae have not been examined relation edge effects or effect different adjoining habitats, which cicadas move into orchards. Addressing these knowledge gaps may reveal potential for spatially precise insecticide targeting cicadas, thereby mitigating spraying entire orchard blocks. In 2021, X (a proxy during emergence 17-years previously) was measured using tree transects commercial apple Virginia West Virginia, USA. All had woods non-woods habitats along opposite borders, depending on their age, were exposed previously. Orchard edges facing woodlands vulnerable cicada. Overall, there a tendency somewhat higher numbers sites border rows woods, however both variables recorded considerable interior woods. Results discussed implications management