CRS degree day updates 2026

Biofix: March 1, 2026. 
First gen crawler emergence: April 12, 2026
Second generation flight: May 15, 2026

As of April 24, Kern County is at approximately 1103 degree days (base 53°F) from the March 1 biofix, indicating that second-generation flight have started already, having surpassed the ~1100 DD threshold. This year's second flights comes ~3 weeks earlier than previous season, strongly indicating that the crawler emergence ~160DD will be prior it it has ever been. Crawlers are a key intervention window as they are the most vulnerable life stage. Orchards should be actively scouted for white caps and crawler activity using double sticky tape traps on infested branches, checked weekly under magnification. Management should be based on confirmed field presence rather than degree days alone; if crawlers are detected, a well-timed treatment targeting this stage is warranted following UC IPM guidelines, with emphasis on good coverage and resistance management.

Crawlers can be expected within 1-2 weeks. 

Comparing DD with previous season and 30-year average. Although biofix timed the same as previous season, first generation crawler emergence and second geneation flight has been 3-4 weeks early in 2026, check the attachment below.  

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Individual field conditions may vary. Monitor Individual fields. For treatment recommendations UCIPM Guidelines for citrus