Unseasonably cool and wet conditions have delayed the start of VegNet this year. Because insects are poikilotherms, their development is directly related to temperature. Some insects are also reliant on adequate moisture. The percentage of armyworm eggs that hatch, for example. We certainly have had ‘adequate’ moisture this spring (!), which could mean more armyworm pressure into the summer and fall.

The NRFC (a NOAA program) produces monthly summary statistics and predictions. Click the image to access their website. TEMP refers to the deviation from historical normal (degrees F), and PRECIP is measured in percent normal.
Both May and June were abnormally cool and wet in Western Oregon.

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