During which crop stage does the pickleworm cause the most damage?

The pickleworm primarily affects late maturing crops because this is when the plants are in a more vulnerable developmental stage and are producing fruits that are most appealing to the pest. During this phase, the larvae of the pickleworm target the flowers and developing fruits, leading to significant damage that can reduce crop yield and quality. Late maturing crops, with their tender fruit structures, provide an ideal habitat and food source for the growing larvae, allowing them to thrive and cause extensive harm to the plants.

In contrast, early crops may not suffer as severely since they are still in the establishment phase and may not yet have the vulnerable fruits that attract the pickleworm. Winter vegetables and summer fruits also experience their own pest interactions, but the critical feeding and damage often peak during the late maturation phase of crops due to the timing of the pickleworm's life cycle aligning with when these crops are most susceptible. Understanding when pests like the pickleworm are most damaging helps inform appropriate timing for pest management strategies.