On warm spring days in many parts of the country, two species of cucumber beetles lurk near vegetable fields or feast on an available crop until their favorite meal, a cucurbit, emerges. Adult beetles overwinter in protected areas near buildings, fences, and woodlots. They rapidly find host plants. In more northern areas, the striped cucumber … Read more
Occasionally, consumers and producers alike come across the wormy apple. Codling moth (CM, Cydia pomonella) and Oriental fruit moth (OFM, Grapholita molesta) larvae may both be involved as they tunnel into fruit flesh, but only CM will feed on the apple’s core and seed. The larvae also differ anatomically; unlike OFM, CM has no anal … Read more
Many new miticides for strawberries and vegetables Hot and dry are ideal conditions for spider mite outbreaks. Along the East Coast, growers reported spider mite infestations in beans, cucurbits, eggplant, tomatoes, sweet corn, and even potatoes. Mites are not true insects but are classed as a type of arachnid closely related to insects, spiders, ticks, … Read more
Aphids: Look out for those sucking mouthparts and large numbers of insects In late summer, just-planted produce can look pretty good in the field but don’t be fooled. Small aphids may be just a few plants away. And there usually aren’t just a few. It can be hundreds to thousands, so when you rub your … Read more
In recent decades integrated pest management (IPM) has gone from being essentially an exotic idea about how to address plant, animal, fungal and a range of other pests capable of crippling production, to being a term bandied about in the growing community almost daily. Widely accepted today as the most appropriate response to the problem … Read more