Control Cucumber Beetles Early – 2024 Guide

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

Codling Moth is Key Pest in Apple Production Regions of North America – 2024 Guide

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

Prepare for Hot Weather and Spider Mites in 2024

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

Fire Blight: Still an Orchard’s Enemy in 2024

Fire blight is near the top of the list of diseases for apples, crabapple, pears, and quince orchards, as it has the potential to cause serious economic loss and can even completely destroy an orchard. Understand its roots The term “fire blight” is derived from the appearance of infected leaves on very susceptible trees, which … Read more