Squash bug is the most consistent insect pest of squash and pumpkins and is the most difficult to control (Figure 1 and 2). The key to management is early detection and control of the nymphs. The adults are extremely difficult to kill. Foliar insecticides should be applied to control the nymphs when you have more…Read more about Squash Bugs[Read More]
Cucurbits
Populations of the overwintering generation of striped cucumber beetles are just about at their peak levels right now (Figure 1.). For muskmelons and cucumbers, this generation is the one that we worry the most about in terms of transmitting the pathogen that causes bacterial wilt. As a result, our spray threshold is relatively low, 1…Read more about Striped Cucumber Beetles[Read More]
Cantaloupe, watermelon and pumpkin growers can use information in the Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers (ID-56) to help determine what fungicides to apply. The MELCAST system (see accompanying article in this issue) can be used to help to decide when fungicides should be applied. I have developed two fungicide schedules that I hope will help…Read more about Cucurbit Fungicide Schedules[Read More]
Watermelon production is threatened by Fusarium wilt, a widely distributed soilborne disease that can cause yield losses up to 100%. Currently, there are no watermelon varieties that are completely resistant to all races of Fusarium wilt. One way to control the disease is through grafting. The grafted plant combines a watermelon cultivar with a squash…Read more about Opportunities for Growing Grafted Watermelons[Read More]
Many cantaloupe and watermelon growers have transplanted seedlings to the field. Soon, these growers will have questions about what and when to apply fungicides. The article below in this issue of the Vegetable Crops Hotline will address what fungicides to apply (Fungicides schedules for cucurbits). This article discusses when to apply fungicides with the MELCAST system….Read more about MELCAST 2017[Read More]
One of the most damaging pests in cucurbit production are cucumber beetles and the bacterial pathogen they transmit (Erwinia trachephila), leading to bacterial wilt. In the recently released video, Dr. Laura Ingwell from Purdue Entomology demonstrates how to install insect exclusion screens on high tunnels. Such screens are effective at excluding cucumber beetles and the pathogen…Read more about Video—Installing High Tunnel Insect Exclusion Screen[Read More]
I received my first report of seedcorn maggot damage on cantaloupes last week (Figure 1 and 2). A grower in northern Indiana reported losing 90-95% of his plants. Given the cool, wet growing conditions, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more reports of this type for a number of crops, including melons, beans, corn, onions,…Read more about Seed and Root Maggots[Read More]
Many cantaloupe and watermelon growers are either growing transplants in a greenhouse or are expecting delivery of transplants in the next few weeks. Either way, growers should inspect transplants for disease before planting in the field. Below I will describe several common transplant diseases of cantaloupe and watermelon as well as management options. Gummy stem…Read more about Cantaloupe and Watermelon Transplant Diseases[Read More]
Fusarium wilt is one of the most serious diseases of watermelon in the Midwest. The disease often causes a one-sided wilt 2-3 weeks after transplanting. Whether a plant is affected, and to what degree, depends on the population of the long-lived spores in the soil that the roots contact. However, Fusarium wilt of watermelon is…Read more about Evidence for Spread of Fusarium Wilt of Watermelon in Transplant Trays[Read More]
As part of a multi-state effort being headed by Dr. Ian Kaplan at Purdue University in the Department of Entomology, we are investigating how to best manage insect pests on cucurbits, in our case watermelons, while having the least possible impact on pollinators. The research is being funded through the USDA/NIFA Specialty Crop Research Initiative….Read more about Purdue Looking for Watermelon Growers to Collaborate on Research Study[Read More]