Populations of striped cucumber beetles continue to remain high. Muskmelon and cucumber growers should continue to monitor and spray as needed to avoid transmission of the pathogen that causes bacterial wilt of cucurbits. Wilt symptoms are showing up on melons throughout the state at this time, with greater prevalence in the southern counties and less[Read More…]
Insect and Mite Management
I’ve seen some substantial populations of potato leafhoppers recently. Leafhoppers can be a significant pest of a number of vegetable crops, with potato and snap beans being particularly affected. Look for adults flitting off the plants when they are disturbed and for nymphs feeding on the underside of the leaves. It is important not to[Read More…]
Yellowstriped armyworms continue to cause problems for tomato growers, especially in high tunnels. The populations are often spotty within a field or high tunnel, but can easily reach damaging levels. Most of the insecticides listed in the Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for control of caterpillars on fruiting vegetables (pages 135-6) will control yellowstriped armyworms. If[Read More…]
Burrs and Cones. Both of the trellises in the Boiler Hopyard have begun flowering and coning. The primary shoots were pruned at the top of the net on the dwarf trellis in order to promote lateral growth. The pruning took place on May 19 and again on May 28. The bines on the dwarf trellis[Read More…]
In years past, the European corn borer was the most important pest of sweet corn, as well as being a pest of peppers and other vegetables. Since the advent of Bt field corn, the overall population of corn borers has been dramatically suppressed, so far that we often forget about it being a pest of[Read More…]
We are again seeing a lull in pheromone trap catches of corn earworms. However, I caution sweet corn growers to remain vigilant in checking their traps. Populations can increase rapidly, especially if carried north on storm fronts from the Gulf Coast. It is also important to watch the development of the field corn around your[Read More…]
After a brief lull in pheromone trap catches, we have resumed catching earworm moths all around the state. Although most of the counts are relatively low (less than 10 per night), remember that for early planted sweet corn that silks before the neighboring field corn silks, the threshold for treatment is 1 moth per night.[Read More…]
A field day will be held on July 9 to share with the public the various research activities at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center in Vincennes, IN. The day will start at 7:30 A.M. with a health fair. Registration starts at 8:30 A.M. Presentation topics include: managing cucumber beetles while protecting bees, production of vegetables[Read More…]
On May 29, 2015, the EPA issued a proposal to protect bees from acutely toxic pesticides. As stated in the announcement, “EPA is proposing to prohibit the application of pesticides that are highly toxic to bees when crops are in bloom and bees are under contract for pollination services. These restrictions would prohibit application of[Read More…]
So far it appears that populations of striped cucumber beetles appear to be low to moderate in most areas. The often cool and/or wet weather may be suppressing their activity currently, so be prepared if we get a period of warm, dry weather. Remember that cantaloupes and cucumbers are most susceptible to bacterial wilt, so[Read More…]