Sometimes choosing the right product to manage a particular pest can be a daunting and risky task, especially when crops are close to harvest and an imposing outbreak sneaks up on you. One such pest that is sneaky are two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae; Figure 1). This microscopic pest can hang out in the crop…Read more about Considerations when Selecting the Right Miticide[Read More]
Insect and Mite Management
A quick glance at my vegetable garden on Thursday, June 17, revealed a lonely Japanese beetle… I dutifully squished it! This does indicate that emergence is beginning in west central Indiana. Hatch has undoubtedly been going for several days in southern counties, whereas, northern counties will soon be graced with their presence. Oh joy! Japanese…Read more about Japanese Beetles Emerging[Read More]
Unfortunately, pests don’t know when to take the day off. Even though we have bees in the field and watermelons reaching peak bloom, we still need to watch out for pest infestation and disease outbreaks. First and foremost, scouting fields to monitor pests will ensure that infestations never reach high enough populations to threaten yield….Read more about Spray Less, Pay Less, and Get Better Control of Your Arthropod Pests[Read More]
For some, we may often forget about the pesky squash vine borer until it’s too late. This pest of cucurbit crops tends to be sporadic in our region; you are either battling it every year or it hardly makes an appearance. And, unfortunately, our urban farmers tend to get hammered. While it is not so…Read more about Time to Scout for Squash Vine Borer (SVB)[Read More]
We have begun our state-wide trapping and monitoring program for corn earworm (Figure 1). The latest trap catch information can be found here. Traps have been placed at seven Purdue Agricultural Centers throughout the state. Trapping will begin June 17, 2021. Please refer to E-31 to learn more about corn earworm identification and management. Management…Read more about Corn Earworm Trapping for the 2021 Season is Beginning[Read More]
It’s around that time when your first crop of tender greens may be close to ready for first harvest! Growing kale, arugula, collard greens, and lettuce this year, I’ve been keeping a hawk’s eye out for signs of caterpillar activity. In the Lafayette area, I’m beginning to see signs of common caterpillar pests of these…Read more about Crucifer Caterpillars are (or will soon be) Active![Read More]
The Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is one of the most devastating pests of potato crops and is something that you should be on the lookout for NOW! This pest overwinters as an adult in the soil or field margins surrounding last year’s crop. The soils have warmed, the adults came out and eggs are now…Read more about Time to Scout for Potato Beetles[Read More]
Whether the focal crops are vegetables, field corn, or soybeans, we’re hearing from growers that poor germination has been an issue this season. The cool, wet conditions we’ve had this spring have delayed seedling germination and growth, and this just happens to be the perfect scenario for seed and root maggots to do their worst…Read more about Vegetable Seedlings with Emergence Issues? Seed Corn Maggot may be to Blame.[Read More]
The time has arrived to start implementing our scouting programs for monitoring and early detection, an integral part of your integrated pest management plan. In high tunnels or other protected environments there are a variety of insect pests that are capable of overwintering and can move into an of the early-season crops that you are…Read more about Early Season Scouting[Read More]
A natural wonder will occur in 15 states this year: the emergence of the Brood X, 17-year periodical cicadas! Also known as “17-year or 13-year locusts” the last mass emergence of these insects occurred in 2004. Now, 17 years later, the immature cicadas will emerge from the ground, molt one last time to gain wings,…Read more about Periodical Cicadas are Coming, but Your Vegetables are Safe![Read More]