This time of year, when we are busy in the fields planting and prepping for a fruitful season, we need to be observant of the pest pressures that may be present. We have already had reports this year of cucumber beetles feeding on recently transplanted cucurbit crops, in particular melons and cucumbers. Let’s review why[Read More…]
While it is not so much of a problem on large farms, with many acres of cucurbits, small farms and organic growers tend to be the most impacted by this pest. The squash vine borer (Figure 1) is a member of the clear-winged moths, a unique group of moths that are active during the daytime.[Read More…]
Once again this year I will be monitoring corn earworm flights throughout the state. Be sure to check the CEW trapping website for updates daily. If you produce sweetcorn or popcorn and are interested in hosting a trap, please contact me at (765) 494-6167 or lingwell@purdue.edu. I will provide the trap and the lure, but[Read More…]
We will continue to host two trapping networks in the 2022 growing season. The historical corn earworm (Figure 1) trapping network will continue. This state-wide trapping and monitoring program for corn earworm is crucial to assist growers with timely management decisions in sweet corn production. The latest trap catch information can be found here. Traps[Read More…]
If you’re like us, as the season winds down it may seem like your insect pest management efforts are beginning to look a bit more reactive and less preventative. We’re hearing from growers that aphids, mites, caterpillars and stinkbugs are especially challenging in various veggie crops now, particularly tomatoes! In an attempt to ease some[Read More…]
After weeks of successive trap catches being empty or in the single digits, we have seen a dramatic increase in the last couple of days in the number of corn earworm moths captured in our pheromone traps throughout the state. At multiple locations catches jumped from near nothing to hundreds of individuals in a single[Read More…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]