Joanne Whalen, Extension IPM Specialist; jwhalen@udel.edu
Cabbage
Continue to sample for cabbage looper, diamondback larvae, fall armyworm and harlequin bug. Be sure to scout and select control options based on the complex of insects present in the field.
Lima Beans
Continue to scout for stinkbugs, lygus bugs and corn earworm. Economic levels of stinkbugs and earworms can be found. Since trap catches remain high, multiple applications may be needed for earworm control.
Peppers
With the high corn earworm and increased corn borer moths catches in blacklight traps throughout the state, be sure to maintain a 5 to 7-day schedule on all peppers for worm control. Also, be sure to select materials that control both earworms and corn borers.
Snap Beans
With the high corn borer and corn earworm moth catches, you will need to consider a treatment for both insect pests. Sprays are needed at the bud and pin stages on processing beans for corn borer and corn earworm control at this time. As a reminder, if you are using Orthene (acephate) for corn borer control in processing snap beans, it will not provide effective corn earworm control. Call the Crop Pest Hotline or check our website for the most recent trap catches in your area to help decide on the spray interval between the pin stage and harvest for processing snap beans (http://ag.udel.edu/extension/IPM/traps/latestblt.html and http://ag.udel.edu/extension/IPM/thresh/snapbeanecbthresh.html).
Spinach
The first webworms have been found in newly emerged spinach. Both webworms and beet armyworm moths are active at this time and controls need to be applied when worms are small and before they have moved deep into the hearts of the plants. Also, remember that both insects can produce webbing on the plants. Generally, at least two applications are needed to achieve control of webworms and beet armyworm.
Sweet Corn
With the high corn earworm catches throughout the state, all fresh market silking sweet corn should be sprayed on a 2-day schedule.