Joanne Whalen, Extension IPM Specialist; jwhalen@udel.edu
Cole Crops
Continue to sample for cabbage looper, diamondback larvae, beet and fall armyworms and Harlequin bug. Although the pyrethroids will provide control of Harlequin bugs they are not effective on beet armyworm or diamondback. Be sure to scout and select controls options based on the complex of insects present in the field.
Lima Beans
Continue to scout for stink bugs, lygus bugs, and corn earworm. A treatment will be needed if you find one corn earworm larvae per 6 ft-of-row. With the increase in local corn earworm pheromone trap catches we are starting to see an increase in larval populations. We have also found soybean loopers in fields. Remember that they are a migratory pest, difficult to control and pyrethroid resistance has been documented in states to our south. If they are present in the mix, you will need to select a material labeled for soybean loopers. Be sure to check the label for rates, restrictions (including plant back/rotational crop restrictions) and days from last application to harvest.
Melons
Continue to scout all melons for aphids, cucumber beetles, and spider mites. We continue to see a significant increase in aphid populations. Treatments should be applied before populations explode and leaf curling occurs.
Peppers
At this time of year, corn borer, corn earworm, beet armyworm and fall armyworm are all potential problems in peppers. So be sure to select the material that will control the complex of insects present in the field. Be sure to check local moth catches in your area by calling the Crop Pest Hotline (in state: 1-800-345-7544; out of state: 302-831-8851) or our webpage at http://agdev.anr.udel.edu/trap/trap.php.
We continue to see aphid populations increasing, especially in fields where pyrethroids have been used on a weekly basis. Labeled materials are only effective if applied before populations explode.
Snap Beans
At this time, you will need to consider a treatment for both corn borer and corn earworm. You should also watch for beet armyworms and soybean loopers. Sprays are needed at the bud and pin stages on processing beans for worm control. With the diversity of worm pests that may be present in fields, be sure to scout fields and select materials that will control the complex of insects present. You will need to check our website for the most recent trap catches to help decide on the spray interval between the pin stage and harvest for processing snap beans:
http://agdev.anr.udel.edu/trap/trap.php
We are also hearing reports of fields with economic levels of whiteflies. Be sure to check the Vegetable Crop Recommendations for materials labeled for whitefly control on snap beans (http://extension.udel.edu/ag/vegetable-fruit-resources/commercial-vegetable-production-recommendations/)
Spinach
Be sure to watch for webworms and beet armyworms. Both 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. As a reminder, the pyrethroids have not provided effective beet armyworm control in past years. Remember that both insects can produce webbing on the plants. Generally, at least 2 applications are needed to achieve control of webworms and beet armyworm.
Sweet Corn
With the increase in corn earworm trap catches, be sure that a spray is applied as soon as ear shanks are visible on plants. If fall armyworms are present in the whorl, you will need multiple whorl sprays for this insect before the ear shank spray to achieve effective control and to prevent larvae from dropping into the ear zone. Once fields are silking, you will need to check both blacklight and pheromone trap catches for silk spray schedules since the spray schedules can quickly change. Trap catches are generally updated on Tuesday and Friday mornings:
http://agdev.anr.udel.edu/trap/trap.php
You can also call the Crop Pest Hotline (in state: 1-800-345-7544; out of state: 302-831-8851). Be sure to check all labels for days to harvest and maximum amount allowed per acre.