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. Soybean loopers have been detected in a few 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.
Peppers
At this time of year, corn borer, corn earworm, beet armyworm and fall armyworm are all potential problems in peppers. Be sure to select the material that will control the complex of insects present in the field. Be sure to check local corn borer and corn earworm moth catches in your area by calling the Crop Pest Hotline (302-831-8851) or our webpage at http://agdev.anr.udel.edu/trap/trap.php.We are starting 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 pest 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 call the Crop Pest Hotline (302- 831-8851) or 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
Sweet Corn
The first silk sprays will be needed as soon as ear shanks are visible. Be sure to check both blacklight and pheromone trap catches since the spray schedules can quickly change. Trap catches are generally updated on Tuesday and Friday mornings on our website (http://agdev.anr.udel.edu/trap/trap.php) and the Crop Pest Hotline (302-831-8851). Information on scouting sweet corn and how to use the trap catch information can be found at