The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week in response to the agency’s proposed interim registration review decision for the insecticide methomyl. Vegetable and blueberry producers rely on the low-coast, broad-spectrum, long-lasting insect management benefits that the insecticide provides. The FFVA emphasized in the letter that any move to limit …
Transitioning Tips for Summer to Fall Vegetable Crops
By Ayanava Majumdar, Chip East and Eric Schavey The southeastern United States is the hotbed of insect and disease issues in vegetable crops. Growers constantly have to deal with not only established pest and weed issues, but also the invasive ones. Organic farming of vegetables is a challenge for producers everywhere in the United States, and the battle against insect …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Zack Snipes reports, “Wet, wet, wet, with a side of rain for us on the coast. The fields are saturated, and it’s almost impossible to spray or get into the fields to work them right …
Insects in Alabama: What to Watch for
By Clint Thompson Hot summertime weather conditions can fuel insect pressure. That is exactly the case in Alabama where multiple species are present and could pose a problem for specialty crop producers. Ayanava Majumdar, Extension professor in entomology and plant pathology at Auburn University, highlights the pests that growers need to be mindful of. “The armyworm pressure is consistent. We …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Weekly Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide crop updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Extension Entomologist Tom Bilbo reports, “As tomatoes and other fruiting vegetables progress, make sure you’re protecting yields from insect and mite pests. I’ve seen a fair bit of caterpillar pressure (fruitworms and loopers). Bt (DiPel, …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Weekly Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide crop updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Insect and disease activity is increasing in the area across a broad range of crops. In cucurbits, we are seeing powdery mildew and gummy stem blight in watermelon. Remember to keep …
Caterpillar Pressure Varies Across South Florida
Caterpillar pressure varies among crops and regions in South Florida, according to the most recent South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Respondents in the Everglades Agricultural Area report most worm pressure on sweet corn is low, but lesser corn stalk borers are moderate in some sandy areas. Caterpillar pressure is low around the southwest Florida area, though there appears to …
Caterpillar Pressure Varies Across Florida
Caterpillar pressure varies across southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Few loopers and fall armyworms have been reported along the East Coast. Worm pressure has been persistent around Southwest Florida, however. While southern armyworms are most being reported, there are also loopers, melon worms, beet armyworms, fruitworms and fall armyworms. This depends on the crop …
Caterpillar Update in South Florida
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, scouts in southwest Florida continue to find southern and beet armyworms, tomato fruitworms, loopers, hornworms and melonworms. Worms are active in a variety of crops in the Manatee Ruskin area. There is an increase in armyworm egg masses, and melonworms are being found in cucurbits. Respondents on the east coast report …
Caterpillar Pressure Varies Across Florida
Caterpillar pressure continues to vary across Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Respondents in the Manatee-Ruskin region reported that populations are increasing. Melonworms in cucumber and squash were reported at moderate levels. Beet armyworms, cabbage loopers and a few hornworms were reported sporadically. Caterpillars have also been very active in the North Florida region. Scouts are …