Insect pressure is currently quiet in Alabama. But infestations could increase dramatically if producers don’t take the proper precautions, says Ayanava Majumdar, Extension Professor in Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University. “At this point, things are kind of calm and quiet, except perhaps for people who have greenhouse crops or are trying to start their seedlings or trying to …
Clay Models Track the Activity of Beneficial Insects in Turfgrass
By Allison Fortner for CAES News Modeling clay isn’t limited to art classrooms and sculpting studios. University of Georgia researchers developed a tool to track beneficial insects in turfgrass systems using clay models. Tracking these good predators can help develop eco-friendly pest management techniques for both home lawns and commercial sod growers. In a recently published article in Entomologia Experimentalis …
Caterpillar Pressure Varies Across State
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, worm pressure has been high in some parts of the EAA (Everglades Agricultural Area). Producers and scouts report finding loopers, bean leaf rollers and armyworms in beans. Loopers and armyworms are very common in lettuce plantings. Across Southwest Florida, worm pressure has been low to moderate. Scouts are finding mostly southern …
Problematic Pests of Florida Strawberries
By Sriyanka Lahiri Several arthropod pests occur in strawberries in Florida during the various stages of the crop cycle. Cyclamen mites (Phytonemus pallidus), if present, originate from strawberry nurseries as hitchhikers on transplants. Thankfully, a very small percentage of growers reported a cyclamen mite infestation during the strawberry season of 2019–2020. Soon after planting, armyworms (Spodoptera spp.), twospotted spider mites …
Pest Pressure High for Alabama Vegetable Growers
Alabama fruit and vegetable growers need to be aware that moths are still active across the state. According to the Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture Facebook page, the number of fall and yellowstriped armyworms, soybean loopers, corn earworms and vine borers continues to rise. There is a risk of infestations in vegetable crops from caterpillars. Scout and control these early. According …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provided updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Dr. Matt Cutulle reports, “With all the rain we had in August the weed seed bank is starting to pop. Nutsedge pressure can be really tough in September. For fall cole crop plantings, it is important …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provided updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Zack Snipes reports, “We had between 4-6 inches of rain last week with daily thunderstorms. Growers are working the fields, getting ready for the fall crops to go in. If it happens to rain on Wednesday …
Tomato Growers Watch Out for Insects
Tomato planting is currently underway across the Southeast. It is never too early to start thinking about insect pests that could hinder fall production in Alabama. According to the Tomato Insect Pests 101 video, Ayanava Majumdar, Auburn Extension Professor in Entomology and Plant Pathology, cautions growers to scout their tomato fields every week for pests and look for insects over …
Peak Time for Insect Pressure
Heat and dry weather conditions make this a peak time for insect pressure. Ayanava Majumdar, an Auburn Extension Professor in Entomology and Plant Pathology, cautions fall vegetable growers about insect pests and to scout regularly. “Insects love the heat because they grow through their life cycle faster because of the extra heat. They grow faster. They mate and reproduce faster …
Managing Sweet Corn Silk Flies
Silk flies are a major pest for South Florida sweet corn growers, but Julien Beuzelin, assistant professor at the University of Florida’s Everglades Research and Education Center, is working to lessen the threat these pests pose. He gave an overview of his silk fly research at the recent Vegetable & Specialty Crop (VSC) Expo. According to Beuzelin, there are three …