WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) has announced the Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act of 2021 (PACTPA) that would remove dangerous pesticides within the agricultural system. Specifically, this legislation would update the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act of 1972 (FIFRA) by banning the most damaging pesticides that have been scientifically proven to harm the safety of people and …
Scouting Report: Asian Bean Thrips Update
According to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), the highest populations of Asian bean thrips (ABT) were detected this week by scouts in western Hendry County and on the Lee/Collier county line. Many thrips larvae were seen, which suggests that populations may be increasing. On the Lee/Collier line, an isolated infestation was reported where ABT adults …
ABT Populations Vary Across South Florida
Asian bean thrip (ABT) populations have increased in recent weeks Homestead, Florida and have been at thresholds since the beginning of the growing season. Intensive insecticide programs are needed to minimize losses, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). In other areas, though, populations are very low. No more than one Asian bean thrip …
Alternative Approach: Grape Producers Use Mating Disruption Treatment for Pest
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to ban the use of chlorpyrifos (lorsban) means grape producers need an alternative treatment for grape root borers. According to the University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension Viticulture Blog, an effective treatment is pheromone-based mating disruption. The dispensers should be set out prior to the adult emergence of the borer. This is usually in …
Pepper Weevils Increasing in South Florida
One vegetable pest that has been a problem this fall is the pepper weevil. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, pepper weevils are showing up in multiple areas around South Florida. Significant populations are being reported in the Fort Pierce area in early pepper plantings. Infestations have also increased significantly in peppers in Manatee and Hillsborough counties …
Blueberry Gall Midge: UF/IFAS Scientists Studying Insect’s Behavioral Patterns
By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are studying one of blueberries’ main pests to provide better management options for Florida growers. The blueberry gall midge has become more problematic for blueberry growers in the past two decades. Its larvae feed on southern highbush blueberry and rabbiteye floral and vegetative buds. Severe feeding …
Whitefly Pressure Varies Across Florida
Whitefly pressure remains low to moderate in various locations throughout South Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Respondents in the Manatee Ruskin area report seeing widespread infestations across all vegetables. Growers and scouts in Southwest Florida report that whitefly numbers remain low in tomatoes, though adult numbers have increased in multiple places. Nymphs are being observed …
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 …
ABT Populations: Insect Not High Enough in Florida to Warrant Insecticide Use
Asian bean thrips (ABT) are at such low populations that growers are not recommended to apply insecticides at this point, according to University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. ABT have been detected via traps in southeastern Hendry County, at a rate of less than 0.03 ABT per trap per week. It is 1/10 of last year’s levels. They …
Biological Control: UF Research Testing New Measures for Mites in Blueberries
By Clint Thompson Biological applications may be Florida blueberry growers’ best management strategy for long-lasting control of mites. Oscar Liburd, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Professor and Fruit and Vegetable IPM Program leader, said resistance concerns are forcing researchers to consider alternative control measures. “One of the problems is that if we continue using the …