By Clint Thompson Diamondback moths are a problem for Georgia vegetable producers. According to Ty Torrance, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Vegetable Agent for Colquitt, Tift and Worth Counties, the main concern is insecticide resistance. “I have periodically been taking samples, getting Stormy (Sparks) to come out and take samples of caterpillars. He’ll run a screen basically of all the …
Early Start for Fall Armyworms
By Clint Thompson It’s the calm before the storm for sweet corn producers in Alabama. The cool temperatures have suppressed much of the insect population so far in the growing season. However, that’s likely to change soon, says Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist “I did hear about some fall armyworms starting early this year. We may …
Beneficial Insects Another Tool in Toolbox for Citrus Producers
By Clint Thompson Beneficial insects could be a citrus producer’s best friend. In a time when farmers are applying insecticides to control Asian citrus psyllids, the vector of citrus greening disease, it’s important to preserve the psyllid’s natural enemies, like lady beetles and lacewings. Jawwad Qureshi, University of Florida Assistant Professor in Entomology, implores growers to scout their groves periodically …
Whitefly Populations High in South Florida
According to South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, whitefly populations are high in beans, squash, eggplants and tomato in Southwest Florida. As a result, Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus is high in most tomato fields. Older cucurbit and fruiting vegetables are experiencing especially high numbers. “Some growers report that they are worse than they have ever been while others claim …
Active Insects: Alabama Producers Be Wary of Pests
Alabama vegetable and specialty crop producers be alert: Insect pests are active across the state. According to Alabama Extension, the state’s Extension System Vegetable IPM program has started monitoring insects across Alabama. A few locations are active right now. Included are moth counts to date from locations using sticky wing pheromone traps: Beet armyworm – 3; fall armyworm – 20; …
Secret Weapon? AI Could Help Strawberry Farmers against Twospotted Spider Mite
Artificial intelligence (AI) maybe the secret weapon in strawberry farmers’ fight against the twospotted spider mite. University of Florida scientists have developed a smartphone application to detect the annual pest of Florida strawberries. If farmers could detect the pest quicker, they could utilize lower levels of chemicals that could otherwise harm the environment. For Example For a 50-acre farm, every …
Pepper Weevil Pressure Increasing in South Florida
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, pepper weevil pressure is high in Palm Beach County. Pepper weevil numbers are also increasing around the Homestead, Florida area. Respondents report that weevil pressure continues to increase around southwest Florida. Older fields are hosting high populations, while adults are now showing up in most younger pepper plantings. Weevil numbers remain …
Biological Control of Sweetpotato Whiteflies With Predatory Mites in Squash
By Lorena Lopez and Oscar E. Liburd The sweetpotato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) is one of the most problematic pests in vegetable production in the world and it is a key pest in squash. Most significant damage caused by this pest is due to the transmission of viral diseases and its ability to rapidly develop resistance to pesticides. Sweetpotato whiteflies can …
Weather a Key Factor in IPM Plans
A farmer may have a certain Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan to utilize during this year’s growing season. Mother Nature may have other ideas, however. Ayanava Majumdar, Extension Professor in Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University, stresses that weather can challenge IPM plans. “The local weather patterns are really challenging agriculture. Not just now, it’s been happening for a …
Whitefly Infestations Surge Across South Florida Region
According to the most recent South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, whitefly pressure continues to build across the region, with populations reaching high numbers. This is especially true in older cucurbit and fruiting vegetables at or close to harvest. Whiteflies feed on various hosts but the crop that’s proven to be most vulnerable is older tomato fields that should have …