By Clint Thompson Insect pests are currently not a problem for specialty crop producers. That’s good news for growers trying to navigate vegetable production in South Georgia, North Florida and South Alabama. And that was before last week’s heavy rain events that flooded parts of the Southeast region. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension vegetable entomologist, discussed what producers …
Caterpillar Pressure Varies in South Florida
Caterpillar pressure varies across southern Florida, according to the latest release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouts report low to moderate infestation levels of beet armyworms and loopers in the Southwest Florida region. Scouts have also indicated a high level of corn earworm egg hatch outs in some fields. An increase of beet armyworm pressure was reported on …
Pepper Weevil Update Throughout South Florida
One insect that is being reported in high numbers right now across South Florida is the pepper weevil. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, scouts are reporting high pepper weevil pressure in some areas across Southwest Florida. Weevils are also being observed on eggplant foliage at low levels. The same is being seen in fields along the …
Pepper Weevil Update in South Florida Vegetable Crops
One insect that is being reported in high numbers right now across South Florida is the pepper weevil. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, scouts are reporting high pepper weevil pressure in some areas across Southwest Florida. Weevils are also being observed on eggplant foliage at low levels. The same is being seen in fields along the …
Thrips Levels High in Parts of South Florida
South Florida vegetable producers should be wary that thrips levels are high in certain parts of the region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Population levels vary in Southwest Florida. Melon thrips populations are problematic in certain fields. Levels were medium to high in beans, though most of the crop have been harvested. Most of the beans have …
Thrips Update: What’s Happening Across South Florida?
South Florida vegetable producers should be wary that thrips levels are high in certain parts of the region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Population levels vary in Southwest Florida. Melon thrips populations are problematic in certain fields. Levels were medium to high in beans, though most of the crop have been harvested. Most of the beans …
Alabama Extension Expert Encourages Vegetable Growers to Scout for Armyworms
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Alabama Cooperative Extension entomologists are reporting a drastic increase in armyworm moth numbers. Vegetable producers should be scouting regularly. There are four armyworm species commonly seen in Alabama: Southern armyworms, beet armyworms, fall armyworms and yellowstriped armyworms. Ayanava Majumdar, an Alabama Extension entomologist, said populations of Southern armyworms are growing, and beet armyworm infestations are likely …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Aphid Populations Low
Aphid populations remain low across southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Pressure is low to moderate across Southwest Florida in various crops. With the ongoing dry weather, populations should continue to increase. Aphid pressure is moderate overall on beans in the Everglades Agricultural Area and will continue to increase amid the current dry spell. Aphids …
South Florida Facing Higher Populations of Pepper Weevils
Pepper weevils are reaching high populations across the South Florida region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Weevils are present at moderate to high populations in Southwest Florida. Infestations are reported to be very high in some locations. Populations have increased dramatically across Palm Beach, Martin and Indian River counties along the east coast, reach high levels …
Thrips Populations on the Rise Throughout Southern Florida
Thrips populations continue to build across central and southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Pressure is moderate to high on tomato in central Florida, while chili thrips are a problem in strawberries. Thrips have increased in intensity in southwest Florida as well. Overall pressure is moderate, but there are locations with high pressure and lots of …