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 corn in the Everglades Agricultural Area. Scouts also reported high levels of corn earworm and increasing levels of fall armyworm egg hatch outs in certain areas. Looper and armyworm pressure have increased in the final bean, lettuce and cabbage crops.
Worm pressure is high overall, if not controlled, along the east coast. Scouts observe a high level of corn earworm and an increasing level of fall armyworm egg hatch outs. Looper and armyworm pressure have increased in the final bean, lettuce and cabbage crops, too. Melon worm pressure is low on cucumber.
Low worm pressure was reported on corn in Homestead, Florida. A high pressure of beet armyworm has also been indicated on eggplants, okra and peas/butter beans.