Vegetable IPM Reports

Overall Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) numbers have dropped, but a few scattered sites are reporting high catch. again, this is mostly occurring with control traps in hedgerows or other non-treated areas. go to https://ag.umass.edu/fruit/resources/spotted-wing-drosophila-management for more management information. Trapping data is recorded in the table below, alongside the data for squash vine borer. 

Only Two Squash vine borer (SVB) moths were caught this week in the southern/central New Hampshire area. Most susceptible plants are robust enough at this point in the season to escape further damage. 

Two Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) adults were caught this week. One Nymph was also caught at a location in Antrim. We currently do not have any thresholds established for BMSB but we continue to keep an eye on population levels in the state. For more great information on BMSB, go to https://www.stopbmsb.org/managing-bmsb/.   

Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) pressure dropped significantly this week in terms of total numbers. this is because one of our trapping locations has finished up harvest for the year, so we are collecting less data points. At the other sites still being monitored, pressure is high within controls and in raspberry plantings. go to https://ag.umass.edu/fruit/resources/spotted-wing-drosophila-management for more management information. Trapping data is recorded in the table below, alongside the data for squash vine borer. 

Squash vine borer (SVB) numbers continue to trend downward with no locations at threshold. This coincides with the expected life cycle of SVB. In late august there is sometimes another bump in trap catch, which could signify a second generation. For bush-type summer squash and pumpkins (including giant pumpkins), the recommended threshold is 5 SVB moths per trap per week. For vining type squash or pumpkins, we suggest a threshold of 12 moths per trap per week. The reason for this difference is because vine-type cucurbits can root or tiller in at each node along the vine. This allows the plant to uptake water and nutrients from more than just the main stem. SVB tends to bore into the main stem of cucurbit plants, creating a higher risk for bush type plants. If chemical controls are needed, try to spray at dusk and direct applications to the base of the plants. This may help reduce harm to European honeybees, but our native bees will still be at risk because they often reside in squash flowers at night. see Page 290 of the New England vegetable management guide  for SVB control recommendations. See results of our trapping efforts below. 

Two Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) adults were caught this week, right on schedule. We currently do not have any thresholds established for BMSB but we continue to keep an eye on population levels in the state. For more great information on BMSB, go to https://www.stopbmsb.org/managing-bmsb/.   

SVB/SWD/BMSB weekly Summary, 8/18/2023 

Check back in each week as the season progresses to see the latest trapping data. Data for additional insect pests will be updated on a weekly basis.  

Thank you to all the growers who participate in the program!  

Upcoming Events: 

AUGUST 22, 2023 | 6:00 - 8:00PM 

NH Giant Pumpkin Growers Association Twilight meeting 

AUGUST 23, 2023 | 4:00 - 6:00PM 

Tunnel Twilight Series: Disease ID and Management 

AUGUST 23, 2023 | 5:30 - 7:00PM 

Twilight Meeting for Greenhouses, Nurseries and Garden Centers 

This program is made possible thought funding provided by the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food integrated pest management program. This work is also supported in part by the Integrated Pest Management Crop Protection and Pest Management EIP grant no. 2021-70006-35477 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. 

 

Hello Vegetable IPM Enthusiasts! 

Fields are drying out in some locations around the state this week, but many spots are still receiving excessive moisture. Nitrogen deficient crops are commonplace this season due to nutrient runoff. Growers are busy harvesting and sidedressing what crops can be saved. Nitrogen deficiency can express itself as yellow, chlorotic growth, particularly on the older leaves. But not all yellowing is nitrogen deficiency!  The above picture shows what appears to be (and what I thought was) a nitrogen deficient giant pumpkin plant, but after further investigation, this was not the case. This unfortunate plant was infected by the bacterium Serratia marcescens, which causes the disease complex known as cucurbit yellow vine decline (CYVD). CYVD is vectored, or spread, by squash bugs so good squash bug control should eliminate much of the risk. This is fairly uncommon in commercial production within NH but may be one to watch out for. Thank you to our friends at Iowa state for lab confirming CYVD for us! Click this link for more information and cultural control options. 

We are amid the 2nd gen flight of European corn borer (ECB). Almost all trapping locations are reporting low catch number, except for the Litchfield area. Only one field scouted location in Weare was over the 15 % pretassel damage threshold. With whorl stage corn, larval feeding damage is characterized by tiny “shot holes” in the leaves. Eventually the larvae will bore into the developing tassel and stalks. The later season scouting procedure is the same but consider that you may be encountering FAW damage as well. Click on the link for more information on how to scout whorl/pretassel stage corn. The results of our trapping efforts are recorded by town on the table below with ECB-NY and ECB-IA moth counts shown. In some cases, there are multiple traps within a town.  

Corn Earworm (CEW) moth numbers ticked up this week with several locations on 4-day spray schedules for silking corn.  CEW resistance to pyrethroid products (i.e. Warrior) is well documented in other regions and if you notice a lack of control, consider rotating pyrethroids (Group 3A) with products from a different chemical class. This is especially important for growers who rely solely on pyrethroids for CEW control. Blackhawk/Radiant (group 5) and Besiege/Coragen (groups 28, 3A) could make good rotation partners/alternative choices. If pyrethroids are to be used for control, the current recommendation is to use those products earlier in the growing season because resistance can build throughout the year. 

Total Fall Armyworm (FAW) catch increased slightly this week but only location in Litchfield was over the pheromone trap threshold of 3 moths per week. FAW damage is being reported in other New England states despite little or no moth catch. FAW larval feeding damage is characterized by large, ragged holes in leaves, and sawdust-like excrement. Large populations may kill or stunt young corn plants. Field scouting should begin once moths are captured at your farm or in your area. For more information on how to field scout, click HERE. 

Western bean cutworm (WBC) populations are about the same as last week. Traps counts have been higher than ever this year. We currently do not have an economic threshold established for this pest in NH, but our trapping network is keeping an eye on populations. David Handley from the University of Maine advises to keep silking corn protected if trap numbers of WBC in your area are high, even if traps are catching very few CEW or FAW. This is because WBC behaves similarly to fall armyworm and corn earworm. Scout fields by examining the upper surfaces of the leaves at the top of the plant and leaves above and below the ear zone. Eggs are laid in masses and change from a cream color to lavender to dark purple as they age. Use the sun to your advantage and look for the egg mass shadows while scouting. Materials used for corn earworm control will also control western bean cutworm.  Consult the New England Vegetable Guide for recommendations. 

Sweet corn pests weekly summary, 8/10/2023 

Hello Vegetable IPM Enthusiasts! 

More rain today brings the potential for further disease spread. Field conditions in some locations are poor and we have witnessed a lot of plants succumbing to pathogens. When and if the decision is made to put a field under, consider following up immediately with a cover crop. A few cover crop options that could be planted from now until early-mid September are Field peas, tillage radish and oats. Click HERE for a handy cover crop guide published by the NRCS. The guide details optimal planting dates by region and the characteristics of various cover crop options. 

The second flight of European corn borer (ECB) has begun in Southern NH. Continue to keep an eye out for second generation caterpillars. With whorl stage corn, larval feeding damage is characterized by tiny “shot holes” in the leaves. Eventually the larvae will bore into the developing tassel and stalks. the later season scouting procedure is the same but consider that you may be encountering FAW damage as well. Click HERE for information on how to scout whorl/pretassel stage corn. The results of our trapping efforts are recorded by town on the table below with ECB-NY and ECB-IA moth counts shown. In some cases, there are multiple traps within a town.  

Corn Earworm (CEW) moth numbers are low. Most locations are on a 5-6 day spray schedule. Cooler temperatures have allowed for slightly more forgiving spray schedule.  As a reminder, Populations can change quickly so continue to stay vigilant! We have heard several reports of significant CEW Damage despite relatively little catch the last few weeks. Rainy weather has made it difficult for growers to time sprays. CEW resistance to pyrethroid products (i.e. Warrior) is well documented in other regions and if you notice a lack of control, consider rotating pyrethroids (Group 3A) with products from a different chemical class. This is especially important for growers who rely solely on pyrethroids for CEW control. Blackhawk/Radiant (group 5) and Besiege/Coragen (groups 28, 3A) could make good rotation partners/alternative choices.  

Total Fall Armyworm (FAW) catch has remained about the same this week. One location in Hollis did see a spike in catch and reported 6 moths this week. Despite overall low catch numbers, spots of working FAW and what is likely common armyworm in tassel stage corn (before tassel fully emerges) have been observed. FAW damage is being reported in other New England states despite little or no moth catch. FAW feeding damage is characterized by large, ragged holes in leaves, and sawdust-like excrement. Large populations may kill or stunt young corn plants. Field scouting should begin once moths are captured at your farm or in your area. For more information on how to field scout, click HERE. 

Western bean cutworm (WBC) populations really shot up this week. Trap counts have been higher than ever. Some growers in New York caught over 400 moths in a single trap! Hopefully we do not see that level of infestation anytime soon. Scout fields by examining the upper surfaces of the leaves at the top of the plant and leaves above and below the ear zone. Eggs are laid in masses and change from a cream color to lavender to dark purple as they age. Use the sun to your advantage and look for the egg mass shadows while scouting. Materials used for corn earworm control will also control western bean cutworm. We currently do not have an economic threshold established for this pest in NH, but our trapping network is keeping an eye on populations.  Consult the New England Vegetable Guide for recommendations. 

Sweet corn pests weekly summary, 8/4/2023 

Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) pressure increased significantly this week. Trap catches of over 40 flies were observed at 4 separate locations (Litchfield, concord and two in Hollis). However, it is important to note that these high levels of infestation were found in our control traps and not in plantings. Infestation levels in planting were significantly less but still present. This lets us know that conditions are ideal for SWD infestation and to not let up on control programs. Click HERE for more management information. Trapping data is recorded in the table below, alongside the data for squash vine borer. 

Squash vine borer (SVB) catch really dropped off this week. Only three locations in Southern Nh were over threshold. This coincides with the expected life cycle of SVB. In late august there is sometimes another bump in trap catch, which could signify a second generation. For bush-type summer squash and pumpkins (including giant pumpkins), the recommended threshold is 5 SVB moths per trap per week. For vining type squash or pumpkins, we suggest a threshold of 12 moths per trap per week. The reason for this difference is because vine-type cucurbits can root or tiller in at each node along the vine. This allows the plant to uptake water and nutrients from more than just the main stem. SVB tends to bore into the main stem of cucurbit plants, creating a higher risk for bush type plants. If chemical controls are needed, try to spray at dusk and direct applications to the base of the plants. This may help reduce harm to European honeybees, but our native bees will still be at risk because they often reside in squash flowers at night. see Page 290 of the New England vegetable management guide  for SVB control recommendations. See results of our trapping efforts below. 

SVB/SWD weekly Summary, 8/4/2023 

Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) pressure increased significantly this week. Click HERE for more management information. Trapping data is recorded in the table below, alongside the data for squash vine borer. 

Squash vine borer (SVB) trap catch dropped at almost all locations this week. Despite that, numbers are still high. Most growers were able to get onto fields this week to spray, if needed. The number of moths captured with pheromone traps can be used to decide whether an insecticide treatment is required or not. For bush-type summer squash and pumpkins (including giant pumpkins), the recommended threshold is 5 SVB moths per trap per week. For vining type squash or pumpkins, we suggest a threshold of 12 moths per trap per week. The reason for this difference is because vine-type cucurbits can root or tiller in at each node along the vine. This allows the plant to uptake water and nutrients from more than just the main stem. SVB tends to bore into the main stem of cucurbit plants, creating a higher risk for bush type plants. If chemical controls are needed, try to spray at dusk and direct applications to the base of the plants. This may help reduce harm to European honeybees, but our native bees will still be at risk because they often reside in squash flowers at night. see Page 290 of the New England vegetable management guide  for SVB control recommendations. See results of our trapping efforts below. 

SVB/SWD weekly Summary, 7/28/2023 

 Zero Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) adults or nymphs were caught this week. We typically start to see in an increase in BMSB activity in Early to mid-August. 

European corn borer (ECB) trap numbers are almost non-existent. Based off the past few weeks of trap numbers, we are at the end of first flight in southern NH. Larval feeding damage was low at most farm sites, with exceptions in the Litchfield-Hudson Area. With whorl stage corn, larval feeding damage is characterized by tiny “shot holes” in the leaves. Eventually the larvae will bore into the developing tassel and stalks. Click HERE for information on how to scout whorl stage corn. The results of our trapping efforts are recorded by town on the table below with ECB-NY and ECB-IA moth counts shown. In some cases, there are multiple traps within a town.  

Corn Earworm (CEW) moths were caught at many locations this week. The recent storm fronts that have rolled through have brought in high numbers of moths. Populations can change quickly with moths riding in on the many storm fronts that have been occurring. Remember that CEW damage is incurred when the crop is in silk. Even if you are at the CEW spray threshold (See schedule below), chemical intervention is not warranted if you’re not in silk. See below for CEW Spray thresholds (fresh silk) while using pheromone traps.  

Four Western Bean Cutworm (WBC) moths were caught in a trap in Hollis. One moth was caught in a trap in Mason. Scout tasseling fields by examining the upper surfaces of the leaves at the top of the plant, and leaves above and below the ear zone. Eggs are laid in masses and change from a cream color to lavender to dark purple as they age. Examine 20 consecutive plants at five locations in the field. If you find more than 4% of plants have eggs or small larvae, consider protecting sweet corn when 90-95% of plants are at tassel. Materials used for corn earworm control will also control western bean cutworm. Consult the New England Vegetable Guide for recommendations. 

We Have three Fall Armyworm (FAW) traps online in Hollis that reported zeros this week. 

European corn borer/CEW weekly summary, 7/8/2023 

Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) trapping locations reported very High numbers in some locations. 50 SWD flies were caught on a red sticky card trap within raspberry in Hollis and 40 at a separate location nearby. 1 SWD was caught in a hedgerow in Litchfield. We have three liquid traps deployed at one farm in Concord, reporting a catch of 8, 0 and 5 flies. Click HERE for more management information.   

Squash vine borer (SVB) trap catches REALLY shot up again this week, with most monitoring sites reporting. Most growers saw an increase due to wet conditions limiting field access for spraying. The number of moths captured with pheromone traps can be used to decide whether or not an insecticide treatment is required. For bush-type summer squash and pumpkins (including giant pumpkins), the recommended threshold is 5 SVB moths per trap per week. For vining type squash or pumpkins, we suggest a threshold of 12 moths per trap per week. The difference is because vine-type cucurbits can root or tiller in at each node along the vine. This allows the plant to uptake water and nutrients from more than just the main stem. SVB tends to bore into the main stem of cucurbit plants, creating a higher risk for bush type plants. If Chemical controls are needed, try to spray at dusk and direct applications to the base of the plants. This may help reduce harm to European honeybees, but our native bees will still be at risk because they often reside in squash flowers at night. see Page 290 of the New England vegetable management guide  for SVB control recommendations. See results of our trapping efforts below. 

Squash Bug adults have been very active this week and we’ve seen egg masses at several farms in southern NH. 

One Brown Marmorated Stink bug (BMSB) Adult was caught in Antrim. 

Check back in each week as the season progresses to see the latest trapping data. Data for additional insect pests will be updated on a weekly basis.  

Thank you to all the growers who participate in the program!  

Upcoming Meetings:  

July 10th, 2023 

NH Farm network open forum 

July 11th, 2023 

NHVBGA Twilight Meeting: Wash pack part II  

This program is made possible thought funding provided by the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food integrated pest management program. This work is also supported in part by the Integrated Pest Management Crop Protection and Pest Management EIP grant no. 2021-70006-35477 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. 

Hello Vegetable IPM Enthusiasts! 

Cucurbit downy mildew (CDM) has been reported in New Jersey and Quebec recently. No local reports of Cucurbit downy mildew have come in yet but it may be a good idea to get your susceptible crops covered with a protectant fungicide if you haven’t done so already. Copper or chlorothalonil (initiate 720, bravo) are two potential options. To track CDM reports around the county, check in HERE 

European corn borer (ECB) trap numbers continue to dwindle. Based off the past few weeks of trap numbers, we are close to the end of first flight in southern NH (see chart below picturing ECB-NY catch over time). Larval feeding damage was down at most farm sites. With whorl stage corn, larval feeding damage is characterized by tiny “shot holes” in the leaves. Eventually the larvae will bore into the developing tassel and stalks. If you have corn in whorl or later, scouting now for damage is highly recommended. Click HERE for information on how to scout whorl stage corn. The results of our trapping efforts are recorded by town on the table below with ECB-NY and ECB-IA moth counts shown. In some cases, there are multiple traps within a town.  

European corn borer weekly summary, 6/30/2023 

Corn Earworm (CEW) moths were caught at two separate locations in Hollis this week. One trap contained 5 moths and the other contained 2. Another site in Rollinsford caught 4 moths in one night. Our IPM also was able to visually ID a moth inside of a whorl in Hudson. Massachusetts CEW moth catches are also relatively low, with the exception of one location in Worcester County. Traps numbers in NH may be low at this moment but consider that populations can change quickly with moths riding in on the many storm fronts that have been occurring. Remember that CEW damage is incurred when the crop is in silk. Even if you are at the CEW spray threshold (See schedule below), chemical intervention is not warranted if you’re not in silk. See below for CEW Spray thresholds (fresh silk) while using pheromone traps. 

This week, our IPM scout checked six spotted wing drosophila (SWD) traps at locations in concord, Litchfield and Hollis. No SWD flies were caught yet again! I suspect that we may have some catch next week, so be sure to tune back in and see (hopefully I am wrong). 

Two Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) adults were caught in Antrim this week within our sentinel monitoring program. We currently do not have any thresholds established for BMSB but we continue to keep an eye on population levels in the state. For more great information on BMSB, click HERE.   

Squash vine borer (SVB) trap catches REALLY shot up this week, with most monitoring sites reporting. The number of moths captured with pheromone traps can be used to decide whether or not an insecticide treatment is required. For bush-type summer squash and pumpkins (including giant pumpkins), the recommended threshold is 5 SVB moths per trap per week. For vining type squash or pumpkins, we suggest a threshold of 12 moths per trap per week. The difference is because vine-type cucurbits can root or tiller in at each node along the vine. This allows the plant to uptake water and nutrients from more than just the main stem. SVB tends to bore into the main stem of cucurbit plants, creating a higher risk for bush type plants. If Chemical controls are needed, try to spray at dusk and direct applications to the base of the plants. This may help reduce harm to European honeybees, but our native bees will still be at risk because they often reside in squash flowers at night. see Page 290 of the New England vegetable management guide  for SVB control recommendations. See results of our trapping efforts for this week. 

Check back in each week as the season progresses to see the latest trapping data. Data for additional insect pests will be updated on a weekly basis. Thank you to all the growers who participate in the program!  

Upcoming Meetings:  

July 5th, 2023 

Tunnel Twilight Series: Trellising and Ventilation 

July 10th, 2023 

NH Farm network open forum 

July 11th, 2023 

NHVBGA Twilight Meeting: Wash pack part II  

This program is made possible thought funding provided by the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food integrated pest management program. This work is also supported in part by the Integrated Pest Management Crop Protection and Pest Management EIP grant no. 2021-70006-35477 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.