Cucumber beetles are here

Stripped cucumber beetle, illustration by Jessica MacDonald

Striped cucumber beetles have made their annual debut in the Annapolis Valley.  These pests are problematic in many ways.  Feeding damage can stunt plants, and when flowers are predated, it can reduce fruit set and yield.  Cucumber beetles also vector bacterial wilt.  Scarring on fruit by adult beetles reduce the marketability of the crop. 

Newly emerging cucurbit plants are particularly susceptible to stunting and bacterial wilt, while older plants can withstand up to 25% defoliation.  Early season control is essential with this pest, and it is important to scout your fields regularly. 

For more information on cucumber beetle biology, beneficial insects, and organic management, check out Managing Cucumber Beetles in Organic Farming Systems on eXtension.
 
Please click here for Perennia's Pest Management Guides for Cucumbers and for Melons.  For Perennia's Pest Management Guides for Pumpkin and Squash, please click here.  Insect netting can also be an effective control option for this pest, but netting must be removed at flowering for pollination to occur.

Field Day: What's the Deal with Delia?

Join us on a field tour on Thursday, July 9th, 2015 from 8:15 am to noon!  

Come learn more about onion maggots (Delia antigua) and other Delia species that attack onions, corn, beans, and Brassicas such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, kale and Brussel sprouts.

Figure 1. Onion maggot damage.

AAFC is currently conducting research to determine which Delia species are present in Nova Scotian onion fields and to determine if surrounding vegetation or field history can influence Delia populations and subsequent damage.

Netting and floating row cover can be powerful tools to combat insect pests such as cabbage root maggot (Delia radicum). Perennia and AAFC are currently conducting research into the efficacy of different netting mesh sizes. A Wondermesh Netting/Row Cover Retriever will be on hand to demonstrate technology that makes using netting and row covers easier!

Figure 2. Wondermesh Netting/Row cover Retriever.

Carrot weevils (Listronotus oregonensis) are sporadic pests of carrots. Current AAFC studies are evaluating the carrot weevil’s movement within the field and identifying overwintering sites.

Please call Gail at (902) 678-7722 or visit www.perenniaregistrations.com
to register!

Coffee and muffins at 8:15 AM at the Kentville Research Station - bus leaves at 8:30 AM sharp!

Cucumber Beetles are Here!

Striped and spotted cucumber beetles can cause serious losses in cucumbers, melons, pumpkin and squash. Not only can they destroy new plantings, but cucumber beetles are a major concern because they vector bacterial wilt of cucurbits.  In Nova Scotia, striped cucumber beetles (yellow-green, about 6 mm long, with three black stripes down the back) are most common.

Begin cucumber beetle control as soon as seedlings emerge.  Early treatment is essential for beetle management.  A single application of Admire may provide near season-long control.  Applications of foliar insecticides may be required twice per week during peak beetle activity.
Row covers and/or insect nettings are very effective means of excluding cucumber beetles in pesticide free or organic production.  Place the cover as soon as the transplants are set out and uncover when plants begin to bloom.
Please consult a pest management guide for cucurbits such as Perennia’s Guide to Pest Management in Field Cucumber, Guide to Pest Management in Melons or Guide to Pest Management in Pumpkin and Squash for detailed information on pesticide options.

Cabbage Maggot Observed Recently

 Cabbage maggot at base of wilted plant.

Cabbage maggot pressure continues to be very high this growing season.  Growers need to apply insecticide at cole crop transplanting and then within 2-3 weeks.  It is important to ensure that PHI is met.  Aside from chemical control, crop rotation contributes to keeping populations low.  Fall tillage to bury crop residues and to expose over-wintering pupae helps reduce overwintering populations.

Floating row covers and insect nettings provide an effective barrier against this pest. Place the cover as soon as the transplants are set.  Do not use where the same crop family -- brassicas or onions -- were grown last year, as flies left in soil could emerge under the cover. Place cover over the crop at the time of seeding or transplanting and seal the edges with soil.