 |
Fruit and Vegetables |
Dry, hot conditions influenced insect populations this year. Thrips were collected in high numbers all summer. Damage is thought to be restricted to slips early. Japanese beetles were abundant in high numbers from early June through August; county Extension agent reports from Columbus County through Nash County indicated over 1000 per week. Tobacco click beetles in yellow cups were collected from mid June through Mid August. Beet armyworms defoliated plantings from late July through mid September. A new formulation of Imidan was registered and a crisis and specific exemption was obtained for the use of Confirm for beet armyworms. Those fields receiving Lorsban preplant, Admire in transplant water and foliar sprays (as traps and field observations indicated) resulted in less insects collected and hopefully less damage to roots. Samples will be harvested and scored for insect damage over the next 3 months. Flea beetles were variable all year and where Admire and foliar sprays were well timed, damage on Beauregard sweetpotatoes should be low.
Western flower thrips and spotted wilt virus were at the highest levels ever on peppers, tomatoes, potatoes and other host plants, including weeds. Management involves weed control, use of Admire or a similar material, use of aluminum reflective films, monitoring weather events (hot, dry spring), and monitoring thrips populations. Combination sprays of Monitor and Warrior seem to help some. Spintor is only of slight help.
Grasshoppers have been abundant and feeding damage and presence on greens is of concern. Populations could be troublesome next spring on asparagus and other vegetables.
Wireworm damage (corn wireworm) is extremely heavy in sweetpotato test plots in Kinston. Preliminary observations support the notion that there are no current insecticides that afford acceptable control of corn wireworms. Hence, with a two year life cycle, fields with corn wireworm and a history of corn wireworm should not be planted to white potatoes or sweetpotatoes. Corn baits in the soil this fall and spring will validate the presence of wireworms.
Stinkbugs and leaf-footed bugs seem problematic on all vegetables. Control again is wanting with insecticides for these bugs including squash bugs and Harlequin bugs.
Worms (corn earworm, European corn borer, armyworms, loopers and diamondback moth) remain troublesome on vegetables.
Spider mites were reportedly widespread in North Carolina on strawberries and some vegetables (eggplants, melons and tomatoes). Early detection and well-timed foliar sprays of a wide variety of miticides help to keep mites and damage in check. However many sprays are needed, coverage must be obtained, and resistance management practices must be followed for best results.
Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
Last modified on September 16, 2002 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.