Stephen J. Toth, Jr. and Thomas A. Melton, editors
Volume 18, Number 10, June 20, 2003

The information and recommendations in this newsletter are applicable to North Carolina and may not apply in other areas.

Fruit and Vegetables

From: Kenneth A. Sorensen, Extension Entomologist

Sweetpotato Insect Scouting Schools for 2003

The dates and locations for the sweetpotato insect scouting schools in North Carolina are as follows:

Columbus County: June 24, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; contact Milton Parker (e-mail: milton_parker@ncsu.edu; telephone: 910-640-6605). Note that this school has been postponed until Milton Parker recovers from a car accident.

Wilson and other counties: June 25, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Wilson Extension Office; contact Billy Little (e-mail: billy_little@ncsu.edu; telephone number: 252-237-0111).

Sampson and Johnston counties: June 26, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; contact Tiffany Harrelson (e-mail: tiffany_harrelson@ncsu.edu; telephone: 919-989-5380).

The purpose of the schools is to provide training and assistance in sweetpotato insect identification, biology and management. Specific objectives include:

To help reduce risk of losses due to insects;
To improve insect control strategies and tactics;
To improve insect identification, monitoring and trapping;
To improve insecticide timing.

Toll Free Sweetpotato Pest Alert System

An automatic telephone system is available to report observations and trapping information on sweetpotato pests. Dial 877-360-8440 on Monday through Wednesday to provide information. To receive updates and suggestions on crop status, insect trapping and monitoring, and control guidelines, dial 877-360-8438 on Thursday through the following Thursday. This is a cooperative program with the North Carolina State University Department of Entomology and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, with support from the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission and Gowan Chemical Company.

Insect Pests in Small Fruits and Vegetables

Squash vine borers active in Wake County. Japanese beetles are active in Columbus, Pender, and Onslow counties on grapes. Some Japanese beetles are present in Wake County, and they are still coming. Spring rose or false Japanese beetles have been active during the last two weeks in Sampson County; both white grubs are found on sweetpotatoes.

The information presented in this newsletter is for educational purposes only and represents the opinions of the respective authors. Any reference to trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service is implied. Use pesticides safely. Read and follow all label directions.

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 June 23, 2003 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.