FRUITAND
VEGETABLES
FRUIT
The information and recommendations in this newsletter are applicable to
North Carolina and may not apply in other areas.
Pickleworm infestation was light on squash plantings in Johnston
County on August 16. No pickleworm damage was observed in an
adjacent cucumber planting. Earlier reports from Charleston, South
Carolina indicated light pickleworm infestations in the islands in
early August. Hence, fall plantings of squash and cucumbers should
be monitored closely for pickleworm damage and larvae. Pickleworms
should be controlled using insecticides outlined in the North
Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual. Good coverage with
insecticide sprays every three days may be required if pickleworm
populations become heavy and temperatures remain high.
Pecan weevil collections have increased in the Chadboune area in
Columbus County. Seven-day counts from August 12-19 were 14
female and 18 male weevils. The first weevil, a female in Wake
County, was collected on August 15. Also, the first pecan case
bearer and the first hickory shuckworm moths were collected on
August 15 in Columbus County. Insect activity on pecans is
expected to intensify through early September. Hence controls as
outlined in the North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual and
pecan insect notes should be followed.
Corn earworm moth collections in light traps appears to be falling
in North Carolina (see light trap data from several counties in
eastern North Carolina). However, any green vegetable growing at
this time is susceptible to attack by corn earworms. Hence, close
monitoring and timely insecticide sprays may be needed to protect
fall vegetables from attack by corn earworms. Consult the North
Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual for specific
recommendations for pest control on specific vegetable crops.
Over the years sweetpotato foliage has been attacked by soybean
loopers. This is especially true in fields that are adjacent to
cotton and soybeans, where looper populations build. A new
registration of a B.t. formulation exists for soybean looper on
sweetpotatoes. Condor XL when used with an oil or silicone-based
surfactant at the rate of 1.5 pints per acre has given good control
of soybean loopers. You could expect some control of corn
earworms, beet armyworms and sweetpotato hornworms by using Condor
XL for soybean loopers. I have an on-farm comparison test planned.
Should anyone have a problem field, please contact me.
Web page last updated on August 26, 1996 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr..