Chapter 18, Part 2, Cucurbits:
Cucumber, Melon, Pumpkin, Squash, and Watermelon
Insects and Weeds
Link to IPM Elements for cucumber, melon and summer squash and pumpkin and winter squash.
Link to New York Cucumber Crop Profile
Link to New York Pumpkin Crop Profile
Link to New York Squash Crop Profile
Link to Resource
Guide for Organic Insect and Disease Management
Link to Cornell Organic Guide for cucmbers and squash
| Aphids | Striped
cucumber beetle | Seedcorn maggot
|
| Squash bug
| Squash
vine borer | Spider mites
| Springtails |
SARE Publication: "Manage Insects on Your Farm: A Guide to Ecological Strategies"
SARE Publication: "A Whole-Farm Approach to Managing Pests"
See pictures
of melon aphid damage to cucurbits
See pictures of melon aphid life cycle
Organic management of aphids on cucurbits
Time
for concern:
When runners are present
Affected
crop(s): All
cucurbit
Key
characteristics:
Melon aphids vary in color, but all stages have black
cornicles,
"tail pipes," eyes, and leg joints. They
are about 1/16
inch long. Transmission of viruses: Aphids are
vectors of viruses.
See virus section above for symptoms and management
of these diseases.
Direct damage: Aphid infestations usually occur on
the undersides
of leaves where they extract plant sap with their
sucking/piercing
mouthparts. Infested leaves will twist, pucker, or cup. Heavy
infestations can cause severe leaf distortion. Aphids excrete
honeydew which gives leaves a glossy appearance. Sooty mold may
buildup on honeydew resulting in cosmetic damage to
fruit at harvest.
See References 1 and 15.
| Management Option | Recommendation |
| Scouting/thresholds | Aphids are found on the undersides of leaves. Examine two runners at five sites. Record the number of runners with aphids present. If more than 20 percent of the runners have live aphids, treatment may be required. Careful examination of infestations should show the presence of a variety of natural enemies including lady beetles, syrphids, lacewings, and mummified aphids (those parasitized by wasps). See Reference 3. |
| Note(s) | Hot, dry weather can cause melon aphid populations to rapidly increase. If scouting indicates localized infestations, spot spraying should be considered. Good coverage is critical for control of aphid infestations with insecticides. |
| Natural enemies | Naturally-occurring predators, parasitoids, and pathogens help suppress aphid infestations. Use Reference 16 for identification of natural enemies. Increases in aphid infestations are sometimes associated with applications of insecticides that have killed natural enemies. Coleomegilla maculata lengi, Hippodamia convergens, Coccinella septempunctata, Cycloneda munda, Praon aguti, Praon occidentale, Lysephlebus testaceipes. Michigan State site "Enhancing Beneficial Insects with Native Plants" ATTRA publication: "Farmscaping to enhance biological control" |
| Resistant varieties | Planting resistant varieties is the primary means of controlling viruses. For specific varieties, see the lists given under each virus as well as Section 18.1 Recommended Varieties. |
| Site selection | Plant late-season fields as far away from existing cucurbits as possible. |
| Mulches | Where feasible, reflective mulches may repel aphids. Direct seeding through the foil is recommended for maximum protection. |
| Insecticide Resistance Management |
A classification of insecticides based on their mode of action is available in pdf format. This guide can be used to help avoid or delay the development of insecticide resistance, as well as manage populations that have developed resistance to a particular insecticide. It is a large file - 97 page, 780k pdf file |
| Crop rotation, Postharvest, and Sanitation |
These are not currently viable management options. |
|
Compound(s) |
||||||
Comparing Environmental Risks of Pesticides In the "Field Use EIQ" column is the range of EIQ (Environmental Impact Quotient) values for the rate range recommended for each pesticide (lower EIQ = lower environmental impact). Other pesticide risk models are useful for specific purposes. WIN-PST is required for some USDA NRCS conservation plans. |
||||||
|
Common name |
Crop Use |
Rate/A
Product |
PHI
(days) |
REI |
Field |
Comments
|
| acetamiprid | ||||||
Assail 30SG 0.3 lb/lb |
All | 2.5-4.0 oz |
0 |
12 |
1-2 |
|
| dimethoate | ||||||
|
Dimethoate 400 |
M,W |
See comments |
3
|
48
|
16-32
|
Rate/A on M = 1 pt. Rate/A on W = 0.5 – 1 pt. |
endosulfan |
||||||
*Thionex 3EC |
ALL | 0.67-1.33 qt |
2 |
48 |
19-38 |
Do not exceed 6 applications per year for P. |
flonicamid |
||||||
Beleaf 50SG 0.5 lb/lb |
ALL | 2.0-2.8 oz |
0 |
12 |
- |
Do not apply more than 3 applications at the 2.8 oz rate. . |
|
lambda-cyhalothrin
|
||||||
|
Warrior II with Zeon Technology 2.08 lbs/gal |
C, M, P, SS, WS, W |
1.92 oz |
1
|
24
|
1.2
|
Do not apply more than 3 applications at the 2.8 oz rate. . |
|
methomyl
|
||||||
|
*Lannate LV |
C,M,W | 1.5-3 pt | 1 to 3 | 48 | 13-27 | Minimum days to harvest 1.5 pt = 1 day; >1.5 pt = 3 days. |
|
oxydemeton-methyl
|
||||||
|
*MSR |
ALL |
1.5-2 pt |
12
|
28-38
|
Do not apply more than 3 times per season. | |
|
permethrin
|
||||||
|
*Pounce 25 WP or OLF |
ALL | 12.8 oz | 1 | 12 | 17.7 | Do not apply more than 1.6 lb AI/A/year. |
|
*
Perm-Up 3.2 EC or OLF |
ALL | 8 fl oz | 1 | 12 | 16.3 | |
|
pymetrozine
|
||||||
| Fulfill
0.5 lb/lb |
All | 2.75 oz | 0 | 12 | 2 | Apply when aphids first appear but before populations build to damaging levels. Do not exceed 5.5 oz/A per season. Allow 7 days between applications. |
|
1: C = cucumber; M = melon; P = pumpkin;
SS = summer squash; WS = winter squash; W = watermelon
* Restricted use only. |
||||||
|
18.6.2 Striped cucumber beetle, Acalymma vittatum and
Spotted cucumber beetle, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi |
See pictures
of Striped
CB damage to cucurbits
See pictures of Striped CB life cycle
See pictures
of Spotted CB damage to cucurbits
See pictures of Spotted CB life cycle
Organic management of SCB on cucurbits
Time for concern:
Entire season, but especially when plants are small
Affected crop(s):
Cucumber, melon, pumpkin, watermelon, and
summer and winter
squash
Key
characteristics:
Cucumber beetles - The striped cucumber beetle is 1/4
inch long with black and yellow longitudinal
stripes that extend
to the tip of the abdomen. The head and abdomen are
black. The
spotted cucumber beetle is yellow green with 12 black spots,
a black thorax, and yellow abdomen. Full grown larvae are 3/8
inch long, creamy white with a dark head and
"tail,"
and three pairs of short legs. Larvae feed on cucurbit roots.
Cucumber beetle adults aggregate on leaves and in
flowers. Leaf
damage may appear as shot holes in cotyledons or young leaves
or leaves may be netlike. Beetles may aggregate in blossoms
or feed on fruit and fruit handles. Bacterial wilt -
Cucumber beetles transmit the bacterium, Erwinia
tracheiphila,
which causes bacterial wilt. Cucumbers and melons
are the most
susceptible. Wilting is most severe when plants are growing
rapidly. To determine if a plant is infected, press together
two freshly cut sections of a stem and slowly pull
them apart.
If a "stringy" sap extends between the
ends, the plant
has bacterial wilt. See References 1, 4, 17, and
18.
| Management Option | Recommendation |
| Scouting/thresholds |
Scout twice a week, especially when plants have less than five leaves. Examine the undersides of cotyledons, young leaves, and stems. At each of five sites in a field, inspect five plants (one per hill). Pay special attention to field edges. Calculate the average number of beetles per plant. Recommended thresholds vary depending on susceptibility to bacterial wilt. Watermelon is not susceptible to bacterial wilt and can withstand feeding damage. The likelihood that feeding damage will affect yield decreases as plants mature. If less than five leaves per plant, the following thresholds apply: watermelon, >= 5 beetles per plant. Cucumber and melon (cantaloupe) are susceptible to bacterial wilt. In addition, pumpkins and summer squash are severly affected by a more virulent strain of bacterial wilt in some areas of New York. If plants along the edges are heavily damaged or have >= 5 beetles per plant, an insecticide should be applied within 24 hours. Thereafter, only treat if the average number of beetles per plant is >= 1. See Reference 3. Treatment may be necessary when there are >= 5 leaves per plant; feeding damage is apparent throughout the field; blossoms are heavily infested and being damaged during peak bloom; or young fruit are being fed upon. If feeding on mature fruit or fruit handles is noted and is a concern, treatment may also be warranted. |
| Note(s) | Treat hot spots if possible. Insecticide applications made between dusk and dawn, when the striped cucumber beetle is most active, may be more effective. Striped cucumber beetles colonize cucurbits and continue to buildup over a two to three week period early in the season. Waiting until the field is fully colonized and at threshold will result in adequate control with one or two applications. When making this decision, consideration must be given to the susceptibility of the variety to bacterial wilt. |
| Natural enemies |
A variety of natural enemies help suppress cucumber beetle infestations including tachinid flies, parasitoid wasps, and predacious nematodes. Use Reference 16 for identification of natural enemies. Syrrhizus diabroticae, Celatoria diabroticae Michigan State site "Enhancing Beneficial Insects with Native Plants" ATTRA publication: "Farmscaping to enhance biological control" |
| Perimeter Trap crop | Different species and varieties of cucurbits have different levels of attractiveness to striped cucumber beetle (Table 18.7). Planting an attractive variety around the perimeter of a field of a less attractive variety can prevent many first generation striped cucumber beetle adults from moving into the field. Research conducted in Connecticut and Massachusetts has shown Blue Hubbard winter squash to be an effective trap crop for a field of summer squash. Plant one or two rows of the attractive variety around the entire perimeter of the field. The trap crop can either be treated with Admire or sprayed periodically as the beetle population builds up to prevent movement into the main crop. Yellow sticky cards placed in the trap or yellow mulch will enhance the attractiveness of the trap crop. Organic growers who use this technique may want to disk up the trap crop after the first generation beetles have disappeared to reduce the second generation population. |
| Row covers | Row covers will provide protection from beetles early in the season, but they must be removed when blossoms appear to permit pollination. See Cornell report of on-farm trials alternative controls for SCB on summer squash |
| Resistant varieties | The presence of cucurbitacins stimulates cucumber beetle feeding, and varieties with less cucurbitacin show less damage. See Table 18.6. Postharvest Deep plowing and clean cultivation after harvest may reduce overwintering populations. See Cornell report on attractiveness to SCB and susceptibilityto wilt of cucurbit crop types and cultivars |
| Postharvest | Deep plowing and clean cultivation after harvest may reduce overwintering populations. |
| Insecticide Resistance Management |
A classification of insecticides based on their mode of action is available in pdf format. This guide can be used to help avoid or delay the development of insecticide resistance, as well as manage populations that have developed resistance to a particular insecticide. It is a large file - 97 page, 780k pdf file |
| Crop rotation, Site selection, and Sanitation |
These are not currently viable management options. |
|
Compound(s) |
||||||
Comparing Environmental Risks of Pesticides In the "Field Use EIQ" column is the range of EIQ (Environmental Impact Quotient) values for the rate range recommended for each pesticide (lower EIQ = lower environmental impact). Other pesticide risk models are useful for specific purposes. WIN-PST is required for some USDA NRCS conservation plans. |
||||||
|
Common name |
Crop Use |
Rate/A
Product |
PHI
(days) |
REI |
Field |
Comments
|
| acetamiprid | ||||||
Assail 30SG 0.3 lb/lb |
All | 2.5-4.0 oz |
0 |
12 |
1-2 |
|
| beta-cyfluthrin | ||||||
*Baythroid XL |
All
|
2.4-2.8 fl oz |
0 |
12 |
<1 |
. |
| bifenthrin | ||||||
|
* Brigade 2EC |
All
|
2.6-6.4 fl oz |
3
|
12
|
3.6-8.8
|
. |
| carbaryl | ||||||
|
Sevin XLR Plus |
C,M,P,
|
1 qt |
3
|
12
|
18
|
Observe plant response precautions. |
|
endosulfan
|
||||||
|
*Thionex
3EC |
ALL |
0.67-1.33 qt |
2
|
48
|
19-38
|
Do not exceed 3 applications per year for P. |
| esfenvalerate | ||||||
|
*Asana XL |
C,M,P,
|
5.8-9.6
fl oz |
3
|
12
|
1-2
|
Do not exceed 0.2-5 lb AI/A/season. |
| fenpropathrin | ||||||
*Danitol 2.4EC |
All | 10.66-16 fl oz |
7 |
24 |
5.2-7.8 |
|
| imidacloprid | ||||||
|
*Admire Pro
2 lb/gal |
All |
7.0-10.5
fl oz |
21
|
12
|
6.5-9.8
|
See comments below |
|
Applying Admire by drenching transplants or through a drip
irrigation line should protect plants from feeding and
bacterial wilt infections from the first generation
of striped cucumber beetle. The treatment will often
last until the plants have grown beyond the wilt-susceptible
5-leaf stage, but the crop should be monitored after
two weeks post-planting to ensure that they are still
being protected. Use a very low rate (0.02 ml/plant)
to treat transplants about 1 day prior to planting in
the field. To treat a flat of 200 transplants with Admire
at this rate, a grower would need to dilute 4 ml (0.135
oz) of Admire in a volume of water sufficient to soak
to soil mix evenly. This treatment will protect the
plants for about 2 weeks, and after that may be followed
by field application. To help make other conversions:
multiply 0.02 ml per plant times the number of plants
in your flat. |
||||||
lambda-cyhalothrin |
||||||
Warrior II with Zeon Technology |
C, M, P, SS, WS, W | 1.92 oz |
1 |
24 |
0.8-1.2 |
Adults only. |
|
methomyl
|
||||||
|
*Lannate LV |
C,M,W | 1-1.67 pt | 1 to 3 | 48 | 9-15 | Minimum days to harvest 1.5 pt = 1 day; >1.5 pt = 3 days. |
|
permethrin
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
*Pounce 25 WP or OLF
0.25 lb/lb |
C,M,P, |
12.8 oz
|
1
|
12
|
17.7
|
Do not exceed 1.6 lb AI/A/season. |
|
* Perm-Up 3.2 EC or OLF |
C,M,P,
SS,WS |
8 fl oz |
1
|
12
|
16.3
|
Do not exceed 1.6 lb AI/A/season. |
|
1: C = cucumber; M = melon; P = pumpkin; SS =
summer squash; WS = winter squash
* Restricted use only. |
||||||
Check NYS PIMS (Product, Ingredient, and Manufacturer System) to see if the label is current for New York. SPECIAL NEW YORK RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY. (http://magritte.psur.cornell.edu/pims/)
See pictures of SCM life cycle
Ontario, Canada fact sheet on seed corn maggot
Time for concern: Seed sprouting to emergence
Affected crop(s):
All cucurbits
Key characteristics:
Adult flies are about 1/4 inch long and gray black in color.
Maggots are yellowish white. Infested seeds and other plant
parts are hollowed out. Damaged plants are weak and may not
develop. Stand may be poor.
| Management Option | Recommendation |
| Scouting/thresholds | Areas in the field where seedling emergence is poor may indicate seedcorn maggot injury. Examine five to ten seedlings in these areas and note if heavy root feeding is apparent. Growing tips may also be destroyed. Record the percentage of plants damaged. |
| Natural enemies | Predators, parasitoids, and pathogens, including nematodes help suppress infestations. Use Reference 16 for identification of natural enemies. Steinernema carpocapsae Michigan State site "Enhancing Beneficial Insects with Native Plants" ATTRA publication: "Farmscaping to enhance biological control" |
| Resistant varieties | No resistant varieties are available. |
| Planting date | Where feasible, delay planting until the first generation maggots are pupating and no longer able to damage seed. In New York, this is about June 10. |
| Transplants | If feasible, use transplants rather than seed. |
| Site selection/preparation | Root maggots prefer soil with high organic matter. Do not spread manure directly before planting, and incorporate crop residues well before planting. Shallow planting and other means to speed up germination and emergence will reduce damage. |
| Insecticide Resistance Management |
A classification of insecticides based on their mode of action is available in pdf format. This guide can be used to help avoid or delay the development of insecticide resistance, as well as manage populations that have developed resistance to a particular insecticide. It is a large file - 97 page, 780k pdf file |
| Seed selection, Crop rotation, Postharvest, and Sanitation |
These are not currently viable management options. |
See pictures
of SB damage to cucurbits
See pictures of SB life cycle
Organic management of SB on cucurbits
Time for concern:
When plants develop runners through harvest
Affected crop(s):
All cucurbits, but especially squash and pumpkins
Key
characteristics:
Adults are flat, grayish or yellowish brown, and
about 5/8 inch
long. The edges of the abdomen, which protrude from beneath
the wings, are orange and brown striped.Eggs are
reddish orange
and laid in clusters on the upper leaf surface.
Nymphs are pale
green, but become dark, greenish gray, or brown as
they mature.
Young nymphs feed in clusters. Adults and nymphs
feed on leaves
and stems. If the infestation is severe, leaves on
mature plants
will appear blackened as if burned. These bugs also
feed directly
on developing fruit.
| Management Option | Recommendation |
| Scouting/thresholds | Seedling stage: plants may be attacked by overwintering adults. If wilting is observed, check the undersides of plants for bugs. Early flowering stage: if greater than 1 egg mass per plant, treat. Time spray to kill small nymphs. See references 3 and 19. |
| Indicator trap | Squash bug adults can also be detected by placing boards, 12 inches by 12 inches, between plants. Turn the boards over early in the morning and destroy aggregated bugs. |
| Note(s) | Squash bugs are secretive and difficult to reach with insecticides. Thorough coverage is important. Insecticides should be directed against young nymphs. |
| Natural Enemies | Naturally occurring predators, parasitoids, and pathogens help suppress infestations. A tachinid fly parasitoid is very common. It lays one or more cream colored, oval eggs on the squash bug's cuticle. Parasitism rates grater than 80% have been reprted. Use Reference 16 for identification of other natural enemies. Trichopoda pennippes Michigan State site "Enhancing Beneficial Insects with Native Plants" ATTRA publication: "Farmscaping to enhance biological control" |
| Resistant varieties | Summer squash (zucchini and crookneck), hubbard squash, pumpkin, and marrow squash appear to be the most susceptible to squash bug attack. |
| Postharvest | Removal or thorough destruction of crop debris and other field trash after harvest will remove overwintering shelter for the bugs. Deep tillage will bury and kill overwintering adults. |
| Insecticide Resistance Management |
A classification of insecticides based on their mode of action is available in pdf format. This guide can be used to help avoid or delay the development of insecticide resistance, as well as manage populations that have developed resistance to a particular insecticide. It is a large file - 97 page, 780k pdf file |
| Crop rotation, Site selection, Seed selection/treatment, and sanitation | These are not currently viable management options |
|
Compound(s) |
||||||
Comparing Environmental Risks of Pesticides In the "Field Use EIQ" column is the range of EIQ (Environmental Impact Quotient) values for the rate range recommended for each pesticide (lower EIQ = lower environmental impact). Other pesticide risk models are useful for specific purposes. WIN-PST is required for some USDA NRCS conservation plans. |
||||||
|
Common name |
Crop Use |
Rate/A
Product |
PHI
(days) |
REI |
Field |
Comments
|
| acetamiprid | ||||||
Assail 30SG 0.3 lb/lb |
All | 5.3 oz |
0 |
12 |
3 |
|
| carbaryl | ||||||
|
Sevin XLR Plus |
ALL
|
1 qt |
0
|
12
|
18
| Observe plant response precautions. |
|
endosulfan
|
||||||
|
*Thionex
3EC |
ALL |
0.67-1.33 qt |
2
|
48
|
19-38
|
Do not exceed 6 applications per year for P. |
|
esfenvalerate
|
||||||
|
*Asana XL
0.66 lb/gal |
ALL
|
5.8-9.6 fl oz
|
3
|
12
|
1-2
|
Do not exceed 0.25 lb AI/A/season. |
lambda-cyhalothrin |
||||||
Warrior II with Zeon Technology |
C, M, P, SS, WS, W | 1.92 oz |
1 |
24 |
0.8-1.2 |
|
|
permethrin
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
ALL
|
12.8 oz
|
1
|
12
|
17.7
|
Do not exceed 1.6 lb AI/A/year. | |
|
1: C = cucumber; M = melon; P = pumpkin; SS = summer squash;
WS = winter squash; W = watermelon
* Restricted use only. OLF Other labeled formulations. |
||||||
UCONN fact sheet on cucurbit trap cropping with pictures of squash vine borer
Penn State squash vine borer fact sheet
Organic management of SVB on cucurbits
Time for
concern: Mid-June through August
Key characteristics:
The adults of the squash vine borer is a wasp-like moth
having a 1 to 1 1/2 inch wingspan, with metallic green forewings.
The mature larva or catapillar is a thick, white wrinkled
worm with a brown head and is about 1 inch in length. the
eggs are dull red, 1/25th inch in diameter and are found
glued to the stalks and stems of squash vines. the pupae
is dark brown, 5/8 inch lomng and found in an earthen cell.
| Management Option | Recommendation |
| Scouting/thresholds | Because larvae are protected from insecticides once they have bored into the stem, adult activity should be used to time insecticide applications where squash vine borer is a perennial problem. Adult activity may be monitored using pheromone traps or predicted using base 50° F degree-day accumulations. The following information is from the University of Wisconsin: Pumpkin and squash crops should be monitored once 900DD50 have accumulated. Two to three insecticide treatments, 5-7 days apart during the three week egg-laying period around 1000DD50 will control most of the larval borers before they become protected by the vines. Organic growers may use floating row covers to protect plants until the adult flight period is over. |
| Natural Enemies | Predators, parasitoids, and other pathogens, including nematodes help suppress infestations. Use Reference 16 for identification of other natural enemies. Michigan State site "Enhancing Beneficial Insects with Native Plants" ATTRA publication: "Farmscaping to enhance biological control" |
| Resistant varieties | No resistant varieties are available. The larvae bore into the stems of squashes, pumpkins, gourds, cucumbers and muskmelons. Winter squash, (in particular Hubbard), pumpkins, and zucchini are quite suseptible to borer . |
| Row Covers | Lightweight row covers can be used to protect plants until the vines come into flower. Remove covers at bloom time to allow for pollination. |
| Rotation/Postharvest | To reduce the number of borers for the next year, destroy crop residue after harvest and rotate planting site. |
| Notes | Direct the spray to the stems of the plant near the base for good control and treat late in the day (when blossoms are closed) to minimize harm to bees. Two insecticide applications 5 to 7 days apart should control newly hatched larvae. |
| Insecticide Resistance Management |
A classification of insecticides based on their mode of action is available in pdf format. This guide can be used to help avoid or delay the development of insecticide resistance, as well as manage populations that have developed resistance to a particular insecticide. It is a large file - 97 page, 780k pdf file |
| Site selection/preparation, Seed selection/treatment, Crop rotation, and sanitation | These are not currently viable management options |
|
Compound(s) |
||||||
Comparing Environmental Risks of Pesticides In the "Field Use EIQ" column is the range of EIQ (Environmental Impact Quotient) values for the rate range recommended for each pesticide (lower EIQ = lower environmental impact). Other pesticide risk models are useful for specific purposes. WIN-PST is required for some USDA NRCS conservation plans. |
||||||
Common name |
Crop Use |
Rate/A
Product |
PHI
(days) |
REI |
Field |
Comments
|
| acetamiprid | ||||||
Assail 30SG 0.3 lb/lb |
All | 5.3 oz |
0 |
12 |
3 |
|
| bifenthrin | ||||||
|
* Brigade 2EC |
All
|
2.6-6.4 fl oz |
3
|
12
|
3.6-8.8
|
. |
|
endosulfan
|
||||||
|
*Thionex
3EC |
ALL |
0.67-1.33 qt |
2
|
48
|
19-38
|
Do not exceed 3 applications per year. |
|
esfenvalerate
|
||||||
|
*Asana XL
0.66 lb/gal |
ALL
|
5.8-9.6 fl oz
|
3
|
12
|
1-2
|
Do not exceed 0.25 lb AI/A/season. |
lambda-cyhalothrin |
||||||
Warrior II with Zeon Technology |
C, M, P, SS, WS, W | 1.92 oz |
1 |
24 |
0.8-1.2 |
|
|
permethrin
|
||||||
|
*Ambush or OLF
2 lb/gal |
ALL
|
6.4- 12.8 fl oz
|
0
|
12
|
9.1-18.2
|
Do not exceed 4 applications. |
|
1: C = cucumber; M = melon; P = pumpkin; SS
= summer squash; WS = winter squash; W = watermelon |
||||||
Time for concern:
Affected crop(s): Primarily watermelon, but also cucumber and melon
Key characteristics:
The two-spotted spider mite is very small, 1/64 inch long, and
greenish yellow with two dark spots on its back. Use
a hand lens
to confirm identification. Infestations occur on the undersides
of leaves. Webbing indicates presence of mites and hundreds may
be present on a single leaf. Heavily infested leaves will turn
yellow; undersides of infested leaves will appear
crusty.
| Management Option | Recommendation |
| Scouting/thresholds | No specific scouting or threshold recommendation are available for New York. Watch for infestations as the field is scouted for aphids. Infestations often start at the edge of a field. |
| Natural enemies | Predatory mites, minute pirate bugs, predatory thrips, and fungal pathogens help suppress mite infestations. Use Reference 16 for identification of natural enemies. Insecticides applied for other pests can eliminate mite natural enemies. Rains can reduce infestations. Geocoris sp., Orius insidiosus, Orius tristacolor, Geocoris punctipes, Phytoseiulus persimilis, Phytoseiulus longipes, Neoseiulus californicus, Galandromus occidentalis, Neoseiulus cucumeris, Neozygites floridana. Michigan State site "Enhancing Beneficial Insects with Native Plants" ATTRA publication: "Farmscaping to enhance biological control" |
| Note(s) | The problem is worse when the weather is hot and dry. Pyrethroid insecticides are known to increase reproduction in mites and increase dispersal. Spot or edge spraying may be adequate for control. |
| Resistant varieties | Watermelons are more susceptible than other cucurbits. |
| Site selection | Avoid planting in areas where dust occurs, such as near dirt roads. |
| Insecticide Resistance Management |
A classification of insecticides based on their mode of action is available in pdf format. This guide can be used to help avoid or delay the development of insecticide resistance, as well as manage populations that have developed resistance to a particular insecticide. It is a large file - 97 page, 780k pdf file |
| Crop rotation, Seed selection/treatment, Postharvest, and Sanitation |
These are not currently viable management options. |
|
Compound(s) |
||||||
Comparing Environmental Risks of Pesticides In the "Field Use EIQ" column is the range of EIQ (Environmental Impact Quotient) values for the rate range recommended for each pesticide (lower EIQ = lower environmental impact). Other pesticide risk models are useful for specific purposes. WIN-PST is required for some USDA NRCS conservation plans. |
||||||
|
Common name |
Crop Use |
Rate/A
Product |
PHI
(days) |
REI |
Field |
Comments
|
| abamectin | ||||||
|
*Agri-Mek
0.15 EC |
All
|
8-16 fl oz |
7
|
12
|
<1
|
. |
| bifenazate | ||||||
|
All
|
0.75-1 lb |
3
|
12
|
6-7
|
.Limited to on application per season. | |
| bifenthrin | ||||||
|
* Brigade 2EC |
All
|
2.6-6.4 fl oz |
3
|
12
|
7-8.8
|
. |
| fenpropathrin | ||||||
*Danitol 2.4 EC |
All
|
10.66-16 fl oz |
7 |
24 |
5.2-7.8 |
. |
lambda-cyhalothrin |
||||||
Warrior II with Zeon Technology |
C, M, P, SS, WS, W | 1.92 oz |
1 |
24 |
1.2 |
|
Time for concern: May and June
Affected crop(s): all
Key characteristics: Springtails, also known as Collembola, are very small, 1/16 inch long, and light in color. Use a hand lens to confirm identification because they can resemble thrips. Infestations may occur when plants are in the cotyledon stage and conditions in the field are dry.
| Management Option | Recommendation |
| Scouting/thresholds | No scouting or thresholds have been developed. |
| Note(s) | The problem is worse when the weather is dry. Perhaps, springtails feed on cotyledon leaves because they are in search of moisture when conditions are dry. |
| Insecticides | These insects are generally susceptible to insecticides and are likely to be controlled when an application is made to control another seedling pest. |
| Insecticide Resistance Management | A classification of insecticides based on their mode of action is available in pdf format. This guide can be used to help avoid or delay the development of insecticide resistance, as well as manage populations that have developed resistance to a particular insecticide. It is a large file - 97 page, 780k pdf file |
18.7 Weed Management
Key characteristics: Weed fact sheets provide a good reference for common weed identification. See Reference 20. Also see Virginia Tech Weed Identification Guide.
Cornell Weed Ecology and Management Laboratory website
Ontario, Canada weed identification gallery
SARE Publication: "A Whole-Farm Approach to Managing Pests"
See "A
Checklist of Major Weeds and Crops as Natural Hosts for Plant
Viruses in the Northeast"
| Management Option | Recommendation |
| Scouting/thresholds |
Weeds may be unevenly distributed over a field. Localized areas of severe weed infestations or atypical conditions, such as poorly drained areas, high spots, and field edges, may be recorded on a weed map. A weed map should be on file for each field. Make a rough sketch of the field, including landmarks, boundaries, crop row direction, compass directions, roads, planting date, map preparation date, and any other important details. The following information should be indicated on the map: species of weed, size of weed, density of each species, and distribution of weed. Scout fields three to four weeks after planting to evaluate the success of the current season's program and at or near harvest to help predict weed control practices that will be necessary for the following year. |
| Site selection | Refer to weed maps to avoid problem weeds when choosing fields for cucurbits. |
| Cultivation |
Cultivation is necessary in cucurbit weed control. See Cornell fact sheet on mechanical weed control. No-Till:
SARE Publication: "Steel in the Field" Commercial Biodegradable Mulch Sources |
| Banding herbicides | Banding of herbicides at planting is not useful in cucurbit production due to few registered products and their narrow weed control spectra. |
| Cover Crops, Weed Seed Bank Assessment | See report on using buckwheat as a weed control cover crop See report on estimating weed seed banks SARE publication: "Managing Cover Crops Profitably" Cornell cover crop decision tool Cornell buckwheat cover crop handbook Cornell Forage Species Selection Tool |
|
Compound(s) |
||||||
Comparing Environmental Risks of Pesticides In the "Field Use EIQ" column is the range of EIQ (Environmental Impact Quotient) values for the rate range recommended for each pesticide (lower EIQ = lower environmental impact). Other pesticide risk models are useful for specific purposes. WIN-PST is required for some USDA NRCS conservation plans. |
||||||
|
Common name |
Crop Use |
Rate/A
Product |
PHI
(days) |
REI |
Field |
Comments
|
| preplant incorporated - low rate | ||||||
|
bensulide (for transplants on clear plastic mulch) (grasses and broadleaves with irrigation) |
||||||
|
Prefar 4-E |
C,M,W
|
0.5 -1.5 pt |
12
|
6-18
|
Apply and incorporate shallowly. Lay plastic and plant when convenient. Do not plant other than label specified crops for 4 months after treatment. | |
| preplant or preemergence | ||||||
|
paraquat (nonselective)
|
||||||
|
Gramoxone
Inteon |
All
|
2-4pt
|
12
|
19-37
|
||
| preemergence | ||||||
|
bensulide (grasses and broadleaves with irrigation) |
||||||
|
Prefar 4-E |
All
|
5-6 qt |
12
|
120-144
|
Apply the higher rate at time of seeding or the lower rate just before crop emergence. Do not plant other than label specified crops for 4 months after treatment. | |
| bensulide + naptalam (grasses and broadleaves) | ||||||
|
C,M,W
|
4-6 qt
4-8 qt |
156-234 |
This combination just before crop emergence
gives the best weed control and crop safety in cucumbers.
Do not plant other than label specified crops for 4 months
after treatment.
|
|||
|
clomazone (annual grasses and most
broadleaves)
|
||||||
|
ALL
|
C 0.4-1 pt |
45
|
12
|
2-4 2-3
3-5 |
*PUMPKINS INCLUDE ONLY PROCESSING TYPES, NOT JACK-O-LANTERNS. The companies distributing this product will not accept liability for potential off-color responses that have been observed in numerous varieties. DO NOT apply to soil that that will be covered by plastic mulch. Apply only as a preemergent soil applied treatment prior to seeding or transplanting or after seeding but prior to crop emergence. Place seed or roots of transplants below the chemical barrier when planting. Residual carryover of Command 3ME may injure fall-planted wheat or rye crops. See label for additional rotational restrictions. | |
|
ethalfluralin (annual grasses)
|
||||||
|
Curbit EC
3 lb/gal |
All
|
3-4.5 pt
|
12
|
22-33
|
Apply only as a postplant surface application
to crop and weed emergence. May be applied to seeded crops
no later than 2 days after planting or banded between rows
after crop emergence or transplanting. Do not incorporate
as injury will result. Not recommended for soils with greater
than 10% organic matter.
|
|
clomazone + ethafluralin (annual grasses and most broadleaves) |
||||||
Strategy 2EC 2 lb/gal |
All |
2-6 pt |
45 |
24 |
10-30 | Apply 2-6 pt/A based on soil type as a broadcast, preemergence (after seeding) treatment. DO NOT INCORPORATE as stand loss will occur. Strategy may be applied postemergence as a banded application to clean cultivated soil. |
|
*s-metolochlor (
annual grasses, yellow nutsedge, galinsoga, suppression of nightshades and other broadleaf weeds
)
|
||||||
(†) Dual Magnum 7.62 EC 7.62 lb/gal |
P |
0.67-1.33 pt |
24 |
12-25 | (†) NOT FOR USE IN NASSAU AND SUFFOLK COUNTIES. See comments below | |
|
NOTE: This registration is pending. Check its registration status before using in 2007. The New York label is a 24 (c) registration that requires indemnification because it allows a wider range of Dual Magnum rates and methods of application than the Federal Section 3 registration. Growers must have a copy of the 24 (c) label in their possession if they choose to follow the recommendations in these guidelines. Apply Dual Magnum preemergence before crop or weeds have emerged, post-transplant (within 72 hrs) or postemergence to a crop having at least 4 true leaves following cultivation. Applications may be made broadcast or to row middles (inter-row). Occasionally some crop injury has been seen with post applications but this has not reduced yields in multiple research trials. Under heavy rain conditions, pumpkins may show significant stunting. Low rates, needed for crop safety on low organic matter soils, may not provide season-long weed control. Syngenta has created a new means of acquiring the indemnification required when using Dual Magnum on the vegetable crops registered on New York State’s multi-crop 24(c) Special Local Need (SLN) supplemental label. The required product label and indemnification can only be obtained through the “special labels” link found at www.farmassist.com and must be obtained by the ‘end-user’. If difficulties are encountered in using the website call the Syngenta Customer Resource Center at 866-796-4368. |
||||||
| preemergence or postemergence | ||||||
| halosulfuron (Preemergence applications: galinsoga, lambsquarters, mustard/radish species, redroot pigweed, ragweed, velvetleaf. Yellow nutsedge is suppressed but not controlled. Postemergence applications: yellow nutsedge, galinsoga, redroot pigweed, mustard/radish species, ragweed, velvetleaf | ||||||
|
P, WS
|
0.5-0.66 oz
0.5-1 oz |
30
|
12
|
<1 | Higher rate for processing crops only. Direct-seeded crops: apply preemergence after planting but prior to ground cracking. Use lower rate on light textured soils. May be applied postemergence after the crop has 2 to 5 true leaves but before female flowers appear. Sandea may be applied to row-middles in both crops. Maximum of 2 applications may be made per season. Do not apply more than 1 oz/A/season. | |
|
C
|
0.5-1 oz
|
30
|
12
|
<1 | Direct-seeded crop: See comment above. Transplanted crops:may be applied pre-plant under plastic mulch or post-transplant in bare ground crops 14 days after transplanting. Sandea may be applied to row middles in all crops. Maximum of 2 applications may be made per season. Do not apply more than 1 2/3 oz/A/season | |
|
SS, M, W
|
0.5-1 oz
|
30 SS 57M.W |
12
|
<1 | For row-middle applications only in both direct-seeded and transplanted crops. Do not exceed 2 oz/A/season | |
|
napthalam (broadleaves)
|
||||||
|
Alanap 2L |
C,M,W
|
4-8 qt. |
48
|
31-62
|
Effective if irrigation is given or rain occurs within 1-2 days of treatment. Apply immediately after seeding. May be used postemergence as the crop begins to vine but before weeds have emerged, following cultivation. | |
| post emergence (to weeds and crop) | ||||||
| Clethodim (annual and perennial grasses) | ||||||
*Select 2EC |
ALL |
6-8 fl oz |
14 |
24 |
1.6-2.1 |
For control of numerous annual and perennial grasses. DO NOT apply more 0.5 lb ai per acre per season of both formulations. Application on LONG ISLAND is restricted to no more than 0.25 lb ai per acre per season. Always use a crop oil concentrate (COC) at 1% V/V in the finished spray volume with Select 2EC. Use only 0.25% v/v non-ionic surfactant with Select Max. .
|
|
*Select
Max |
ALL
|
12-16 fl oz
|
14
|
24
|
1.6-2.1
|
|
| sethoxydim (annual grasses) | ||||||
|
Poast 1.5E |
All
|
1-1.5 pt
|
14
|
12
|
5-7
|
For broad spectrum post emergence control of annual grasses.
Apply when grasses are actively growing and not under stress.
Apply with 2 pt. oil concentrate per acre. This may be applied
to both direct seeded and transplanted crops.
|
| post emergence (to weeds) | ||||||
| glyphosate (for transplants on clear plastic mulch) (nonselective) | ||||||
|
Roundup Weather Max 5.5 lb/gal |
All
|
1-1.4 pt (weeds<6") 1.4-2 pt |
14 |
4
|
8-11
|
Apply lower rate if weeds are less than 6" tall Apply prior to planting, and allow 3 days between application and planting. |
| post emergence - hooded row middle application | ||||||
| carfentrazone | ||||||
|
All
|
0.8-1.6 fl oz/application |
0
|
12
|
<1
|
May be used as a hooded, row middle application. Sprayers must be designed to prevent ANY contact with the crop and may not be operated at more than 5 mph. Special care must be taken when operating on uneven ground. See product label for additional precautions. | |
C = cucumber; M = melon; P = pumpkin; SS
= summer squash; WS = winter squash; W = watermelon
* Restricted use only.
OLF = Other labeled formulations.
1 Zitter, T. A., D. L. Hopkins, and C. E. Thomas. 1996. Compendium of Cucurbit Diseases. APS Press. 87 pp.
2 Zitter, T. A. 1992. Assorted foliar diseases of cucurbits, p. 732.90. In Vegetable Crops: Diseases of Curcurbits. New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva.
3 Zitter, T. A., M. P. Hoffmann, M. T. McGrath, C. H. Petzoldt, A. J. Seaman, and L. H. Pederson, eds. 1996. Cucurbit IPM Scouting Procedures for New York IPM Publication 113. New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva.
4 Cornell Cooperative Extension. 1983-1997. Curcurbit fact sheet set, pp. 732.10, 732.30, 732.40, 732.50. 732.60, 780.00, and 781.00. In Vegetable Crops: Diseases of Curcurbits. New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva.
5 Zitter, T. A. 1987. Anthracnose of curcurbits, p. 732.60. In Vegetable Crops: Diseases of Curcurbits. Cornell Cooperative Extension. New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca.
6 Zitter, T. A. 1998. Fusarium diseases of cucurbits, p. 733.00. In Vegetable Crops: Diseases of Cucurbits. New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva.
7 Zitter, T. A. 1992. Fruit rots of squash and pumpkins, p. 732.10. In Vegetable Crops: Diseases of Curcurbits. New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva.
8 Zitter, T. A. 1992. Gummy stem blight of cucurbits, p. 732.70. In Vegetable Crops: Diseases of Curcurbits. Cornell Cooperative Extension. New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca.
9 Zitter, T. A. 1989. Phytophthora blight of peppers and certain other vegetables, p. 736.20. In Vegetable Crops: Diseases of Peppers. Cornell Cooperative Extension. New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca.
10 McGrath, M. T. 1997. Powdery mildew of cucurbits, p. 732.30. In Vegetable Crops: Diseases of Curcurbits. New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva.
11 Zitter, T. A. 1986. Scab of cucurbits, p. 732.50. In Vegetable Crops: Diseases of Curcurbits. Cornell Cooperative Extension. New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca.
12 Cornell Cooperative Extension. 1992-1993. Curcurbit fact sheet set, pp. 732.70, 732.80, 732.90, and 750.50. In Vegetable Crops: Diseases and Insects of Curcurbits. New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva.
13 Zitter, T. A. 1992. Septoria leaf and fruit spot of cucurbits, p. 732.80. In Vegetable Crops: Diseases of Curcurbits. New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva.
14 Zitter, T. A., M. T. Banik, and R. Provvidenti. 1984. Virus diseases of cucurbits, p. 732.40. In Vegetable Crops: Diseases of Curcurbits. Cornell Cooperative Extension. New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca.
15 Hoffmann, M. P., and J. Sanderson. 1993. Melon aphid, p. 750.50. In Vegetable Crops: Insects of Cucurbits. Cornell Cooperative Extension. New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca.
16 Hoffmann, M. P., and A. C. Frodsham. 1993. Natural Enemies of Vegetable Insect Pests. Cornell Cooperative Extension. 64 pp.
17 Muka, A. A. 1983. Striped cucumber beetle, p. 780.00. In Vegetable Crops: Insects of Curcurbits. New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva.
18 Hoffmann, M. P., and T. A. Zitter. 1994. Cucumber beetles, corn rootworms, and bacterial wilt in cucurbits, p. 781.00. In Vegetable Crops: Insects of Curcurbits. New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva.
19 Foster, R., and B. Flood, eds. 1995. Vegetable Insect Management: With Emphasis on the Midwest. Meister, Willoughby, Ohio.
20 Pennsylvania State University. 1987. Weed identification, pp. 1-32. Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension, University Park.
World Wide Web Sites:
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL: A Guide to Natural Enemies in North America:
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/IPM Vegetable Fact Sheets:
http://nysipm.cornell.edu/factsheets/vegetables/default.aspPests in the Northeastern United States
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/factsheetsPlant Disease Diagnosis Clinic:
http://PlantClinic.cornell.eduVegetable MD Online:
http://vegetablemdonline.ppath.cornell.edu/Home.htmMeasuring Environmental Impact of Pesiticides:
http://nysipm.cornell.edu/publications/eiq/default.aspCornell Soil Health website and manual
USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Publications (SARE)
Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA): http://www.attra.org/
Cornell Small Farms Program
UC Pest Management Guidlines:
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/selectnewpest.asparagus.html
| Next chapter Eggplant |
 |
Maintained by Curtis Petzoldt, New York State IPM Program. Address comments or questions to vegrec@yahoo.com
Last modified June 23, 2009.