Specialty Crop IPM Demo in White County
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Sherri Sanders
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
University of Arkansas Syst. Div. of Agri. Ext. Serv.
SEARCY
Abstract
Extension specialists and county agents monitored for Squash Vine Borer (Melittia cucurbitae), and Tomato Fruitworm Moth (Helicoverpa zea) in 2022. An interactive map of Arkansas was on the state website that showed the locations of the various insect trapping efforts. When a location is clicked, the map populates with insect trap data for that region to help indicate pest presence or absence.
In White County, I monitored two locations. I installed two traps at each location: one for Tomato Fruitworm and another to detect Squash Vine Borer moth flight. I made weekly visits to monitor trap counts and to scout the field for eggs as well. This helped us determine arrival of squash vine borer and develop a sense of tomato fruitworm (corn ear worm) pressure in tomatoes and sweet corn. The goal was to utilize scouting-based thresholds to determine insecticide use.
Squash vine borers are moths that lay eggs near the base of squash vines. When the larvae enter a stem, little can be done. Chemical control is possible only if an insecticide is present when young larvae hatch from the egg prior to entering the plant. This is the reason we scout and trap the moths to assist us in predicting the timing and need for the insecticide.
Tomato fruitworm generally lays its eggs on the tops of leaves or other plant structures near the top of plants. Fruitworm eggs take about 3-4 days to hatch before 1st instar larvae will begin to feed on small amounts of leaf material and move inward towards the center of plants. These larvae generally feed on minimal amounts of leaf material before they molt to their 3rd instar and move to flowers and fruit. Finding eggs is relatively easy compared to looking for larvae or feeding damage on plants. Larvae are near impossible to find after they hatch and before they start feeding on large amounts of leaf material or reproductive parts in their 3rd instar. Begin scouting weekly for eggs once plants begin to take off all the way through harvest. Fruit samples should also be checked for escaped worms.
Authors: Sherri Sanders
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Sherri Sanders County Extension Agent - Agriculture, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Arkansas, 72143