Pleased to announce I was invited to participate in a nationwide analysis of corn earworm trends. This new study from Dr. Lawton (NC State) et al. takes a look at decades-long trapping and soil temperature data to provide some insight into overwintering potential of H. zea, and how we might use models to predict pest abundance. Highlights from the article:
Continue readingEarwigs: Good or Bad?
We know they’re “ugly”… but this is one curious group that is not easily classified as good or bad. Earwigs can be considered either pests or beneficials depending on the situation. They are omnivorous, which means they eat anything. ‘Continue reading’ to learn more.
Continue readingWeek 12
Quick update:
- The data table is available (.pdf download); all regional trap counts are within normal limits.
- The commercial broccoli field at Gervais (GRVS) has been harvested.
- New traps have been set to detect pests in commercial sweet corn – those counts will be available by next week.
- **The new “Oregon Pest Monitoring Network” is now available! This collaborative effort between USDA-ARS and OSU provides real-time access to data, including a map of trap locations.
- To view observations, select the “Pest Observation Dashboard” tab.
- Use filters to see activity graphs for specific pests or crops.
- The system also includes a “Report a Pest” function, where growers or reps can inform staff of concerns.
- If you have noticed a recent reduction of efficacy in the products you use for diamondback moth, please consider taking a short, anonymous survey:
Potato (+200 other plants) Leafhopper
Leafhoppers belong to Hemiptera: Cicadellidae and one of the most well-studied species is the potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae Harris. It has been proven (1,2) that these insects are long-range migrants, and tend to colonize an area based on surface airflow convection currents and high and low pressure fronts. Because they can be significant agricultural pests (alfalfa, clover, beans, tomato, potato, hops, maple, apple), it is important to understand the factors that contribute to their abundance…
Continue readingIPM Resources
Thank you for the opportunity to share in learning with you today! Here are a few resources I mentioned in my talk, feel free to add a comment and keep the discussion going!
Continue readingA Slow Start!
Unseasonably cool and wet conditions have delayed the start of VegNet this year. Because insects are poikilotherms, their development is directly related to temperature. Some insects are also reliant on adequate moisture. The percentage of armyworm eggs that hatch, for example. We certainly have had ‘adequate’ moisture this spring (!), which could mean more armyworm pressure into the summer and fall.
Both May and June were abnormally cool and wet in Western Oregon.
Peridroma saucia is common in Oregon. But for the past three years, we are detecting them at much higher-than-normal levels in early spring.
The graph below shows pheromone trap counts (# of adult moths per day) in recent years vs. a long term average. Please note that all data points before May 10th are NOT regional averages. They represent only the Corvallis location. These 5 single-location data points are filled with a dot pattern (hard to see, sorry). However, in 2020, the true regional average (peach diamonds) remained higher than normal until June 1st.
Continue readingHappy Nat’l Ag Day!
Did you know? Last year, the value of utilized production in Oregon was $22.5mil for sweet corn and $20.2mil for snap beans! And together, ID/WA/OR account for 50% of the national utilized production of onions. Check out the new publication re: Economic Pests of Onion – available here.
Winter Cutworm in Winter Veg
If you think it’s unusual to post about cutworms in February, you’re right. But there is one in particular that you should know about: Noctua pronuba, the winter cutworm. Here are a few photos of larvae feeding on cabbage in a home garden, Jan 2022 (credit: J.Myers).
If you know my boss…
You might know that he has contributed over 30 years of expertise to the vegetable industry!! In his honor, our local commission has set up a Go Fund Me page to help with travel funds. Details below but SHHH – it’s a surprise 🙂
Continue reading