According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, whitefly numbers remain low in most crops for this time of the season. But according to growers and scouts, adult populations have increased in multiple places, and nymphs are being observed in older tomato, eggplant and watermelon. The spikes seen in some melon fields have led to cucurbit viruses. Populations will …
Asian Bean Thrips Populations Continue to Vary Across South Florida
According to the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations continue to vary throughout south Florida. The highest populations were detected in south Hendry County, though populations were very low in the Palm Beach County region. In south Hendry County, infestations were numbered at 0.2 adult per bloom. Larvae have been observed at …
Thrips Populations Vary Across Florida
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, thrips populations vary across the state. Chilli thrips are present in pepper crops in central Florida, mostly in low to moderate numbers. But they are higher in other locations. Florida flower thrips, western flower thrips and melon thrips have been observed in low numbers. Asian bean thrips have been reported on …
Strawberry Growers: Scout for Spider Mites
According to the University of Georgia Strawberry blog, it is important for strawberry growers to scout their fields for possible spider mites, especially this early in the production season. “Early detection is important since research has proven that even low numbers of mites can reduce yields,” according to Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent …
Sen. Booker Announces Legislation Aimed at Banning Dangerous Pesticides
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) has announced the Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act of 2021 (PACTPA) that would remove dangerous pesticides within the agricultural system. Specifically, this legislation would update the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act of 1972 (FIFRA) by banning the most damaging pesticides that have been scientifically proven to harm the safety of people and …
Scouting Report: Asian Bean Thrips Update
According to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), the highest populations of Asian bean thrips (ABT) were detected this week by scouts in western Hendry County and on the Lee/Collier county line. Many thrips larvae were seen, which suggests that populations may be increasing. On the Lee/Collier line, an isolated infestation was reported where ABT adults …
ABT Populations Vary Across South Florida
Asian bean thrip (ABT) populations have increased in recent weeks Homestead, Florida and have been at thresholds since the beginning of the growing season. Intensive insecticide programs are needed to minimize losses, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). In other areas, though, populations are very low. No more than one Asian bean thrip …
Alternative Approach: Grape Producers Use Mating Disruption Treatment for Pest
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to ban the use of chlorpyrifos (lorsban) means grape producers need an alternative treatment for grape root borers. According to the University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension Viticulture Blog, an effective treatment is pheromone-based mating disruption. The dispensers should be set out prior to the adult emergence of the borer. This is usually in …
Pepper Weevils Increasing in South Florida
One vegetable pest that has been a problem this fall is the pepper weevil. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, pepper weevils are showing up in multiple areas around South Florida. Significant populations are being reported in the Fort Pierce area in early pepper plantings. Infestations have also increased significantly in peppers in Manatee and Hillsborough counties …
Blueberry Gall Midge: UF/IFAS Scientists Studying Insect’s Behavioral Patterns
By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are studying one of blueberries’ main pests to provide better management options for Florida growers. The blueberry gall midge has become more problematic for blueberry growers in the past two decades. Its larvae feed on southern highbush blueberry and rabbiteye floral and vegetative buds. Severe feeding …