Insect Pest - Caterpillars

An Unusual Vegetable Pest Observed This Season: Fleahoppers

A diverse assemblage of caterpillar pests can be found damaging vegetables by the later portion of the growing season. Many of these species have developed local or widespread insecticide resistance. Proper caterpillar identification can help inform management decisions to ensure effective products are used.

Mid-Summer Insect Scouting Priorities in Row Crops

Growers across the state should begin scouting for cross-striped cabbageworms (CSCW). Unlike the more common brassica caterpillar pests which lay their eggs individually, CSCW females lay eggs in clusters of 3 to 25. As a result, a single plant can quickly become infested with numerous hungry caterpillars, resulting in faster, more severe damage. In recent years, we’ve seen CSCW activity ramp up earlier in the season, and this year is no exception. Egg masses and mid-stage caterpillars have already been found in Eastern Shore counties.

IPM Threshold Guide for Agronomic Field Crops

IPM Threshold Guide for Vegetable Crops

Insect Pest Management in Peppers

Insect Pests of Tomato

Although sorghum faces relatively few pests compared to our other grain crops, it is not a “plant and forget” crop. Sorghum is often grown on marginal ground, in areas with greater deer pressure, dryland fields, and as a rotational component for managing weed and disease pressure. Sorghum is generally a minor component of a farming operation, and as such is easy to overlook during the season, especially now as other pests are requiring more attention and corn is nearing harvest. However, there are two significant insect pests that need to be scouted for to avoid potential losses and both are active right now on Delmarva.