Hi all,
With the unseasonably warm temperatures here in Vermont and limited rain over the last week, we are seeing some pests earlier this season than in years past. Once they emerge, the pest pressure tends to really pick up irrespective of weather.
Pest Week in review
Colorado potato beetle (CPB) adults are already being found in fields and gardens in Burlington. Seeing CPB searching for viable host plants at this point of the season highlights the potential of delayed potato planting as a strategy for reducing CPB damage. As mentioned last year, our research team is exploring the delayed planting strategy this upcoming season and are always looking for growers interested in participating in both the on-farm trials and the educational program. If you are interested in either, please reach out. At the very least, we can provide you with some resources and invite you to any workshops or field days relevant to the program. Similarly, some growers are using some interesting early season trap and burn strategies that are reportedly showing some success. If you would like more information on this technique you can check out Seth Bent’s short presentation from the 2023 winter VVBGA webinar series here. (25:30 minute mark)
A few other highlights from the past week:
Leek moth: The first flight of leek moth is over and we are beginning to see limited leek moth caterpillar feeding damage in garlic. Window paning damage are the primary symptoms that are most recognizable. Generally, economic damage in garlic tends to be limited to scapes, as the larvae tend to feed on the tops of plants. So, if garlic scapes are important for your farm, I would monitor any garlic plantings for leek moth damage to gauge their potential future impact on those scapes. We expect the next adult flight to begin sometime in mid/late June.
Cabbage root maggot: Cabbage root maggots are beginning to feed in various brassicas, including radishes. The overwintering generation have been laying eggs over the past couple of weeks and according to the NEWA pest models, the first generation of new adults are flying around in Burlington. Maggot pests (e.g. cabbage maggot, seed corn maggot, etc.) seem to be especially thriving this spring. The early season warmth can lead to early emergence, while the subsequent cooler temps can extend egg-laying and egg survival within the cooler soil profile. Eggs do not do well when laid on warm soil.
Flea Beetle: Flea beetles are thriving here in Burlington and the southern part of the state and it sounds like they are some large outbreaks in brassica plantings throughout the northeast. Row covers for small seedlings can be an effective strategy for dampening their impact on the sensitive plants.
Cutworms: Cutworms are being seen at our monitoring sites and being reported by various growers. Some growers are seeing them in tunnels and are experiencing significant pressure. Remember that the first generation of cutworm may initially begin to feed on available weeds, so keeping weeds at bay especially around tunnels can help to reduce their impact.
Be on the lookout of the following pests:
Some pests that are being reported in more southernly and warmer regions are:
- First striped cucumber beetles in PA, Western NY, and mid-coast ME
- Imported Cabbage Worms (aka cabbage whites) are being reported in MA.
As always, our website for the scouting reports can be found here. In addition to the pests reported here, our website also has a more comprehensive list of pests. The list also documents the progression of many common pests as they emerge throughout the season.
For detailed management information about these pests, as well as a comprehensive guide to current production and pest management techniques for commercial vegetable crops, check out the New England Vegetable Management Guide. And, as always feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.
| Pest | Crop | Observations |
| Cabbage root maggot: | Brassicas | We are seeing damage in various early season brassicas including radishes. We are fully in the first generation of cabbage maggot. |
| Leek Moth | Onions/Garlic | Larval damage is beginning to be seen in garlic. Typical window-paning and some frass is being documented |
| Flea Beetle | Arugula, kale, broccoli | Beetles are being found in high numbers in many brassica crops. Row covers can be an effective strategy for protecting vulnerable brassica seedlings. |
| Cutworms: | Various crops | Cutworms are causing a lot of trouble in high tunnels and in the field. We’ve seen several large outbreaks in gardens around Burlington s |