Hi all,
First off, I want to extend my gratitude to all the growers who have been reaching directly out to our team via email. Your input is invaluable for compiling this weekly report and gaining a statewide perspective on current pest issues. Please continue to send in photos of any pests you’re unsure about or need to identify.
With the recent precipitation, we anticipate a notable increase in disease incidence over the next few weeks. To prepare for this impending surge, it’s important to keep an eye out for any sick plants or signs of fungal diseases (e.g. mildews, etc.).
This past week, we’ve received numerous reports from growers regarding high leek moth pressure in garlic, particularly noticeable in scapes. Many growers who are encountering leek moth for the first time on their farms are particularly concerned. Fortunately, while foliar damage typically does not lead to significant yield losses, the larvae can pose a threat when they are incidently brought into curing or storage areas. As previously mentioned, topping onions and garlic is an effective strategy to mitigate bulb damage. For those considering chemical applications, the optimal timing is usually about a week after the peak flight of adult moths. Currently, we’re observing an increase in adult moths in our traps across the region, though we are not yet at peak levels. We anticipate that the Champlain Valley will likely approach peak levels in about a week.
Additionally, we’re noticing an increase in diamondback moth adults and pupae in brassica plantings on our monitored farms. These moths have likely arrived early this season due to some early spring weather systems. While they typically cause minimal damage at low population levels, occasional spikes can result in significant marketable damage, especially in leafy brassicas like kale and cabbage. Look out for their distinctive net-like cocoons on the undersides of leaves.
Several growers have also shared some unusually early Japanese beetle outbreaks on some vegetable and berry farms. Although these beetles are primarily known as pests of ornamental plants and turf grass, they can severely impact important vegetable and fruit crops such as blueberries, basil, corn (silks), grapes, and asparagus. Some early pressure has even been noted on solanums this year. Organic growers may consider options like neem and pyrethrin products. Additionally, we’ve received images of other scarab beetle adults (e.g., Asiatic beetle) emerging on farms, which require similar control strategies.
Lastly, there have been reports of squash vine borer in the southeastern part of the state, although we haven’t detected any in our traps in Chittenden and Addison County yet. Given the early emergence of other pests this year, we anticipate locating squash vine borers in our traps soon.
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.
Cheers,
Vic, Julian, Maya, Zack, and the rest of the VEPART team
| Pest | Crop | Observations |
| Colorado Potato Beetle | Potatoes, Solanums | Still seeing mostly adults and eggs, but on some farms there are some smaller larvae. |
| Squash Bug | Cucurbits | Definitely growing in numbers. Eggs masses are numerous, and a few nymphs are emerging. |
| Striped Cucumber Beetle | Squash, Cucumbers | Though we have seen some outbreaks on farms, the populations are pretty consistent and in some fields stabilized and declining. |
| Flea Beetle | Kale, Collards, Cabbage | Finding quite a few flea beetles, though most plants are tolerating the pressure and the high temps could push this first flight out. |
| Cabbage worms | Kale | We are seeing some diamondback moth outbreaks on some farms. Cabbage white larvae are also increasing. |
| Potato Leafhoppers | Potatoes, Beans | High pressure of adult leafhoppers in potato fields. Leaf burn has begun in some plots and nymphs are beginning to be seen. It seems like a particularly bad year. |
| Tarnished plant bug | Strawberries, potatoes | Tarnished plant bugs are being found in relatively high numbers in strawberries and potatoes |
| Three-lined potato bug. | Tomatillos | We are seeing some large outbreaks in tomatillos and ground cherries. |
| Leek Moth | Onions/Garlic | The second flight is beging and adults are flying but the trap numbers have been relatively low. Lots of larval damage in garlic scapes |
| Squash vine borer | Winter and Summer Squash | Trap numbers are increasing. Monitoring your squashes is advisable. |