{"id":227,"date":"2026-06-27T07:54:13","date_gmt":"2026-06-27T11:54:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/vepart-scouting\/?p=227"},"modified":"2026-06-27T07:54:13","modified_gmt":"2026-06-27T11:54:13","slug":"vvbga-pest-and-scouting-report-6-27-26","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/vepart-scouting\/2026\/06\/27\/vvbga-pest-and-scouting-report-6-27-26\/","title":{"rendered":"VVBGA Pest and Scouting Report (6\/27\/26)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hi all,<\/p>\n

Some lovely weather over the past week, ended again with some heavy storms and rain here in the Champlain Valley and much of the upper half of the state. Given the consistent rains and cooler temps these weeks, we anticipate an increase in disease incidence, so it\u2019s important to keep an eye out for any sick plants or signs of fungal diseases (e.g. mildews, etc.).<\/p>\n

As mentioned last week, \u00a0potato leaf hoppers<\/a> are likely on their way or may already be here. We have received reports of PLH in Massachusetts, and the recent storms originating from the south may have helped carry them into Vermont. Although our team has yet to detect PLH in any of the crops we are scouting, with reports so close to us, I imagine there are likely fields already harboring the pest.<\/p>\n

Be aware that PLH can feed on a wide range of host plants, but they particularly favor legumes and potatoes. Because they have such a broad host range, they are often induced to move into crop fields during mowing. It is therefore especially important to scout beans and potatoes located near recently mowed fields.<\/p>\n

The earlier you detect PLH, the easier it is to reduce their impact with insecticide applications if treatment becomes necessary. For smaller plots or garden beds, insect exclusion netting or other types of row cover can help protect young plants until flowering. For potatoes, there is some evidence that earlier season varieties tend to be more susceptible to PLH damage and associated yield losses than later season<\/p>\n

Mexican bean beetle adults<\/a> have been reported by farmers and gardeners at several locations near our scouting farms in Chittenden County. For folks with a large investment in bean crops, it is advisable to get out there and scout a bit. Once bean beetle larvae begin to pop out of their eggs, damage can build very quickly. \u00a0For growers utilizing IPM approaches, there is a rather effective biological control option available.The parasitoid wasp species, Pediobius foveolatus <\/em>is commercially available within the region. The wasp is currently reared and sold by the New Jersey Dept of Agriculture<\/a> and can be purchased from other biocontrol suppliers like arbico, IPM labs, etc.<\/p>\n

Instances of three-lined potato beetles<\/a> are increasing in many fields, particularly in Chittenden County. Despite their name, these pests rarely feed on potatoes, preferring tomatillos and ground cherries instead, with tomatillos being their favorite host.<\/p>\n

They are often mistaken for striped cucumber beetles because of their similar striped pattern but can be distinguished by their orange-red head and legs. Another helpful way to tell them apart is by looking at the larvae. The yellow larvae of the three-lined potato beetle feed openly on the leaves of their host plants and famously cover themselves with their own feces as protection from predators. In contrast, striped cucumber beetle larvae feed below ground on plant roots, so if you see larvae feeding on leaves, they are not cucumber beetles.<\/p>\n

Insect exclusion netting or row cover can effectively protect susceptible crops from three-lined potato beetles. Netting also allows plants to become well established before beetles arrive. In general, healthy, vigorous plants that are larger prior to infestation are much better able to tolerate feeding, and yield losses are often greatly reduced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quick notes from the field:<\/p>\n