Insect Pest Management - University of Maryland

Chapter 7

Insect Pest Management
Gerald Brust

This chapter is divided into three main sections. The first section is an overview of
insect pest management and discusses a systems approach to it. What can be done on
a farm-wide or long term scale to reduce insect pest problems on the farm. The second
part examines more immediate pest control remedies that have been used over the
years to reduce pests. These include physical, cultural, biological and chemical controls,
how they work and are implemented as well as examples of each. The third section is a
series of tables which act as a summary of the first two sections examining how to
reduce certain pests in a particular crop. These management tools have either been
tested by the author, reviewers or are in the literature as having a good possibly of
reducing the pest in question. Controls that are not included are home remedies or
home mixtures, i.e., two parts salad oil, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap, 6- ground up
cayenne peppers, etc. The author as well as other biocontrol workers has tried many of
these remedies and none have reduced pests compared with the control. There are,
however, some remedies that growers have developed on their own farms that seem to
work for them in their particular farming system. Unfortunately, when trialed on other
farms the management tactic does not always work because the conditions are not
similar enough or for unknown reasons. It is difficult therefore, to recommend these
grower options, not because they don‘t work but because we do not understand how
they do work. However, a few of the more reliable grower developed alternatives (GDA)
are included.

Table 1 is set up so that within each management category the best possible method(s)
are presented with the understanding that in some cases the management tactic listed
will not always give good, consistent results (the level of ―control‖ is given for each
management tactic for each pest). As an example under Colorado potato beetle:
Physical control: kaolin clay. Kaolin clay has been shown to work under certain
circumstances but is not reliable or consistent, nevertheless, it is listed because it has
been shown to be the best physical control available and that it may work in your farm
management program to reduce CPB as it has in a few other situations. Another
example is: flea beetle: biological control: none. This does not mean there are no
predators or parasitoids of the flea beetle, but that biocontrol has little chance of
reducing a pest population by itself once the population reaches pest status. Some
management tactics listed may involve a great deal of work and or management on the
part of the grower and give anywhere from poor to good results. It is listed to give the
grower as many legitimate options as possible, even though it may mean a great deal of
time and management, only the grower can decide if it is worth their time to implement
the management practice. In the table the general management tool is stated, i.e., ―crop
rotation‖.

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A Systems Approach to Pest Management
One of the main strategies for pest control in organic production systems is the
ecological pest management approach that treats the whole farm as a complex system.
Ecological pest management‘s strategy is to manage the whole farm to keep pests at
acceptable populations using many integrated approaches. Integrating natural
strategies into farming systems, manages pests in a way that is healthier for the
environment and eliminates many of the problems associated with agrichemical use.
Part of this technique includes understanding the life cycle of pests and their natural
enemies, which allows the grower to better manipulate the system to enhance the built-
in defenses available through nature.

Biological control is the use of natural enemies or beneficial insects, to reduce or delay
pest outbreaks. The goal of ecological pest management is to increase biological
control and hold a target pest below economically damaging levels – not to eliminate it
completely – since decimating the population also removes a critical food resource for
the natural enemies that depend on it. Increasing plant and animal diversity supports
the abundance and effectiveness of natural enemies.

Increasing Natural enemies

Beneficial organisms such as predators and parasites are found more frequently on
diverse farms where no pesticides are used, than in monocultures or in fields routinely
treated with pesticides. Farm systems that typically include more beneficial organisms
have: fields that are small and surrounded by natural vegetation, cropping systems that
are diverse with plant populations in and around fields with many perennials and
flowering plants, crops that are managed organically or with minimal agrichemicals,
soils that are high in organic matter and biological activity and – during the off-season –
fields covered with mulch or vegetation. Just the use of straw mulch provides humid,
sheltered sites for nocturnal predators like spiders and ground beetles. A diversity of
plants provides many adult predators and parasites with pollen and nectar which they
need to have energy to search for hosts (pests). Predaceous ground beetles do not
disperse far from their overwintering sites; access to permanent habitat near or within
the field means they will be present to feed on early-season pest populations. You can
enhance these populations of natural enemies by providing resources to attract and
keep them on your farm.

Flowering plants such as buckwheat can be grown in field margins to increase
populations of syrphid flies and reduce aphid populations in adjacent vegetable crops.
This method is most effective for pests of intermediate mobility. You can provide natural
enemies with habitats by sowing diverse flowering plants into strips every 200 to 400
feet across the field. Beneficials can use these corridors to circulate and disperse into
field centers. This practice increases the diversity and abundance of natural enemies.
Strips of buckwheat and tansy leaf in cabbage increases populations of small parasitic
wasps that attack the cabbage aphid.

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The size and shape of the blossoms on plants have a bearing on which insects will have
access to the flowers‘ pollen and nectar. For most beneficials, including parasitic wasps,
the most helpful blossoms are small and relatively open. Plants from the aster, carrot
and buckwheat families are especially useful (Table 1). Timing of flowers is important to
natural enemies, as they need pollen and nectar during active times, especially in the
early season when prey is scarce. One of the easiest ways to supply nectar and pollen
sources is to provide mixtures of plants with relatively long, overlapping bloom times.
Examples of flowering plant mixes might include species from the daisy or sunflower
family (Compositae) and from the carrot family (Umbelliferae).

Table 1. Flowering Plants That Attract Natural Enemies
COMMON NAME COMMON NAME
Umbelliferae (Carrot family) Legumes
Caraway Alfalfa
Coriander (cilantro) Big Flower vetch
Dill Fava bean
Fennel Hairy vetch
Queen Anne‘s lace (wild carrot) Sweet clover
Wild parsnip Crimson clover

Compositae (Aster family)
Blanketflower Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
Coneflower Hoary alyssum
Coreopsis Sweet alyssum
Cosmos Yellow rocket
Goldenrod Wild mustard
Sunflower
Yarrow Other species
Buckwheat
Cinquefoil

General Pest Management Tactics

CULTURAL CONTROLS involve the adjustment of standard farm practices to avoid
pests or to make the environment less favorable for them. There are several types of
cultural controls; the following are a few examples of commonly used methods. Crop
rotation replaces a crop that is susceptible to a particular pest with another crop that is
not susceptible, on a rotating basis. For example, Colorado potato beetle can be
starved out by following potato or tomato with a legume crop such as soybeans or
clover, or by using corn. Sanitation refers to keeping the area clean of plants or
materials that may harbor pests. Examples include removal of weeds that may harbor
mites, aphids, or whiteflies; destruction of crop residues such as squash vines that allow
late season pests such as squash vine borer or squash bugs to mature and overwinter;

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cleaning of farm equipment that can spread pests (nematodes) from field to field. Fall
tillage exposes overwintering pests such as squash vine borers to predation and winter
weather. Be sure to use only clean seed or transplants in your field. Sometimes pests
can be introduced by infested or infected transplants from southern production areas.
Companion planting is planting an additional crop to attract natural enemies or makes
it difficult for pests to find their more favored host crop. An example of this would be
planting buckwheat in between rows of vegetables to increase natural enemies such as
parasitoids, Orius, lacewings, or lady bugs.

Trap cropping is the planting of the pest‘s preferred vegetable variety before or during
the presence of the main crop; the insects are attracted to the trap crop which is then
destroyed. For example, potato can be planted before tomato to attract Colorado potato
beetle to the potato trap crop. Another version of this is the Perimeter Trap Crop,
which concentrates pests in the border area of the field. This technique involves
planting usually one but sometimes more rows of an attractive plant species so that it
encircles the less attractive main crop, and intercepts a migrating insect population.
Examples of this are: reducing diamondback moth larvae on cabbage, using collards as
the trap crop; pepper maggots on bell peppers or eggplant, using hot cherry peppers as
the trap crop; and cucumber beetles on summer squash, winter squash, cucumbers,
melons, and sometimes pumpkins, using Blue Hubbard or Buttercup squash as the trap
crop. While this technique has shown some success, it does require extra land and
another crop must be grown, planted and cared for so that it is attractive to the pest (if
the perimeter trap crop is in poor condition it will not attract the pest). Another
consideration is that once the pest builds on the trap crop it has to be eliminated in
some way so that it does not simply migrate to the main crop. In organic systems this
usually means the rapid destruction of the trap crop. It is difficult to destroy the trap crop
without causing the pest to move into the main crop. For certain highly mobile pests
such as cucumber beetles or squash bugs trap cropping has had limited success, but
works better for less mobile pests such as aphids or Colorado potato beetle. For
Mexican bean beetle (MBB) control one grower developed alternative (GDA) uses the
parasitic wasp Pediobius foveolatus and a trap crop. Plant the trap crop of beans as
early as possible (weeks before and in a different area than the regular planting of
beans). Once MBBs start to increase on the trap crop of beans Pediobius sp should be
released. The wasp parasitizes the larvae. Two problems with this method is that the
wasp needs to be released each year and it is expensive (~$1.30/wasp and >100 are
needed to make it work). The timing of release is critical—too few MBB and the wasp
dies out or leaves the area, too many MBB and the trap crop is destroyed.
Timing of plantings can reduce certain pests by making the crop unavailable to the
pest. Seedcorn maggots can be avoided in vulnerable crops by planting the crop only
after the soil temperature reaches 65o F at a 4-inch soil depth. Heating of the soil can be
sped up by using black plastic mulch or sped up even further using clear plastic mulch
(weeds will be a problem though under the clear mulch). For cabbage maggots the
adults emerge and become active about the same time as Forsythia and yellow rocket
bloom and the transplanting of brassicas should not be done at this time. However, fall
root crops such as turnip and rutabaga can be damaged by later generations of the

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cabbage maggot, which are active in late August and early September when soils are
cooling down, so planting when soils are warmer will decrease maggot damage. Choice
of cultivar used can be important at times and if marketing considerations are not
important (and usually they are) certain varieties can be used that are less susceptible
to a pest. An example is using different cucurbit or squash types that are less attractive
to cucumber beetles. These varieties are in the order of most attractive to least for
cucurbits: bitter gourd> Blue Hubbard squash> winter squash> cucumbers> summer
squash> cantaloupe> pumpkin> honeydew> Butternut squash> watermelon; for
different squash cultivars: Slender Gold> Seneca Prolific> Sunbar> Yellow Crookneck>
Scallop> Table Ace> Carnival> Table King. For squash bug the most susceptible
cucurbit types are: Summer squash (zucchini and crookneck) = Hubbard squash=
pumpkin> marrow squash.

Cover crops can be used to attract natural enemies, such as predators like lady bugs,
lacewings, big eyed bugs, etc. as well as parasitoids (see biocontrol section) but usually
are selected based on agronomic reasons. It may be better to avoid certain cover crops
such as wheat in areas where onion thrips are a problem, because thrips overwinter
well in wheat. Oats would be a better cover crop in this case. Crimson clover can harbor
large populations of Lygus bugs and would not be a good cover crop for strawberry.

Mulch can come in different forms or colors. Reflective mulch can be used to reduce
aphid and possibly leaf hopper populations which reduces virus transmission in squash,
cantaloupe and leaf crops to gain an additional 2-4 weeks of a virus free period.
Different colors of plastic mulch have not been consistently shown to reduce pest
problems, and therefore cannot be the sole reason to use it, i.e., there are horticultural
reasons. Straw mulch laid between rows of plastic or used around plants to reduce
weed growth can attract natural enemies. In potato, straw mulch attracts greater
populations of ground beetles that climb potato plants during the night and consume
Colorado potato beetle eggs and larvae. However, in cucurbits straw mulch around
plants can at times increase squash bug problems.

PHYSICAL CONTROLS are methods that physically keep insect pests from reaching
their hosts. Barriers include floating row covers such as Reemay® and Agriforce® for
many vegetable crops, and plant collars to keep cutworms from attacking plants such as
tomatoes. Row covers are good for early season pests as it is difficult to effectively
cover a large plant later in the season. Using row covers to protect cucurbits early in the
year from cucumber beetles is an effective method of control. As well as using row
covers on eggplant to protect this crop from early season flea beetle populations. Row
covers can be used to cover bulb crops like onions and protect them from onion and
seedcorn maggot infestations. Once these covered crops are larger, the row cover can
come off as the plants are much less susceptible to the pests (plus the cucurbits need
to be pollinated). Another physical control is Kaolin clay (Surround WP®), which is
naturally occurring clay. Kaolin clay is ground and processed to reach a uniform particle
size for application as a plant protectant. Applied as a suspension in water, Surround

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produces a dry white film layer on the surface of leaves, stems and fruit after
evaporation of the water. It acts as a physical barrier preventing insects from reaching
the plant. It also acts as a repellent by creating an unsuitable surface for feeding or egg-
laying. The dried clay particles can act as an irritant to the insect and can trigger an
excessive grooming response. These responses take place for both pest and natural
enemy. While there are other physical methods of removing pests such as vacuuming,
squashing them, trapping them, none are very effective and are usually too time
consuming or expensive on a large scale to be recommended. Rain or over-head
irrigation can reduce thrips, aphid, Diamondback moth, mite, etc. populations in
vegetables. Frequent watering needs to occur (3-4 times/week) and the watering needs
to be heavy enough to soak the ground around vegetable plants to be effective.

Insect Identification
Growers should become familiar with the biology and life-cycle of the major insect pests
that attack their crops. Understanding some basic insect biology often reveals when the
pest is most vulnerable to control measures and helps lead to successful management.
Growers should recognize not just the destructive life-stages of major insect pests, but
also the crop injury or damage they produce and the other life stages of the pest as well
to help determine when control efforts are needed. Beneficial insects and their immature
stages should also be recognized to avoid accidentally targeting natural enemies for
control. An accurate diagnosis of a problem can often avoid years of frustration and
needless expense. See the photo supplement section for help with identification of
pests and natural enemies.

Scouting and Monitoring
Crops should be scouted for insects or damage on a regular basis throughout the
growing season. For many crops and pests, this may mean walking fields weekly, or
even more frequently, especially during critical or vulnerable plant developmental
stages. Scouting crops always saves money in the long run by allowing for early pest
detection, reducing crop damage and helping to maintain consistent quality. Monitoring
insect populations with various types of traps (black light, pheromone, sticky, baited)
can sometimes substitute for information gathered during crop scouting. Insect traps
can help quantify pest pressure that is difficult to see, such as the number of night flying
(i.e., corn earworm) moths present. The number of insects captured in traps is often
used to time scouting activities, predict future pest levels, or is used in conjunction with
action thresholds to time controls and help avoid crop damage.

Plant resistance has been used for decades to reduce pest problems. Some plants
have physical and chemical variations that allow them to repel or tolerate pests. An
example of this would be sweet corn varieties that have long, tight silk tubes which
make it more difficult for worms or sap beetles to reach the ear. Another example is
squash or pumpkin varieties that have resistance to certain viruses.

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Natural Enemies
Predators

Lady beetles (Coccinelids)
A shiny, convex, half-dome shape and short, clubbed antennae. Most lady beetles are
predaceous as both larvae and adults. Young lady beetle larvae usually pierce and suck
the contents from their prey. Older larvae and adults chew and consume their prey.
Larvae are active, elongate, have long legs, and resemble alligators. Eggs are oblong,
yellow/orange, are about 1/25 inch in length and are laid on end in groups on leaves
and stems near aphids. Pupation occurs on stems or other substrates-sometimes at the
tip of a plant. There are 2-4 generations a year. Both adults and larvae feed primarily on
aphids and occasionally on whiteflies and other soft-bodied insects and their eggs. It is
NOT RECOMMENDED that lady beetles be purchased for release. Their tendency to
rapidly disperse makes it difficult for them to be used in biological control programs in
fields.

Green lacewings (Chrysoperla carnea-common green lacewing)
Generalist predators and are commonly found. Adult green lacewings are soft-bodied
insects with four membranous wings, golden eyes, and green bodies. Adults often fly at
night and are seen near lights. Most adult green lacewings are not predaceous, instead
feeding on honeydew, nectar, and pollen. Females lay their tiny, oblong eggs on silken
stalks attached to plant tissues. Depending on the species, eggs are laid singly or in
clusters, each on an individual stalk. Eggs are green when laid, then darken before
hatching. Larvae are white-cream colored with dark markings. Larvae are flattened,
tapered at the tail, and are 5/8 to 4/5 of an inch when full grown larva. All larvae are
predacious and have prominent mandibles which they attack their prey. Larvae prey
upon a wide variety of small insects including thrips, mites, whiteflies, aphids, small
caterpillars, leafhoppers, and insect eggs. Pupation occurs in loosely woven, spherical,
silken cocoons attached to plants or under loose bark. All stages of lacewings can
survive mild winters. Adult brown lacewings are not as common as green, but do look
similar and are about half their size. Females lay eggs singly on their side onto plant
tissues—not on hair-like stalks. Brown lacewing eggs look similar to syrphid fly eggs but
are smoother and have a small protrusion on one end. Brown lacewing larvae look
similar to green, but appear thinner. They feed on similar prey.

Orius spp or minute pirate bugs
Small, 1/12 to 1/5 inch long, oval, black with white markings, and have a triangular
head. Adults can be confused with plant bugs in the family Miridae, which are generally
larger, have longer antennae, and only have one or two closed cells in the tip of their
forewings. Orius spp undergo incomplete metamorphosis, and nymphs are usually
pear-shaped and yellowish/orange with red eyes. Eggs are inserted into plant tissues. It
takes three weeks from egg to adult. They are generalist predators and both adults and
nymphs feed on insect eggs and small insects such as thrips, mites, aphids, whiteflies,
and small caterpillars.

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Phytoseiulus spp.
Mites and do not have antennae, segmented bodies, or wings. They have an egg and
immature nymphal stages before becoming adults. They are about the size of two
spotted spider mites, but lack spots, are orange in color, and are shinier and more pear-
shaped than their prey. A good rule-of-thumb is that any small, orange-red mite-like
figure on a leaf that moves rapidly is probably a predatory mite. This predatory mite
feeds exclusively on spider mites and consumes two or three adult females or several
dozen eggs/day. It tolerates hot climates as long as the relative humidity is between 60
and 90 percent.

Ground beetles (Carabidae)
Medium to large soil-dwelling beetles, often about 1/3 to 2/3 inch long. Their shape and
color varies greatly. Adults are often black or dark reddish, although some species are
iridescent. Most species have a prominent thorax that is narrower than their abdomen.
They have long legs, are fast runners, and rarely fly. Carabid adults and larvae feed on
soil dwelling insect larvae and pupae, other invertebrates such as snails and slugs, and
sometimes on seeds and organic litter. Larvae live in litter or in soil. Larvae are elongate
and their heads are relatively large with distinct mandibles. Life cycle from egg to adult
is in one year.

Syrphid flies (Syrphidea)
Regularly found where aphids are present. Adults hover around flowers, have black and
yellow bands on their abdomen and resemble bees. Females lay oblong eggs, singly on
their sides usually near aphids or within aphid colonies. Larvae are legless and maggot-
shaped and vary in color and patterning, but most have a yellow/green longitudinal
stripe on their back. Larvae are 1/32 to 1/2 inch long depending on species. Adult
syrphid flies feed on pollen and nectar while the larval stage feeds on aphids and other
soft-bodied insects and play an important role in suppressing populations of
phytophagous insects. Larvae move along plant surfaces, lifting their heads to grope for
prey, seizing them and sucking them dry and discarding the skins. A single syrphid larva
can consume hundreds of aphids in a month. Not all syrphid fly larvae are predaceous,
some species feed on fungi.

The Aphid midge, Aphidoletes aphidimyza
A delicate fly (resembling fungus gnats) with long, slender legs. They often stand with
their antennae curled back over their heads. Larvae have two projecting anal spiracles
(small tubes) relatively close together at their rear ends. Larvae develop through three
instars, are pale yellow-reddish brown, and are about 1/10 inch long. The immatures
feed like syrphid fly larvae on aphids, mites and other soft-bodies insects. Aphid midge
adults are very good at finding low infestations of aphids in enclosed structures such as
greenhouses or high tunnels, but are less effective in the field.

Soldier beetles, Cantharidae family
Long and narrow and are often about 1/2 inch long with a red, orange or yellow head
and abdomen and black, gray or brown soft wing covers. Adults are often observed
feeding on aphids or on pollen or nectar on flowering shrubs and trees. Larvae are dark,

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elongate, and flattened. They feed under bark or in soil or litter, primarily on insect eggs,
caterpillars and other insects. They are often mistaken for lightening bug adults, but
lack the large pronotum found on lightening bugs.

Bigeyed bug Geocoris spp
Adults and nymphs are oval, 1/6 of an inch long, usually yellow/brown, and have a wide
head with bulging eyes. Bigeyed bugs can be confused with other Hemipterans in the
same family (Lygaeidae) as well as insects in the Miridae family. Other Lygaeids are
more slender and have smaller eyes when compared to Geocoris spp. Bugs in the
Miridae family do not have their eyes spaced widely apart and generally have longer
antennae. Females lay oblong, white eggs singly on leaf surfaces which develop
reddish eyespots shortly after being laid. Bigeyed bugs are common on low-growing
plants including many field and row crops in which they stalk their prey. Their widely
separated eyes give them an extensive field of vision for spotting their prey which
includes insect eggs, other bugs, small caterpillars, flea beetles, and mites.

Grower developed alternative Predators: In asparagus to control asparagus beetle
on ferns, chickens or turkeys are used in the field. Not only do they reduce beetle
numbers and damage, but also supply some weed control and manure for the ferns.

Parasitoids

Most parasitoids, with the exception of Tachinids, are very tiny and almost impossible to
identify for the average grower. Instead what should be looked for are the results of the
host pest being parasitized. Aphids become brown and bloated, most other hosts
become blackened or dark in color when parasitized.

Aphidius spp (aphid parasites)
Adults are small wasps, typically less than 1/8 inch long. During their larval stage, most
feed within the body of an aphid, completing metamorphosis within the host. The female
wasp lays an egg inside an aphid, the egg hatches and the larva eats the aphid from the
inside. As the larva matures the aphid is killed and becomes slightly puffy or mummified,
usually turning tan. The adult parasite chews its way out of the mummy leaving a hole.
The genus Aphidius contains many species that provide biological control of aphids in
vegetable crops.

The family Tachinidae is the most important family of parasitic flies in vegetable
cropping systems. Tachinid larvae are internal parasites of caterpillars, stink bugs and
other true bugs. Adults resemble stout houseflies (except squash bug Tachinids-see
below), but with very heavy bristles at the tips of their abdomens. Egg laying habits
vary. In some species, eggs are deposited on foliage near the host insect, and the
maggots are ingested during feeding by the host after they hatch. Most commonly the
adult fly glues eggs to the body of the host, and the maggots penetrate into the host's
body after the eggs hatch-while the attached egg stays intact on the host‘s cuticle.
Tachinid maggots feed internally in their hosts and exit the host body to pupate. Pupae
are commonly oblong and yellow to brown. Tachinid flies complete one to several

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generations per year. One common Tachinid in Maryland cucurbit fields is Trichopoda
pennipes, a parasite of squash bugs. The female lays its oval white eggs singly or in
groups on the sides or undersides of large nymphs or adults (an egg looks like a grain
of rice stuck to the insect) of the southern green stinkbug and the squash bug. The
larvae burrow into the bug's body where one larva will survive. The host dies after the
maggot leaves the body. If larger nymphs are attacked they will not be able to
reproduce when and if they become adults.

Voria ruralis
Attacks various species of cutworms and armyworms. Adult females lay one or several
eggs into the host larva which quickly hatch and the maggot consumes the caterpillar
internally.

Cotesia medicaginis
Adult wasps are black and shiny with long antennae roughly 0.12 inch long. The female
lays an egg in very small caterpillars. The shiny white wasp larva feeds within the
caterpillar, killing it, and emerging to pupate in a cottony white cocoon. A caterpillar
parasitized by C. medicaginis may be recognized by being lighter than normal in color,
somewhat shiny rather than velvety on the surface, and swollen toward the rear.
Conspicuous evidence of Cotesia species is the white or yellowish cocoon.

Encarsia formosa
An important parasite of whiteflies. Females are tiny wasps (<1 mm in length) with a
dark brown to black head and thorax and a bright yellow abdomen. Males are rare.
Adult females ―host feed‖ on all immature pest stages by puncturing the body with their
ovipositors and consuming the exuding blood. Eggs are laid into third and fourth-instar
whiteflies and hatch into larvae that feed within the whitefly nymph and grow through
three larval instars before killing the host. Greenhouse whitefly nymphs turn dark brown
or black (silverleaf white flies stay white) one week after being parasitized.

Trichogramma spp.
Adult wasps lay their eggs within a recently laid host egg, and as the wasp larva
develops, it eats the host embryo, causing the egg to turn black. Because their life cycle
from egg to adult is about 7 to 10 days, these parasites have many more generations
than their hosts, and their populations can increase rapidly. Because Trichogramma
turns the eggs of caterpillar species black it is the best way to detect parasitization by
this parasitoid. This wasp parasitizes tomato fruitworm eggs as well as many other
caterpillar pest species.

Important Insect Pests of Vegetables

Cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni
This pest feeds on the underside of leaves of cabbage, lettuce, spinach, beets, peas,
and tomatoes. It chews irregular holes through leaves. Moths lay greenish-white eggs
on the upper surface of leaves. Larvae are pale green with four thin, white lines along

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the back and a wide, pale line on each side of the body. Larvae move in a looping
motion. When disturbed, loopers rear upwards. Larvae go into a resting or pupal stage
in a flimsy, lace-like cocoon on the plant. Adults are brown moths with silver markings
on the wings. Cabbage loopers do not overwinter in Maryland, but fly up from the south
each year.

Imported cabbage worm Pieris rapae
The velvety-green caterpillar has a faint yellow stripe down its back and a row of faint
yellow spots on each side. It feeds on the leaves of cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli,
Brussels sprouts, turnips, radishes, kale, lettuce and weeds of the mustard family.
Caterpillars chew irregular holes in the leaves and usually eat their way into cabbage
heads from the bottom. Their fecal pellets often stain cauliflower heads. The adults are
―cabbage white‖ butterflies and have black-tipped front wings with one black dot on
each hind wing. The females fly during daylight hours and lay yellowish, elongated
eggs, singly, on their tips on the underside of leaves.

Diamondback Moth Plutella xylostella
Larvae remain quite small throughout their lives. When disturbed, they often wriggle
violently, move backward, and spin down from the plant on a strand of silk. They are
colorless in the first instar, but later are green. Larvae feed only on cruciferous plants,
i.e., broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, collard, kale,
kohlrabi, mustard, radish, turnip, and watercress. Collards are usually preferred by
moths compared with cabbage. First instars act as leaf miners, then emerge from their
mines after the first instar and thereafter feed on the lower surface of the leaf. Eggs are
yellow or pale green and are oval and flattened and hatch in 4-7 days. The adult can
overwinter in Maryland, but also move up from the southern states in the spring.

European corn borer Ostrinia nubilalis
Feed on leaves until about half-grown, when they bore into a plant's stem or fruit. On
beans, small larvae feed on leaves, flowers and buds for 4-6 days at 70oF before boring
into bean pods. Larvae attack many species of plants, but corn, peppers, and potatoes
are severely damaged. The caterpillar is cream colored, has a brown head, and is
marked with small, round, brown spots. It overwinters as a nearly full-grown larva in
cornstalks. Eggs are laid in groups of up to 50 on the underside of leaves and overlap to
resemble small fish scales. There are 2-3 generations a year.

Beet Armyworm Spodoptera exigua
A general feeder and attacks foliage, stems of a wide variety of vegetables, i.e., beets,
asparagus, corn, lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, onions, and peas.
Larvae have a dark spot on each side of the thorax. The beet armyworm overwinters as
a pupa, emerging in the spring as an adult. Females can lay 500-600 eggs over a
seven-day period. Egg masses are covered with scales. There are several generations
a year.

11

Tomato fruitworm Helicoverpa zea or corn earworm
Can attack almost any vegetable such as peppers, eggplant, beans, okra, lettuce, and
cabbage, but does the most damage to corn and tomatoes. Fresh corn silk is preferred
but if unavailable their next preference is tomato foliage, especially when plants are
flowering. Eggs may hatch in two or three days and larvae feed on fruit, leaves or silks.
Larvae can attack tomatoes from the time the fruit forms until it ripens, and attack corn
as long as fresh silks are present. Larvae can be many different colors, i.e., brown,
green, or pink. The head is yellow, and the underside of the body is always lighter than
the back.

Cutworms (various species)
Attack asparagus, cabbage, squash, and tomatoes. Most cutworms cut off plants at or
near the soil. Cutworms usually feed at night when temperatures are at least 65 o F.
During the day these insects hide just beneath the soil close to the site of the previous
night's damage. Cutworms curl up into a tight C shape when disturbed. Most cutworm
larvae are dull in color as are the adult moths. Cutworms generally overwinter in the soil
in the larval or pupal stage.

Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda
Larvae damage corn as well as beans, potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, spinach, cabbage,
and cucumbers. Larvae are very small at hatch, but are 1-1/4 inches when grown.
Larvae vary in color from light tan to green or nearly black with thin, yellow stripes along
their sides, and have a prominent inverted Y on the front of the head. Moths do not
overwinter and must move northward each summer from the Gulf Coast. There are
many generations in Maryland.

Squash vine borer Melittia cucurbitae
Can be very destructive to squash and pumpkin. Eggs are oviposited at the base of a
plant where larvae hatch and quickly bore into the stem causing the entire plant to wilt.
Larvae overwinter in the soil in the same field they developed in and molt into a pupa
the next spring. Within two or three weeks after molting, it emerges as an adult. The
adult squash vine borers are black and red and look like wasps, which are active during
the day when they lay eggs. There are 1-2 generations of this pest each year. Wilting
plants are first seen in late June or July.

Hornworms Manduca spp
Large (3-4 inches) green worms with eight L-shaped, white markings along each side of
the body and a black or red horn at the end of the insect. They can defoliate young
plants such as tomatoes, peppers, potatoes. Adult moths are in the family Sphingidea
and have a wingspread of four to five inches and fly mainly at dusk. Females lay green
spherical eggs individually on plants. Hornworms overwinter in Maryland and have two
generations a year.

12

Yellow striped armyworm Spodoptera ornithogalli
Larvae are dark green with a yellow-orange stripe along each side and black spots on
their abdominal segments. It feeds on tomato and pepper fruit. Adults are brown, black,
and white moths with a 1-1/2 inch wingspread. Eggs are covered with scales and are
laid in clusters on foliage.

Both the Common asparagus beetle (CAB) Crioceris asparagi adult and larvae
damage asparagus plants. CAB adults overwinter in sheltered locations such as under
loose tree bark or in the hollow stems of old asparagus plants. They chew holes in the
plant and cause a brownish discoloration of the tissue. The beetles lay numerous dark
brown, oval-shaped eggs on end in rows on the spears, ferns, or flower buds. The grubs
will feed on the tender young tips and on foliage. They feed for about two weeks and
then fall to the ground to pupate in the soil. About a week later, adults emerge to start
another generation. The spotted asparagus beetles also feed on foliage, eating out
irregular areas, but the larvae cause little damage because they feed inside the berries.

Bean leaf beetle Cerotoma trifurcata
Adults are red to yellow and have a dark triangular mark on the front of the wing covers,
six black spots in the center of the back and a black edge around the outside of the
wing covers. They feed on beans, peas, cowpeas, soybeans and corn, some clovers,
and many weeds. They spend the winter as adults in trash near bean fields. Adults drop
from foliage when disturbed. Bean leaf beetles feed on foliage, making round holes.
Eggs are laid in the soil near the base of plants. Larvae are white and feed on the roots
of bean plants. There is one generation per year.

Colorado Potato beetles Leptinotarsa decemlineata
The common black and yellow-striped insects that feed on potato, tomato, eggplant,
and pepper. Both the adult and the black-spotted, red or orange larvae feed on foliage.
Their damage can greatly reduce yield and even kill plants. Colorado potato beetles
overwinter in the soil as adults. They become active in the spring and begin to feed on
any Solanaceous plants. Female beetles lay 10-20 orange-yellow eggs in batches on
the underside of the leaves. Eggs hatch in four to nine days and the larvae begin to feed
on potato foliage. The larvae are humpbacked with two rows of black spots on each
side. They usually feed in groups and damage can be severe. The larval stage lasts two
to three weeks. Full grown larvae burrow in the ground to pupate. In five to ten days, the
adult beetle emerges. CPB can go from egg to adult in 21 days. There are two full
generation a year.

Flea beetles Phyllotreta and Epitrix spp
Consist of many different species that attack a variety of vegetables that include
potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant and corn. Flea beetles have enlarged hind legs and jump
quickly. They overwinter as adults in trash around field borders and in ditch banks.
Adults are small about 1/16 to 1/18 inch long and usually black. Most species lay eggs
in the soil at the base of plants. Larvae are cylindrical, white with a brown head and feed
on the roots. There are three or more generations per year. Adults cause numerous
small round holes "buckshot" in foliage, which can result in plant death.

13

Mexican bean beetle Epilachna varivestis
Adults are orange-brown and the shape and size of lady beetles. They emerge from
under brush or leaves, as soon as warm weather arrives. They have eight black spots
arranged in three longitudinal rows on each wing cover. Larvae are light yellow and
covered with stout branched spines, arranged in six longitudinal rows. Bean (snapbean,
lima beans, and soybeans) is the preferred host, as well as beggarweed. The MBB can
survive on cowpea, black-eyed pea, velvet bean, alfalfa, and clover. Adult and larval
stages will feed on the foliage, flowers and pods of beans. Eggs are yellow-orange and
are typically found in clusters of 40 to 75 on the undersides of bean leaves. There is one
generation per season.

Striped cucumber beetles Acalymma vittatum
Yellow with three wide black stripes. Adults feed on leaves, stems, and fruit of cucurbits,
while larvae feed on the plant‘s roots. Adults vector the causal agent of bacterial wilt of
cucurbits and sometimes cucumber mosaic virus. Adults lay eggs at the base of plants.
There are two generations per year. In addition to cucurbits, striped cucumber beetles
feed on beans, peas, and corn.

Harlequin bugs Murgantia histrionic
Black, shield-shaped bugs with orange, red, and yellow markings. Immatures are
nymphs that are similar in color to adults. Eggs are off-white barrel-shaped with two
black bands; one at the top, the other near the bottom and a black spot just above the
lower band. These bugs attack nearly all crucifers, as well as weeds such as wild
mustard, shepherdspurse, peppergrass, bittercress, and watercress. They also can feed
on squash, corn, bean, asparagus, and tomato. The harlequin bug overwinters as an
adult and emerges early in spring. Adults and nymphs pierce stalks, leaves, and veins
and extract plant juices. This feeding injury appears as irregular cloudy spots around the
puncture wound. Young plants are likely to wilt, turn brown, and eventually die; while
older plants are only stunted.

Squash bugs Anasa tristis
Feed almost exclusively on squash and pumpkins. Both adults and nymphs feed by
sucking sap from plants. Damage usually can be detected by the occasional drooping of
a leaf and a marginal yellowing of leaves that turns brown over time. Adults are about
5/8 inch long, brownish-gray, and flat across the back. This insect overwinters as an
adult and mates in the spring. Reddish-brown eggs are laid on the underside of leaves
oftentimes in the angle where two veins meet. Each cluster contains 15 or more eggs,
which produce tiny, light gray nymphs. There is one generation each year.

Tarnished plant bugs (TPB) Lygus lineolaris
Feed on asparagus, potatoes, strawberries and beans. A small spot surrounded by a
yellow area is typical of tarnished plant bug feeding. Blossoms also may drop from a
plant as a result its feeding. Adults are flat, 1/4 inch long that are mottled brown with
irregular splotches of white, yellow, and black. Eggs are usually inserted into plant

14

tissues. The nymphs resemble adults but are smaller and wingless. TPB overwinters as
an adult and there are three to four generations per year in Maryland..

Aphids (many different species, most common species for Maryland include: green
peach-Myzus persicae; melon-Aphis gossypii; and potato- Macrosiphum euphorbia)
Feed by sucking juices from plants and feed on most vegetables. Some aphid species
transmit viruses that cause diseases (watermelon mosaic virus, zucchini yellow mosaic
virus, etc). However, out of a possible 50 species of aphids that can be found in
pumpkin fields, only four have been shown to carry and effectively transmit the mosaic
viruses. The melon and green peach aphids are strong vectors while the potato and
bean (Aphis fabae) aphids were fairly poor vectors. Adults are soft-bodied, tear-shaped,
and usually do not have wings. Two cornicles, or "exhaust pipes," extend from the hind
end of most aphids. Aphids may be green, pink, yellow, or black. Immatures or nymphs
resemble adults but are smaller. In the summer aphid females give live birth to clones of
themselves (there are no male aphids in the summer). Within 10-14 days these female
clones are giving live birth to clones. This is why aphid populations can increase very
quickly. As aphids feed they defecate much of the sugary sap taken from the plant onto
the leaf. This material ―honey-dew‖ is difficult to remove if it gets onto fruit. A black
sooty-mold also grows on the honey dew making any fruit that it is on unmarketable.
Aphids overwinter as eggs and there are many, many generations a year.

Leafhoppers Empoasca fabae
Potato leaf hopper and other species feed on many leguminous plants as well as
potatoes. Leafhoppers can inject toxins into plants causing a marginal necrosis on
leaves known as hopperburn. Their feeding on beans causes leaves to be stunted and
curled downward. Adults are pale green, wedge-shaped, and about 1/8 inch long. Eggs
inserted into plant tissues produce green nymphs that resemble adults but are smaller.
There are 3-4 generations per year.

Seedcorn maggot (SCM) Delia platura and Cabbage maggot D. radicum SCM
Attacks sprouting seeds and stems of beans, peas, and cucumbers and other
vegetables, while cabbage maggots prefer cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and related
crops. Both can attack beets, radishes, and other vegetables. The most serious
infestations occur in the spring during cool, wet weather and in soils high in organic
matter. Adults are grayish-brown flies about 1/5 inch long. Eggs are laid in the soil close
to plants. Maggots are 1/4 inch long when full grown, legless, and have chewing
mouthparts at the narrow end of the body. It is as a maggot that this insect is
destructive. Maggots feed on roots, either on the surface or by tunneling through them.
Fleshy parts of radishes or turnips will show brown streaks where tunneling has
occurred. Both maggots overwinter in soil in the pupal stage. There are three
generations per year of these pests.

The thrips pest complex consists of several different species (Frankliniella spp and
Thrips spp). The western flower thrips is usually the most destructive thrips species we
have in Maryland. It is a good vector of tomato spotted wilt virus and when it feeds on
vegetables causes more damage as compared with the much more common Eastern

15

flower thrips species. The most severe damage usually occurs in hot, dry years.
Damage appears as white flecks or streaks on leaves. Adults are small slender insects
about 1/20 inch long. They vary in color from yellow-orange to dark brown (you cannot
distinguish thrips species based only on color). Eggs are laid into plant tissue. Nymphs
look like adults but are smaller and usually lighter in color. Thrips mouthparts rasp plant
tissues in order to suck the juices. Western flower thrips were thought to not overwinter
in Maryland, but research by the author has shown they do overwinter in Maryland and
even up into Pennsylvania. The common Eastern flower thrips overwinter as adults.
There are as many as five generations a year in our area.

Two spotted spider mites Tetranychus urticae
Attack a very wide host range of vegetables (beans, peas, tomatoes, cucumber,
eggplant, strawberries watermelon, cantaloupe, etc). As with thrips damage is worse
during hot, dry periods. Adults are very small, oval and usually yellowish-white with two
dark spots on either side of their body (overwintering females are usually reddish for the
first few weeks). Adults lay large round eggs on the underside of foliage. The eggs
hatch into young mites that resemble adults but are smaller. Adults and nymphs suck
plant juices. As thrips do, mites scrape leaf material off the underside of leaves causing
very small brown streaks that eventually come together turning the leaf yellow except
for veins, which remain green. When an infestation is severe, fine silk webs may
entangle an entire plant, and moving spider mites can easily be seen in the webbing. At
this time it is almost impossible to control the mite infestation on that plant. Mites
overwinter as adults and there are many generations a year.

Biopesticides

Bt products are proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria. The species B.
thuringiensis is common in most soils. Bt has many subspecies that possess a variety of
crystalline proteins with distinct insecticidal properties. Some subspecies work only on
caterpillars, while others work only on beetles. It is important to match the subspecies of
Bt with the insect type. Bt: Bt kustaki: caterpillars; Bt aizawai: caterpillars (works better
on certain hard to control species such as beet armyworm, diamondback moth and
Imported cabbage worm); Bt tenebrionis: most effective on CPB larvae (does poorly on
large larvae and adults though); Bt israelensis: fly larvae (including fungus gnats,
blackflies, and mosquitoes). Bt must be ingested by a susceptible insect to be effective.
Other insects that come into contact but do not ingest Bt, such as natural enemies, are
not killed. When eaten by the insect, the protein becomes activated and binds to the
insect gut creating a hole, which allows gut contents to enter the insect‘s body cavity.
The insect ceases to feed and dies within a few days. Because Bt must be eaten by the
insect to be effective thorough coverage is necessary. Early detection and application
are crucial for good control because young larvae are more susceptible than older
larvae to Bt. The spray may only last a few days before it is broken down by sunlight
and weather. Additional ingredients such as stickers that promote adherence to leaf
surfaces and UV light inhibitors that protect Bt from photo degradation may enhance
efficacy.

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Beauveria bassiana
A naturally occurring fungus that kills a pest by infection as a result of the insect coming
into contact with its fungal spores. Insects vary in susceptibility to different strains. Over
the years strains have been collected from different infected insects and cultured to
create products for commercial use, i.e., B. bassiana GHA and B. bassiana ATCC.
These products are produced through fermentation. Once the fungal spores attach to
the insect‘s cuticle, they germinate sending out hyphae that penetrate the insect‘s body
and grow. It takes 3-5 days for insects to die. High humidity and free water enhance
activity of the fungus. Fungal spores infect and proliferate best in cool to moderate
temperatures, where infected cadavers can serve as a source of spores for secondary
spread of the fungus. Because spores have a short viability, good coverage (spray
material must reach the undersides of leaves) is essential. Three applications of B.
bassiana 7-10 days apart work best in increasing the chance of fungal spores being
present to contact the pest. B. bassiana is sensitive to high temperatures and best
results are achieved at application temperatures between 70 and 80°F. B. bassiana can
help control thrips, whiteflies, aphids, small caterpillars and Colorado potato beetle
larvae.

Neem products
Derived from the neem tree, Azadiracta indica and have been used for centuries for
medical, cosmetic and pesticidal purposes. Neem pesticide products are usually made
by crushing neem tree seeds and using water or a solvent to extract the pesticidal
components. Other neem products are made from cold-pressed neem seed oil or from
further processed neem oil. Neem products produced with different extraction
techniques may result in different biologically active chemicals in the product. Neem
cake, used as a fertilizer, is the residual seed meal remaining after extraction of oil from
neem seeds. Azadirachtin acts as an insect growth regulator by preventing insects
from molting by inhibiting production of ecdysone, the insect molting hormone. It also
acts as an anti-feedant and an oviposition deterrent due to volatile compounds that
repel some insects from depositing eggs. Most commercially available neem products
(AZA-Direct®, Azatrol®, Ecosense® and Neemix®) list azadirachtin as the primary active
ingredient. Neem oil is found in Trilogy® (neem oil that has had the azadirachtin
separated from it). Neem oil/soap is found in Organica® K+ Neem, which is derived
from neem oil to create potassium salts of fatty acids. Products containing both
azadirachtin and neem oil seem to have greater efficacy in controlling some insects
than either ingredient alone. In addition to foliar applications, neem can be absorbed
through plant roots and systemically move upward through the plant through water
conducting tissues, but sufficient quantities need to be applied to the root zone. There
are few foliar systemic effects.

Entrust
Composed of substances (spinosyns A and D) produced by aerobic fermentation of the
soil actinomycete Saccharopolysora spinosa. This species was found in soil samples
from an old rum production facility in the Caribbean in 1982. Actinomycetes are the

17

bacteria that give soil that sweet ‗healthy‘ smell when tilled. Spinosad is a fast-acting,
somewhat broad-spectrum material that acts on the insect primarily through ingestion,
or direct contact. It activates the nervous system of the insect, causing loss of muscle
control. Continuous activation of motor neurons causes insects to die of exhaustion
within 1-2 days. Foliar applications of spinosad are not highly systemic in plants
although some movement into leaf tissue has been demonstrated. The addition of a
penetrating surfactant increases absorption by tissues and activity on pests that mine
leaves. Entrust can last effectively for 3-6 days on plant foliage.

Pyrethrum
A plant based insecticide derived from the dried flower heads of the pyrethrum daisy,
Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium and other species. Pyrethrum is a fairly fast acting
contact insecticide with a quick knock-down in some insects, which leaves them
paralyzed. Non-susceptible insects may be knocked-down but usually recover if the
dose is low. In some pyrethrum products various oils (nutmeg, parsley, sassafras, etc.)
have been added (but no PBO). The addition of these oils has increased the efficacy of
pyrethrum for some pests. Pyrethrum has activity on many pest species, but control is
not always possible.

Chemicals

Soaps are potassium or ammonium salts of fatty acids. They work by smothering soft
bodied pests and disrupting their cuticle layer. In order to be effective, the fatty acids
must come into contact with the pest insect. Once the soap dries on the plant surface,
insects and mites will not pick up a lethal dose. Soaps have little efficacy against insect
adults (unless soft bodied such as aphids) eggs and larger nymphs and caterpillars.
Soaps function as wetting agents, which reduce the surface tension of water. Using
them can allow spray materials to penetrate into small crevices and cover plant surfaces
better with less ―beading up‖. Soaps are effective against some soft-bodied insects such
as aphids, whiteflies, mites, and thrips.

Insecticide Oils, which can be used during plant growth, are highly refined, light weight;
low impurity oils with sunscreens to reduce phytotoxicity. These are often referred to as
‗horticultural oils‘. Petroleum oils are derived from crude oil, which is separated into
fractions, which determine their insecticidal and plant phytotoxic values. Plant and fish
oils are chemically classified as lipids containing long-chain hydrocarbons. Although
there is interest in using botanical and fish oils as pesticides, the limiting factor is the
variability in oil composition and no well-defined standards for pesticide use. Other oil
products include mixtures of essential plant oils, such as clove and rosemary. These are
generally pressed from leaves, stems, or flowers rather than seeds. Little information is
available for the efficacy of these products. Oils are widely used to control insects and
mites by blocking the respiratory system causing suffocation or breaking down the outer
cuticle. Oils do an excellent job of controlling the egg stage of various mites and insects

18

by suffocating the developing embryo or interfering with the egg structure. Secondary
toxicity mechanisms include penetrating arthropod tissues and degrading them, and
fumigant effects of volatile oil components. Oils work best on sedentary or less mobile
insects (aphids, thrips) and mites. Thorough coverage, especially of the underside of
foliage is essential if oils are going to work. They tend to work best on smaller plants
such as strawberry or the early growth stages of cucurbits, tomatoes, beans etc.
because complete coverage is now possible.

One new organic product on the market is Azera®. It is a mixture of neem-azadirachtin
and pyrethrum. In efficacy trials in Maryland (Dively 2009) this product has shown good
to fair control of pests such as worms, thrips, mites, beetles.

19

Table 2. Different management tactics for control of pests on vegetables

Tables are set up so that within each management category the best possible
method(s) are presented with the understanding that, in some cases, the management
tactic listed will not always give good, consistent results. The level of ―control‖ is given
for each management tactic for each pest, rated 1-4, with level 1 "works well" and level
4 "works in some situations". As an example under Colorado potato beetle (CPB):
Physical control: kaolin clay. Kaolin clay has been shown to work under certain
circumstances, but is not reliable or consistent; nevertheless, it is listed because it has
been shown to be the best physical control available and that it may work in a farm
management program to reduce CPB, as it has in a few other situations. Another
example: flea beetle: Biological control: none. This does not mean there are no
predators or parasitoids of the flea beetle, but that biocontrol has little chance of
reducing a pest population by itself after the population reaches pest status.
Some management tactics listed may involve a great deal of work and or
management on the part of the grower and give anywhere from poor to good results.
These are listed to give the grower as many legitimate options as possible, even though
it may require a great deal of time and management. Only the grower can decide if it is
worth the time to implement the management practice. In the tables, the general
management tool is stated, i.e., ―crop rotation‖. A further explanation of crop rotation is
given in the second section and the reader is referred back to this section if they are
unsure how crop rotation works.

Key to control efficacy
1/
Overall works well, better than any other organic control when done properly.
2/
May work to some degree, but not consistently.
3/
Works only as part of an over-all plan of management to increase natural enemies and
decrease pests, will not control all pests all of the time.
4
/ Reported to work in some situations, but is not consistent or reliable.

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Legumes: Pea, Green Bean, Lima Bean, Dry Bean

PEST PHYSICAL CULTURAL BIOLOGICAL BIOPESTICIDE CHEMICAL
European corn borer None Companion plants 2/ to Several predators 2/ 2/
Bt must be applied Azera2/
(ECB) increase natural enemies and parasitoids 2/ often when larvae are
small and feeding on
leaves.
Entrust 1/
Fruit worm None Small larvae feed on foliage, Several parasitoids 2/ Entrust 1/ -- Apply Pyrethrum 2/
flowers and the outside of when larvae small
pods. Larvae are more
exposed than ECB larvae
Aphids – None Companion plantings to Many predators and Neem and Soaps/oils 2/
Mostly pea aphids increase natural enemies 3/ parasitoids2/ Beauveria bassiana 2/
--
especially in cool
weather
Potato leaf hopper Row cover Variety selection 2/ -- Blue None Neem 2/ Azera 2/
Lake cultivars at greater risk
than Tendercrop cultivars
Bean leaf beetle None Sanitation3/ – destruction of MBB (GDA)-Parasitic Neem 2/ Pyrethrum 2/
(BLB) crop after harvest also wasp Pediobius
and provides good weed control foveolatus and a trap
Mexican bean beetle Later planting2/ – plant in crop1/ of beans; also
(MBB) early June for BLB see trap crop section
Other Worms -- None Alfalfa caterpillar more of a Several predators Entrust 2/ Pyrethrum2/
Cabbage looper problem in late June and July; and parasitoids 3/ Bt 2/ Azera2/
Alfalfa caterpillar Green clover worm not a Neem 2/
consistent problem
Seed corn maggot Row cover 1/ Reduce organic matter added None None None
to field 3/
Planting time can be delayed
if cool and wet 2/
1/
Overall works well, works better than any other organic control when done properly.
2/
Can work to some degree, but is not consistent.
3/
Works only as an over-all plan of management to increase natural enemies and decrease pests, will not control all pests all of the time.
4
/ Has been reported to work in some situations, but is not consistent or reliable.

21

Cucurbits: Watermelon, Pumpkin, Cucumber, Squash

Squash bug Row cover 1-2/ Varietal selection 2/ Trichopoda Neem 2/ Pyganic 2/
-- works well Crop rotation 2/ pennipes2/
early season, Sanitation 3/ Tachinid will
but once Companion plantings 3/ increase in
removed, pest population with
will quickly good companion
infest planting
Cucumber beetles Row covers1/ – Varietal selection 2/ -- Some None Neem 2/ Pyrethrum 2/
(Striped, spotted) works well varieties less susceptible than
early season, others to feeding and bacterial Pyganic 2/
(striped cucumber but once wilt
beetles vector removed, pest Kaolin Clay +
Erwinia tracheiphila will quickly Perimeter trap cropping 2/ Pyrethrum 2/
causal agent of infest
bacterial wilt-
disease worse on Kaolin clay 2/
cucumber >
cantaloupe >
squash > pumpkin)
Squash vine borer Row cover 1-2/ – Varietal selection 2/ -- winter None Entrust1/ – apply None
works well squash, pumpkin, zucchini are weekly to base of
early season, most susceptible; Butternut plant for 3-4 weeks
but once squash is not very susceptible after vines start to
removed, pest run
will quickly
infest
Aphids -- Row cover 1-2/ - Reflective mulch 2/ Natural enemies 3/ Neem 2/ Soaps, oils for use
2/
Green Peach (GPA) -only Companion plantings -- on small plants2
Melon Aphid used early such as buckwheat to increase
Potato aphid season natural enemies Neem for/ larger
Foxglove aphid plants 4/
1/ 2/ 3/
Overall works well, works better than almost any other organic control when done properly; Can work to some degree, but is not consistent; Works only as an over-all plan of
4
management to increase natural enemies and decrease pests, will not reduce all pests all of the time; / Has been reported to work in some situations, but is not consistent or
reliable.

22

Solanaceous: Tomato, Potato, Eggplant, Pepper

Colorado potato Kaolin Clay 4/ Rotational trap cropping 2/ Predators 3/ Neem Oil 2/ Azera 2/
beetle Cover crops 3/ Predators can be Entrust 1/
Straw mulching 2/ incased by using straw Pyrethrum2/
mulch 2/
Flea beetle -- Row Cover 1/ Rotation 2/ None Entrust 2/ reduces Pyganic 2/
Eggplant, potato, Sanitation2/ population, but not a
tobacco, and Kaolin Clay 2/ -- Trap cropping2/ using control.
palestriped flea use before fruit Chinese southern giant
beetles half grown mustard (Brassica juncea Neem 2/
var. crispifolia
Hornworm -- None Very few Natural enemies 3/ -- Bt 1/ -- must apply Pyrethrum 2/
Tomato and tobacco Hornworms rarely effect Larvae kept below when larvae very
yield in larger (>1 acre) threshold most of the small
fields time by natural enemies
Fruit worm None Cover Crops 3/ Natural enemies 3/ Entrust 1/ or Bt 1/ Pyrethrum 2/
Other Worms— None Rotation can help 3/ Predators3/ Entrust 1/ or Bt 2/ Azera 2/
Beet AW, Cover crops3/ Parasitoids 2/ Pyrethrum 2/
European corn borer
(potatoes), Fall AW
Stinkbugs None Rotation 3/ Tachinids 2/ are an None None
Cover crops and important group that will
companion crops that reduce stinkbug
increase Tachinids and population
other parasitoids3/
Thrips Frequent and Inter-cropping 2/ Orius 2/ -- Add Entrust 1/ Azera 4/
hard rains or Add flowering plants such flowering plants such as
irrigations will as sunflower and sunflower to field Beauveria bassiana
2/
reduce buckwheat between
3/
population vegetable rows
Aphids Early season Cover crops 2/ Parasitoids 2/ Beauveria bassiana Soaps, oils 2/
2/
(many species) use row cover ; Virus-resistant cultivars 2/
2/
Lady bugs, lacewings
Later use Clean transplants 1/ Orius 2/
2/
Kaolin clay
23

Mites Kaolin Clay 2/ Cover Crops 3/ Predatory mites 2/ Beauveria bassiana Soaps, oils 2/
TSSM Inter-planting buckwheat Orius 2/ 2/

between rows 2/ Neem Oil 2/
2/
White fly -- None Usually not a problem until Orius, lacewings Beauveria bassiana Soaps, oils 2/
2/
Tomato, eggplant, later into the season – Parasitoids 2/
pepper destroy crop immediately Neem Oil 2/
after harvest 2
Leaf hoppers None Trap cropping 4/ None Neem oil 4/ Pyrethrum 2/
(mostly potato) Varietal selection 2/ -- Pyganic 2/
Some potatoes more
tolerant

24

Sweet Corn

2/
Corn earworm None Varietal – varieties with Predators help, but not Bt works well in MD None
long, tight silks help keep enough to be for early planted
out worms. economical3/ corn, works poorly
Plant early as worm later into the season-
problems worse in August even if delivered into
and September3/ silks
Entrust 2/ - can work
as a silk treatment
(spray)
European corn borer None Planting date 2/ -- plant Entrust 1/ – good results None None
either early or later in
season to miss first Bt 2/ – need to spray
generation often
Sanitation 3/ -- shred Usually not economical
stalks as soon as possible
Fall armyworm None Area-wide planting to None Entrust 1/ - target silks None
increase predators 3/ or whorl
Bt 2/ - not that
effective
Rootworm beetles None Rotation 1/ A few 3/ None None

Corn flea beetle None Crop rotation 2/ -- works Very few 3/ None None
fairly well but not 100%
Seed corn maggot Row covers for Warmed soil best – cool, None None None
earliest sweet damp soils that delay
corn varieties3/ germination are worse3/
1/ 2/ 3/
4
reliable

25

Root Crops: Carrot, Onion, Beet, Radish, Turnip, Rutabaga

Root maggots -- Row covers 1/ - Planting Time 2/ - Avoid cool Few predators 3/ None None
Seed corn -work best early damp soils or wait until 680dd Ground beetles3/
Onion on, but after (42oF base), which is the end Rove beetles3/
plants are of last generation Fungal pathogens 3/
growing they Rotation – move away from
can be remove previous field if feasibl1/
Tillage/ cultivation of old crop
Sanitation – destroy cull piles1/
Thrips Heavy rains (or Some onion cultivars more Orius2/ most Entrust 1/ – do not Azera 2/
over-head susceptible than others2/ -- important, but not over apply –
irrigations) can Red onions in general more important for early resistance possible
reduce thrips sensitive to thrips. season control, better
population2/ Green bunching onions for mid and late Beauveria bassiana
2/
greater chance for damage season control
than bulb onions. Infestation
prior to bulbing is worse than
after bulbing
Flea beetles Usually not a Eliminate weeds around field None Entrust 2/ - may only Azera 2/
problem to reduce flea beetle reduce population
unless very high population 3/ Neem 2/ - reduces
numbers population, but not
present Rotation 2/ consistent
Leaf miners -- Row cover 1/ Worse damage in mixed Several parasitoids 1/ - None Pyrethroid 2/
Several species cropping systems. -Usually keep pests
Worse in green onions, little under control Azera 2/
damage to bulb onions
Worms -- Rain (or Dry conditions favor DBM Ground beetles are Entrust 2/ Azera 2/
Army worms, overhead buildup important in reducing
cutworms, irrigation) that is all worms except horn Neem 2/
Horn worms, frequent and worm2/
Diamondback moth heavy reduces Parasitoids attack Bt 4/
DBM, AW and horn worms2/
other worms3/

26

Aphids – Kaolin Clay 4/ Companion plants 2/ that build Predators and Beauveria bassiana Soaps/oils 2/
Green peach aphid natural enemy populations in parasitoids 1/ are 2/

(GPA) and around the field important plentiful and usually
Potato aphid keep aphid
populations low
1/ 2/ 3/
4
reliable.

27

Brassicas: Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower
Other Crops: Asparagus

Cabbage looper Possibly row Clean transplants 3/ Several parasitoids 2/ Entrust1/ Pyrethrum2/
(CL) covers Weed control 3/ ICW is an endemic Bt1/ -best on ICW
Imported cabbage But not practical Sanitation 2/ -- destroy pest, Neem2/ Need Azera2/
worm (ICW) all season2/ crop right after harvest CL and DBM do not several applications
Diamondback moth Trap crops 2/ -- Use over winter well to see results
(DBM) collards
Aphids -- Kaolin clay 4/ Companion planting, Parasitoids2/ Neem2/ Soaps2/ NOT
Green peach (GPA) Row covers 1/ -- whole farm management Diaeretiella rapae effective against
Cabbage aphid (CA) works well for to increase natural Aphid midge 2/ GPA
Asparagus aphid early season enemies2/ Aphidoletes aphidimyza
(AA) protection Oils2/
3/
Grower Destroy any volunteer A few predators but Beauveria bassiana None
Cabbage maggot developed spears2/ none are very effective + sticky tape2/
alternative- use Planting time 2/ - adults
sticky roll tape first become active when
over rows + B. forsythia or yellow rocket
bassiana2/ are in bloom
1st generation worse
Flea beetles -- Row covers 1/ Weed control 3/ -- no Very few Entrust2/ has shown Pyrethrum2/
Crucifer and striped brassica weeds in area some control
Azera2/
2/
Straw mulch Grower developed
Perimeter trap cropping 2/ - alternative: Mijers
- use collards to attract Hot sauce4/
flea beetles
Rotation 3/
Onion thrips Row covers 2/ Rotate away from wheat Orius 3/, but few Entrust1/ Azera2/
fields predators migrate to
Planting – do not locate brassicas
brassicas near wheat or
oats

28

Asparagus beetles -- None Destroy any volunteer Parasitoids2/ -- Entrust2/ None
Usually only the plants2/ Tetrastichus asparagi
Common asparagus attack CAB eggs and
beetle (CAB) needs Check for beetles from 10 larvae. They can
control am -5 pm2/ sometimes parasitize
The spotted up to 70% of the eggs.
asparagus beetle is Predators3/ -- Lady
usually not a major beetles
problem
1/ 2/ 3/
4
management to increase natural enemies and decrease pests, will not reduce all pests all of the time; / Has been reported to work in some situations, but is not reliable.

29

Leaf Crops: Head Lettuce, Green and Red Leaf Lettuce, Endive, Parsley, Collards, Kale, Spinach, Turnip Greens

Lygus bug None Some cover crops, such as Many parasitoids2/ , Neem 2/ Azera 2/
crimson clover, can increase their but they do not
numbers, but others like pre- reduce populations
bloom hairy vetch can keep them consistently
away from leaf field2/
Aster leaf hopper - Row cover 1- 2/ -- if Plow lettuce fields immediately None None Azera 2/
- crop grown early after harvest to reduce aster
Vectors the casual enough in the yellow inoculums2/. The weeds:
agent of asters season before it Queen Ann‘s Lace, dandelion,
yellows is too hot plantain, ragweed, horseweed are
reservoirs for asters yellows.
4/
Slugs Kaolin clay Tillage reduces slug populations2/ None None None
2/
Surround WP
has shown some
ability to kill and
repel slugs
Aphids -- Row cover 1- 2/ -- if Reflective mulch 2/ reduces the Many natural Neem 2/ Soaps 2/
Cotton/melon crop is grown in number of aphids landing on enemies 3/
aphid early season plants. Several parasitoids Beauveria bassiana Horticultural
Green peach before it gets too Plow field down 3/ as soon as are very good2/ 2/
oils 2/
(GPA) hot harvested. Keep nitrogen levels as are lady bugs2/,
Lettuce aphid as low as possible2/ but high etc.
Potato aphid enough to produce good yields.
1- 2/ --
Worms -- Row cover if Overhead irrigation 2/ reduces Many parasites 3/ Bt1/ works well in Pyrethroids 2/
Cabbage looper crop is grown moth flights and egg laying attack stages of controlling worms
Imported cabbage early season worm pests
worm Quickly destroy crop once Entrust 1/
Diamondback harvested2/
moth
Thrips Row cover 1- 2/ Avoid planting near grain crops or Orius is a good thrips Neem 2/ Soaps/oils 2
early season onions2/ predator2/–
sunflowers attract Beauveria bassiana
2/
Orius adults

30

Flea beetles Row cover 1- 2/ Trap crop2 – use collards, the None Entrust 1/ can Azera 2/
early season glossy smooth leaves attract reduce the
these beetles population, but not
control it
Harlequin bug Mild winters favor Trap crops2 -- early planted kale, Natural enemies can None None
greater survival of turnip or mustard; after population help keep
bugs and builds cover with straw mulch and populations down,
increases burn trap crop. but at times not
chances of Destroy crop residue after enough2/.
damage2/ harvest2/

31

Insect Pest Management - University of Maryland

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Insect Pest Management - University of Maryland