Squash Vine BorersĬlose-up of squash vine borer larva ( Melittia cucurbitae).Ĭlemson University – USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, ĭamage is caused by larvae (immature forms) tunneling into stems. Apply insecticides when nymphs are small, as adults are more difficult to kill. Early detection of squash bugs is very important, as they are difficult to control and can cause considerable damage. Remove and destroy vines and discarded fruit after harvest to eliminate overwintering sites. Other control methods include early planting and removing eggs and nymphs by hand. As bugs congregate under it for protection, simply lift the trap and smash them with your hoe (or shoe). Place a small, square piece of old shingle or heavy cardboard under each squash plant. The secretive nature of squash bugs can be used to your advantage in controlling these pests. Adults and nymphs may be found clustered about the crown of the plant, beneath damaged leaves, and under clods or any other protective ground cover. The squash bug is secretive in its habits. New adults do not mate until the following spring. Only one generation of bugs develops each year. They hatch in about 10 days into nymphs that become adults in four to six weeks. Eggs are yellowish-brown to brick red in color and are laid in clusters of a dozen or more on the leaves. They mate and begin laying egg clusters about the time vines begin to grow and spread. Squash bugs overwinter in protected places as unmated adults. Squash bug egg mass and freshly hatched nymphs ( Anasa tristis). Spraying with insecticidal soap, planting in aluminum foil-covered beds, and filling yellow pans with water to trap the aphids are also effective control measures. In addition to natural enemies, you can spray leaves with soapy water, then rinse with clear water. Infestations usually are higher in hot, dry summers following cool, dry springs, which have reduced the efficiency of the natural enemies. Beneficial insects are extremely important in keeping aphid populations in check. Usually, cucurbits are not attacked by aphids until the vines form runners.Ĭonsider natural controls when making treatment decisions. The melon aphid also is one of the chief vectors in transmitting Cucumber mosaic virus. Infested leaves curl downward and may turn brown and die. They are found chiefly on the underside of the leaves, where they suck the sap from the plants and cause a reduction in the quality and quantity of the fruit. Some are winged, while others are wingless. Melon aphids vary in size and color from light yellow to green to black. Mississippi State University Archive, Mississippi State University, Melon aphids ( Aphis gossyppi) and several other aphid species attack cucurbits, particularly melons and cucumbers. Melon aphids, also known as cotton aphids ( Aphis gossyppi). Certain insecticides applied at planting or as a foliar spray for insect control apparently contribute to severe outbreaks of mites on melons by killing their natural enemies. Because of their small size, spider mites are hard to detect until vines are damaged with hundreds of mites on each leaf. Damage can develop very quickly, and the mites can kill or seriously stunt the growth of plants. This damage appears as pale yellow and reddish-brown spots ranging in size from small specks to large whitish, stippled areas on the upper sides of leaves. These tiny mites feed on the contents of individual cells of the leaves. Two-spotted spider mites ( Tetranychus urticae) can be a serious problem on cucurbits, especially on watermelons and cantaloupes, during hot, dry weather. All other lady beetles are beneficial because they feed on insect pests, such as aphids and scale insects.ĭestroy crop residues after harvest and reduce overwintering sites by tilling. The adult of the squash beetle overwinters in crop debris. The other species, the Mexican bean beetle ( Epilachna varivestis), a close relative of the squash beetle, is a serious bean pest. The squash beetle feeds upon the leaves of cucurbits. Clemson University – USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, The squash beetle ( Epilachna borealis) is one of two species of Coccinellidae known to occur in the United States that eat plant material rather than other insects. Adult squash beetle ( Epilachna borealis), with spiny larva at left.
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