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How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

| More pests | More crops | About guidelines |

Grasshopper adult.

Cucurbits

Grasshoppers

Scientific Name: Melanoplus spp.

(Reviewed 11/05, updated 6/08)

In this Guideline:

DESCRIPTION OF THE PEST

Grasshoppers may occasionally attack cucurbit crops, particularly if planted adjacent to foothill rangeland. They normally migrate from the range into cultivated areas as vegetation on the rangeland dries up.

DAMAGE

Grasshoppers destroy leaf tissue and, if present in extremely large numbers, will consume the entire plant. They may also chew on fruit, scarring the surface and netting of cantaloupes.

MANAGEMENT

Keep fields and surrounding areas weed-free. Grasshopper problems usually occur when a migrating population from a foothill range area is attracted to the crop. Plant a trap crop between the crop and the direction that the grasshoppers might migrate from. The trap crop can be treated with cryolite. Treat the crop if feeding damage warrants control action.

Common name Amount/Acre R.E.I.+ P.H.I.+
(trade name)   (hours) (days)
When choosing a pesticide, consider information relating to water quality and impact on natural enemies and honey bees.
 
A. CARBARYL
  5% bait 20 lb 12 see label
  MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 1A
  COMMENTS: Apple pumice baits work better for crickets and grasshoppers than bran baits. Baits lose their attractiveness as they dry out. Apply in early evening to avoid drying out too soon from sun exposure. Use suitable ground or aircraft equipment that provides good distribution. Repeat application probably necessary.
 
  (Sevin) XLR Plus* 1–2 pt 12 3
  COMMENTS: Observe plant response precautions listed on the label. Avoid excessive applications. Be certain spray volumes are appropriate to assure adequate coverage. Use low rate for nymphs and high rate for adults.
 
B. ESFENVALERATE*
  (Asana XL) 5.8–9.6 oz 12 3
  MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 3
  COMMENTS: Repeat as necessary to maintain control. Do not exceed 0.25 lb a.i./acre/season.
 
C. MALATHION Label rates see label see label
  MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 1B
 
+ Restricted entry interval (R.E.I.) is the number of hours (unless otherwise noted) from treatment until the treated area can be safely entered without protective clothing. Preharvest interval (P.H.I.) is the number of days from treatment to harvest. In some cases the REI exceeds the PHI. The longer of two intervals is the minimum time that must elapse before harvest.
1 Rotate chemicals with a different mode-of-action Group number, and do not use products with the same mode-of-action Group number more than twice per season to help prevent the development of resistance. For example, the organophosphates have a Group number of 1B; chemicals with a 1B Group number should be alternated with chemicals that have a Group number other than 1B. Mode of action Group numbers are assigned by IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee). For additional information, see their Web site at http://www.irac-online.org/.
* Permit required from county agricultural commissioner for purchase or use.

[Precautions]

PUBLICATION

[UC Peer Reviewed]

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Cucurbits
UC ANR Publication 3445
Insects and Mites
E. T. Natwick, UC Cooperative Extension, Imperial County
L. D. Godfrey, Entomology, UC Davis
C. G. Summers, Entomology, UC Davis/Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
J. J. Stapleton, UC IPM Program, Kearney Agricultultural Center, Parlier
Acknowledgment for contributions to Insects and Mites:
R. L. Coviello, UC Cooperative Extension, Fresno County
C. B. Fouche, UC Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin County
J. B. LeBoeuf, AgriData Sensing, Inc., Fresno
M. Murray, UC Cooperative Extension, Colusa/Glenn counties

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Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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For noncommercial purposes only, any Web site may link directly to this page. FOR ALL OTHER USES or more information, read Legal Notices. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual solutions to specific pest problems. See How to manage pests, or in the U.S., contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance. /PMG/r116302011.html revised: June 30, 2008. Contact webmaster.