How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

Cucurbits are relatively fast growing, annual crops; consequently, beneficial insects and mites may not have adequate time to develop high populations in the early stages of crop development. If natural enemies are to provide control in cucurbits, they must either come from adjacent crops (alfalfa, orchards, etc.), noncultivated areas, or be released throughout the cucurbit field. Be aware, however, that control by natural enemies is not always adequate to prevent economic losses and it may be difficult to establish populations of introduced beneficials. For example, if lady beetles are released, they generally fly away before significant feeding occurs, but naturally-occurring populations can sometimes effectively control insects such as aphids.

PUBLICATION

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Cucurbits
UC ANR Publication 3445
General Information
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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