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How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines


Cucurbits

Biological Control

(Reviewed 11/05, updated 11/05)

In this Guideline:


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 Peer Reviewed]

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Cucurbits
UC ANR Publication 3445
General Information
R. L. Coviello, UC Cooperative Extension, Fresno Co.
E. T. Natwick, UC Cooperative Extension, Imperial Co.
L. D. Godfrey, Entomology, UC Davis
C. B. Fouche, UC Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin Co.
C. G. Summers, Entomology, UC Davis/Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
J. J. Stapleton, UC IPM Program, Kearney Agricultultural Center, Parlier
Acknowledgment for contributions to the insect and mite section:
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
All contents copyright © 2005 The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.

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/r116900111.html revised: November 8, 2005. Contact webmaster.