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How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

| More pests | More crops | About guidelines |

Larva of saltmarsh caterpillar.

Dry Beans

Saltmarsh Caterpillar

Scientific name: Estigmene acrea

(Reviewed 8/07, updated 8/07)

In this Guideline:

DESCRIPTION OF THE PEST

The saltmarsh caterpillar is most abundant in August and September, but damaging populations are sporadic. Eggs are laid in naked clusters on leaflets. Young larvae feed in groups of small, somewhat hairy worms which disperse as they grow, feeding individually.

MANAGEMENT

Specific treatment thresholds have not been established for these foliage feeders. Late season infestations are insignificant. If damaging numbers are encountered mid-season when excessive foliage loss may reduce crop production, a treatment may be warranted.

Common name Amount/Acre** R.E.I.+ P.H.I.+
(trade name)   (hours) (days)
When choosing a pesticide, consider information relating to the impact on natural enemies and honey bees and environmental impact.
 
A. BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS ssp. KURSTAKI#
  (various products) Label rates 4 0
  MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 11.B2
  COMMENTS: Does not destroy natural enemies of corn earworm. Control is maximized by thorough coverage and by making applications when larvae are small.
 
B. ACEPHATE
  (Orthene) 75 SP 0.67 lb 24 14
  MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 1B
  COMMENTS: Use of product may result in mite outbreak. Highly toxic to honey bees; do not apply when bees are present.
 
C. METHOMYL*
  (Lannate SP) 0.5–1 lb 48 14
  MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 1A
  COMMENTS: Highly toxic to honey bees; do not apply when bees are present. Do not apply more than 4.5 lb a.i./acre/crop.
 
 
**  Mix with sufficient water to obtain full coverage.
+ 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.
* Permit required from county agricultural commissioner for purchase or use.
# Acceptable for use on organically grown produce.
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/.

[Precautions]

PUBLICATION

[UC Peer Reviewed]

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Dry Beans
UC ANR Publication 3446
Insects and Mites
L. D. Godfrey, Entomology, UC Davis
R. F. Long, UC Cooperative Extension, Yolo Co.

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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/r52300211.html revised: August 8, 2007. Contact webmaster.