Post on 29-May-2020
ManagingInsect and Mite Pests in Vegetable Gardens
John A. Jackman Professor and Extension Entomologist
The Texas A&M University System
eration time, about a week under good condi-tions, and their numbers can increase rapidly.When pests seem to appear in large numbersalmost overnight, they have either flown in orare reproducing rapidly.
As insects grow, they change size and shape.This process is called metamorphosis. Someinsects damage plants in both the immature andadult stages. Because insects change form, theymay be difficult to identify and their damagemay change with them. Small caterpillars maybarely scrape the surface of a leaf, while largercaterpillars may eat great chunks of leaves.
An insect’s mouthparts often determine the typeof damage expected from a pest. Insects withsucking mouthparts feed by piercing leaves orfruit. Damage appears as pock marks or mottledleaves. Insects with chewing mouthparts chewholes in plant tissue. Recognizing how an insectfeeds also helps a gardener select the properinsecticides — stomach poisons for chewinginsects or contact poisons for sucking insects.
Plan AheadWhen planning a vegetable garden, anticipatethe pests that may occur later. Consider themanagement practices for specific pests beforethey become a problem. Implement the manage-ment plan in plenty of time to deal with thepest problems. Use past experience as a guide toanticipating pests for the upcoming season.
Integrated Pest ManagementIntegrated pest management — IPM — is a phi-losophy of managing pests by using a combina-tion of control techniques. IPM balances thegoals of economic production and environmen-tal stewardship when implementing controlpractices. IPM is the overriding strategy for
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Vegetable gardening can be an entertaining pas-time and a source of fresh, homegrown produce.Producing your own vegetables adds to theenjoyment of consuming them and may also becheaper than purchasing produce.
However, growing your own vegetables can bechallenging. One of the challenges is successful-ly dealing with pests, especially insects. Thispublication discusses some of the managementalternatives that vegetable gardeners can use todeal with insects and other pests and providesinformation on insecticides that are registeredfor use in home gardens.
Understanding InsectsAlthough there are about 30,000 species ofinsects in Texas, fewer than a hundred are rou-tine pests in vegetable gardens. Actually, mostinsects in gardens are either incidental or bene-ficial organisms that contribute to pollination,the balance of nature or recycling of organicmatter. A garden with an abundant supply ofinsects may actually be quite healthy and pro-ductive. However, some pest species can reducethe quantity and/or quality of the vegetablesproduced or transmit plant diseases from oneplant to another. Consider control measureswhen insects threaten a garden.
Identify the insects in your garden to determinewhether they are beneficial or pest species.Learn to recognize the common insects in yourarea, especially the common pests, and the signsof pest damage, and inspect your garden at leastonce per week to detect pests.
Insect pests can enter vegetable gardens bywalking or flying. Flight especially allows manyinsects great mobility, and their movement inlarge numbers is possible. Moreover, certainpests such as aphids and mites have a short gen-
most of production agriculture today, and it israpidly being adopted in urban environments aswell.
Monitoring or scouting crops for the presenceand abundance of pests is an important part ofIPM. IPM programs typically reserve the use ofinsecticides for situations where a pest is knownto be present and the numbers are high enoughto justify the cost of control practices.
Although many other insect control practicescan be implemented as part of an IPM program,the use of insecticides is generally included as acontrol option. When alternate control practicesare substituted for insecticides, the IPMapproach is much like organic gardening.
Many of the control practices available for homevegetable gardeners are categorized in the fol-lowing sections.
Cultural ControlCultural control consists of physical gardenmanagement practices that reduce pest impact.This may include crop rotation, cultivation,weed management, water management andproper fertilizer use. For some pests, it is effec-tive to interrupt the life cycle of the pests byleaving acreage fallow for a period or by rotat-ing crops. Always remove plant debris from agarden area because it can harbor pests. Controlweeds because they can attract insects that mayfeed on vegetables. Some pests of landscapeplants may also move into vegetable gardens.
Host Plant ResistanceVegetable varieties differ in susceptibility toinsect pests, a response called host plant resist-ance (HPR). Resistance can be expressed as tol-erance, non-preference or antibiosis. Toleranceis the ability of a plant to grow and produceeven with insect damage. Non- preference isexhibited when an insect chooses to feed on orlay eggs on alternate varieties or host plants.Antibiosis is the ability of a plant to kill or slowdevelopment of a pest, usually with chemicalsthat occur naturally in the plant.
Extensive trials are needed to understand theHPR of vegetables. Most variety selectionemphasizes other factors, such as appearance,taste and production volume. HPR status of
many modern varieties is not well knownbecause of the need to test new varieties as theybecome available in the marketplace.
Recently, researchers have altered the geneticmaterial of some field crops and vegetables suchas tomatoes, potatoes and corn. These are calledtransgenic plants. Dramatic results can be achiev-ed when genes for resistance to insects are incor-porated in the new varieties. Most of the insect-resistant transgenic vegetable varieties incorporategenes of the bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis, mak-ing them resistant to caterpillar pests. This resist-ance is an antibiosis effect that inhibits thegrowth of caterpillars on these plants. Resistanttransgenic vegetable varieties are expected tobecome increasingly available to homeowners.
Biological ControlBiological control is the use of one organism tocontrol another. Three approaches to biologicalcontrol have been successfully implemented: im-portation, conservation and augmentation. Impor-tation requires bringing a parasite or predatorfrom a foreign country into our country to con-trol a pest species. Importation is highly regulat-ed and is generally beyond the scope of homevegetable gardeners, although we all benefit fromimportation programs performed by researchgroups.
The conservation approach to biological controlis encouraging natural enemies that are alreadypresent in an area. Conservation methods areuseful in home gardens. They include plantingnectar-producing flowers that provide food forparasites and avoiding unnecessary pesticideapplications. Conservation also includes selectingpesticides that are toxic to a pest but relativelynon-toxic to beneficial insects.
Augmentation is the release of additional preda-tors and parasites, such as ladybird beetles, prey-ing mantids and parasitic wasps, into the naturalpopulations of biological control organisms. How-ever, many of these organisms occur naturally inthe environment, and any additional benefit fromsuch releases may be marginal. There are manycommercial sources of biological control agents.
Biological control should not be considered aninstant solution to pest problems. Generally, asound biological control program needs to be
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supported by careful study. Proper identificationof pests, careful selection of beneficial organismsand increased monitoring are all necessary forsuccess. Biological control solutions cannot beimplemented for all pest situations because bio-logical control agents are not available for everypest.
Mechanical ControlMechanical control is the use of physical meansto reduce the number of insects or their dam-age. Mechanical methods include the use of bar-riers, covers, high pressure water sprays andhand picking of pests.
Barriers come in many shapes and sizes to pre-vent the movement of pests onto plants.Cardboard or plastic cylinders around the baseof transplants are an example of a type of barri-er that discourages cutworms and other soilinhabiting pests from attacking transplants.Cloth or plastic screening can prevent the inva-sion of pests into a newly planted garden.Screening may raise the temperature of a plant-ing bed, often an additional benefit. Screening ismost useful for young plants and seedlings thatare most susceptible to pest attack.
High pressure water sprays are another mechan-ical control method. These are most effectiveagainst small, soft-bodied pests such as aphids.High pressure water sprays may help removewebbing, dissolve droppings and reduce thenumber of pests in a short time. This is one ofthe few options available when vegetables arenear harvest.
Hand picking and destroying some pests may befeasible in small gardens. Hand picking can besuccessful for tomato hornworms and squashbugs if persistently done. Obviously, hand pick-ing is more feasible for large insects than forsmall insects.
Chemical ControlPesticides come in many forms and provide awide array of tools for pest management. Pesti-cides are regulated for safety by the Environ-mental Protection Agency, and the sale and useof these products is regulated by the TexasDepartment of Agriculture. These agencies donot consider efficacy (“how well it works”) inthe registration process but safety issues only.
Labeled insecticides may or may not be effec-tive in killing pests that are mentioned on aproduct label. The number of products availablefor use in home vegetable gardens and the rapidturnover in the market makes it difficult toknow the efficacy of products available to gar-deners. The response of pests can also change asthey become tolerant or as environmental fac-tors interact with a chemical. Furthermore, pes-ticides may fail because a user did not read thelabel and/or calibrate the application equipmentand, consequently, applied the wrong amount ofproduct.
The USER is always the person responsible forthe proper use of any pesticide. It is illegal touse a product in a manner or situation that isnot defined on a pesticide label.
Product labels may carry a number of restric-tions that must be considered by the user.Labels include limits on product rate, number ofapplications per season, specific crops, methodof applications, days from last application toharvest and other items. There are numeroustrade names for generic insecticides, and specialrestrictions may be noted on a specific label. Besure to read the label for additional restrictionsand follow the directions carefully.
The EPA approves pesticides for use on a partic-ular crop after examining safety data. If a cropis not listed on a product label, the pesticidecannot be considered safe for use on that crop.A summary of the chemicals available for use inhome gardens is included as Table 1. This listwas prepared from product labels and not allproducts have been examined by the TexasCooperative Extension. Product labels also beara suggested list of target pests. Table 2 lists theproduct labels that were reviewed to developthe information in this guide. It includes mostof the common active ingredients available foruse in home gardens. Use this list as a guidewhen purchasing products to use in home veg-etable gardens.
Pesticide registration status changes rapidly.Since the last printing of this guide, productscontaining dicofol (Kelthane®), endosulfan (Thio-dan®), chlorpyrifos (Dursban®), dimethoate(Cygon®), lindane and methoxychlor have allbeen discontinued for home vegetable gardenuse. Products containing diazinon are being
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phased out, and the status is changing. At thetime of printing, diazinon can be sold throughretail outlets until December 31, 2004. Due tothe changes in the registration status of diazi-non, it has been left out of Table 1. In mostcases, products are phased out with dates tostop wholesale sales and later dates to stopretail sales. Usually there are provisions to allowthe homeowner to use products they have instock beyond those dates.
Pesticides vary widely in their hazard tohumans and the environment. The key wordson a label — CAUTION, WARNING and DAN-GER — indicate product toxicity. Use this infor-mation on a product label as a guide to productuse and potential hazard. Most of the productsmentioned here bear the CAUTION safety wordon the label.
Insecticide products can also be categorized bytheir compound class. Insecticide classes pro-vide a key to understanding the mode of actionof the product and thus the pests that are mostlikely controlled by the product. When insectcontrol is unsatisfactory, it is wise to change to aproduct from another compound class (SeeTable 3).
Less Toxic ApproachesMany gardeners prefer to use less toxicapproaches to manage insects rather than stan-dard insecticides. Less toxic approaches rangefrom selecting “soft” insecticides to natural con-trol with no action. There are increasingly moreproducts available for use by organic gardenersthan ever before. Some of the less toxic productsare included in this guide if they are registeredand sold as pesticides.
Less toxic chemicals are becoming availableunder different legal registrations. Chemicalslisted in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide andRodenticide Act (FIFRA) EPA Title 40, Chapter1, Subchapter E, Part 152.25 are considered“minimum risk pesticides” and are exempt fromFIFRA registrations. This includes cedar oil, cit-ric acid, citronella, cloves, garlic, lemongrass oil,mint, peppermint, rosemary, thyme, white pep-per and several other products. For a completelist of these products see FIFRA. These productsmay be sold as repellents, e.g., Garlic Barrier®and Hot Pepper Spray® (capsaicin).
Some products have very broad site and pestcombinations on the product label. For example,the product label might say just “pests” on “veg-etables.” Some products with very broad site/peststatements are Green Light® Tomato & VegetableSpray Ready-to-Use (neem oil), Green Light®Neem Concentrate (neem oil), Green Light®Neem II Ready-to-Use (neem oil and pyrethrins)and the Green Light® Bioganic series.
Putting It All into Practice
Plant a Garden of Manageable SizeGarden size directly affects control methods thatwork for individual plants or small gardens.Removing pests by hand and swabbing pestswith alcohol may not be feasible in larger gar-dens. The larger the garden, the greater the needfor insecticides.
Leave the Garden Fallow for a TimeBefore PlantingsInsect pests such as white grubs, wireworms andcutworms overwinter in the soil and feed onabandoned plants or weeds. Removing thesefood sources during the off season reduces pestnumbers before spring planting.
Good SanitationRemove dead leaf piles, boards, railroad ties andother objects where pests such as cutworms,slugs, snails, pillbugs and sowbugs congregate.Mulches help maintain moisture and provideshelter for spiders and predatory insects.However, mulch also provides shelter for pests.
Select Pest-free TransplantsInspect plants at the store to be sure they haveno pests. Most common insect and mite pestscan be found on the under surfaces of leaves.Purchase only healthy, pest-free transplants.
Select Pest-Resistant Vegetable VarietiesSome vegetable varieties are unattractive to orresistant to certain pests. Planting resistant vari-eties adapted to your area can dramaticallyreduce the need for insecticides. For example,the sweet corn variety “Seneca Sentry” is resist-ant to corn earworms and is adapted to centralTexas. The leaves that wrap around the corn eartip in this variety are much tighter than in moresusceptible varieties. Unfortunately, the pest
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resistance status of only a few vegetable vari-eties is known.
Practice Good Horticultural Methods• Properly prepare the soil before planting. Tilling
the soil thoroughly will kill many soil insectsand provide good growing conditions forseedlings and transplants. Healthy plants willbe less susceptible to severe pest damage. Thecomposition of the soil and spring growingconditions (weather) also affect pest popula-tions. Soils with high organic matter are morelikely to support white grubs, root maggots,pillbugs and sowbugs, even though these soilsmay promote better plant growth.
• Keep a weed-free garden. Weeds supply foodfor insect pests, compete with vegetableplants for soil nutrients and water and candecrease vegetable yield considerably. Keepweeds out of the garden and grass mowedshort around the garden to discourage insectssuch as grasshoppers and armyworms frommoving in.
• Fertilize properly. Plants need adequate nutri-ents to grow well. Without them, plants maybe slow growing, stunted and more suscepti-ble to pest damage. However, too much fer-tilizer can produce lush green plants thatattract insects such as aphids. A soil test willtell you which nutrients may be lacking andwhich are at adequate levels for good plantgrowth.
• Water properly. Either too much or too littlewater can be unhealthy for plant growth.Drought-stressed plants are more likely toattract spider mites.
Inspect Plants for Pests andProperly Identify ThemLearn to identify the various insects and othercreatures encountered in the garden. Many ofthem are actually beneficial. County Extensionagents can help identify plant pest problems.Avoid treating undiagnosed problems.
Pests attack garden plants from seed to maturity.Inspecting plants weekly or more often helpsdetect pest infestations early, monitor naturalenemies and evaluate the effects of control tac-tics. Check the undersides of leaves for aphids,whiteflies, spider mites and egg clusters of pests
such as armyworms, Colorado potato beetles andsquash bugs. To detect low populations of spidermites and thrips, beat plants on a piece of off-white paper. The pests can be seen and identi-fied on the paper. Although yellow sticky cardsare occasionally promoted as insect controldevices, they are best used to monitor pest activ-ity. These cards attract the winged adult stagesof aphids, leafminers, thrips, whiteflies and awide variety of flies. Cards should be inspectedand replaced regularly so that pests can bedetected early and their numbers monitored.Sex-attractant chemicals called pheromones arealso available commercially to monitor manyinsect pests, especially moths.
Consider All Pest Suppression MethodsWhen a pest outbreak occurs, consider how itmight have been prevented and the best methodof reducing pest numbers to a tolerable level.Some mechanical suppression methods include:
• Reflective mulches. Highly reflective mulchessuch as foil paper slow infestation by somepests such as aphids.
• Barriers. Young plants or transplants are vul-nerable to attack by cutworms, sowbugs orpillbugs. They can be protected by placing abarrier around the base of each plant. Barrierscan be made of cardboard, plastic or metalcans with the bottoms cut out.
• Screens over the garden. Fine mesh screens orfabrics can provide a barrier that even tinyinsects such as thrips cannot cross. Severalproducts are available to cover and protectcrops. This method works best in early springor fall when frost is possible. When barriersare properly maintained, insects can beexcluded. However, plants should still bemonitored regularly, which requires removingthe barrier. The temperature inside barriersoften exceeds that outside, so remove thembefore plants experience heat stress.
• Cages and trellises. Plants growing on theground are susceptible to soil pests. Vineplants such as cucumbers and even tomatoesare easier to manage when grown in trellisesor cages. It is easier to monitor pests and sprayplants when they are held off the ground.
• High pressure water sprays. Small pests such asaphids and spider mites can be dislodged from
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plants with high pressure water sprays direct-ed to the undersides of leaves. Although com-mercial spray devices are available (WaterWand® and Jet-All Water Wand®), similardevices also can be made at home. Take carenot to harm the plant or distribute pestsaround the garden. Repeated treatments maybe needed to keep pest numbers low.
Conserve Natural Enemies andProtect BeesThe first line of defense against insect pests istheir natural enemies. Spiders, praying mantids,lady beetles, ground beetles, green lacewings,ambush bugs, assassin bugs, minute pirate bugsand even some wasp species prey upon insects.However, the most effective natural enemies arethe tiny parasitic wasps and parasitic flies, bac-teria, fungi and viruses that are rarely observedwith the naked eye.
Whether naturally occurring or released into thegarden, these organisms should be preservedand encouraged to thrive. Use pesticides only asa last resort; allow natural enemies an opportu-nity to suppress the pest infestation. If a pesti-cide is required, select the least toxic, most tar-get-specific pesticides that decompose quickly inthe environment.
Natural enemies can be released in the gardento control pests. Lady beetles and greenlacewing larvae eat aphids and whiteflies, preda-ceous mites eat two-spotted spider mites, andcertain wasps parasitize some insect pests(Trichogramma species develop inside caterpillareggs and Encarsia species develop inside imma-ture whiteflies). Companies that sell these natu-ral enemies do not guarantee the results, partic-ularly in outdoor sites. Factors such as the num-ber of pests present, the environment, timing ofreleases, prior pesticide use and the presence ofants can affect such releases. Parasitic nema-
todes (Biosafe 100® and other products contain-ing Steinernema carpocapsae) are available tocontrol a wide variety of vegetable garden soilpests.
Bees are necessary for pollinating vegetablessuch as cucumbers, pumpkins, squash and mel-ons and should be protected. Don’t apply pesti-cides while bees are active during the day.Instead, treat plants early in the morning or latein the afternoon. Avoid using products or formu-lations highly toxic to bees. If a bee hive is locat-ed nearby, cover it during pesticide applicationor arrange to have the hive protected from pesti-cide drift.
Apply Pesticides Only When JustifiedIf a pest population becomes too damaging andother control measures have failed, a pesticidemay be required. Pesticides are regulated by lawand must be applied strictly according to labeldirections. Pesticides can be toxic and must beused carefully to reduce the risk of negative sideeffects.
To control leaf-feeding insects effectively, a pes-ticide must thoroughly cover the undersides ofleaves. This is difficult to do with dust-formulat-ed products. When using liquids (emulsifiableconcentrates, wettable powders), mix the direct-ed amount with water and spray immediately.Alkaline water will decompose the active ingre-dients of some products if the solution isallowed to stand. Agitate the mixture whiletreating. If spray droplets bead up and roll offthe treated foliage, a spreader-sticker may benecessary. After treatment, clean the sprayerthoroughly, store pesticides properly and washprotective clothing separately from other laun-dry. Proper disposal of left-over pesticides and“empty” or used containers is an essential stepin safe pesticide use.
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POLICY STATEMENT FOR MAKING CHEMICAL CONTROL SUGGESTIONS Texas Cooperative Extension bases its suggestions for pesticide use on:
• Product registration status
• Avoidance of residues in excess of allowable tolerances
• Avoidance of toxicity to desirable vegetation and animals, and to humans
• Avoidance of adverse side effects to beneficial predators and parasites, honeybees, fishand other wildlife, plants, animals and humans.
Suggested pesticides must be registered and labeled for use by both the EnvironmentalProtection Agency and the Texas Department of Agriculture. The status of pesticide labelclearances is subject to change and may have changed since this publication was printed.County Extension agents and appropriate specialists may have information about the labelstatus of products.
*Diagrams are not to scale.
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Table 1. Registered Pesticides for Use on Home Garden Vegetables and Common Insect Pests.
Only some of the more common pests and vegetables are listedherein.
NA — no specific pre-harvest interval information was found on the label.
P — the application is a pre-plant soil application. Such applica-tions are generally for pests in the soil.
PHI — pre-harvest interval or the time from last application to har-vest in days.
Product labels found in trade channels were the primary source ofinformation in this table. This includes many, but not all, of the prod-ucts available to the home vegetable grower. Table 2 lists the prod-ucts reviewed during preparation of the guide. Only a few productswith a mixture of two or more active ingredients where reviewed.Multiple active ingredients complicate the summary so these werenot included in this table.
The column “Registered Pesticides” lists the common name of thechemicals that have that particular vegetable listed on the label.“Pesticides Registered by Pest” is similarly the pesticides that showthat pest on the label. The user should be aware that the pesti-cide may not specifically state the combination of commodityand pest on a particular label. The user is responsible for read-ing the label and following directions on the label. Pests sometimes have several common names. Additional namesfor the same pest are given in parenthesis. Some labels show ageneral common name for a pest group. This group is listed underthe pest name, and specific examples are listed after the colon. In afew cases, the adult and immature form have different commonnames and control measures. The control measures for each stageare indicated in the table or both names are listed separately withdifferent control measures. An example is cucumber beetles where
immatures are called rootworms. This example actually includesseveral species that can be damaging in Texas with adults that feedon flowers and larvae that feed on roots.
General and Additional Pests Ants — Several ant species can be found in vegetable gardens. Fireants and Texas leafcutting ants are the most severe pests. Controlants outside the garden if possible, preferably with bait formulationsor individual mound treatments. In the garden, use a mound drenchof boiling water if this is feasible. Never use an ant treatment in avegetable garden if vegetables do not appear on the product label.
Snails and slugs — Products containing metaldehyde are the pri-mary control measures for snails and slugs. These products are typ-ically granular baits, meal or pastes. Some snail and slug baits con-tain carbaryl and include other pests on the label. Iron phosphate isanother active ingredient in some snail and slug baits.
Grasshoppers and crickets — Grasshoppers and crickets maymove into gardens rapidly, especially when winged. When thesepests are abundant, protecting foliage with an insecticide may not bevery successful. Insecticides like carbaryl are generally preferred.Bait formulations with carbaryl and metaldehyde are available forthis situation. Treating the premises outside of the garden may help.Use barriers to protect the most valuable plants.
Sowbugs, pillbugs, millipedes, centipedes, mole crickets, root mag-gots, white grubs, wireworms,cutworms and earwigs are consideredsoil pests. These pests typically have been controlled with pre-planttreatments of insecticides such as diazinon incorporated into the soil.Some formulations of synergized pyrethrins and carbaryl are labeledfor many of these pests. Some baits may also list these pests on thelabel. No home vegetable pesticide products were found with whitegrubs or wireworms on the label except diazinon.
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
asparagus Bacillus thuringiensis (0) asparagus beetles carbarylcarbaryl (1) malathioninsecticidal soap (0) permethrinmalathion (1) pyrethrinspermethrin (3) rotenonepetroleum oil (0)pyrethrins (0) cutworms Bacillus thuringiensisrotenone (1) carbarylsulfur (NA) permethrin
beans azadirachtin aphids: pea azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensis (0) aphid carbaryl
Comments: carbaryl (0-3) disulfotonPesticide restrictions (14-21 dry beans) endosulfanare often different disulfoton (P) esfenvaleratebetween succulent beans endosulfan (3) insecticidal soapand dried beans. esfenvalerate (3) malathionRead the label to (21 dry beans) permethrincheck the restrictions. insecticidal soap (0) petroleum oil
malathion (1) pyrethrinsrotenone
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Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
beans (continued) permethrin (3) beetles: yellow-margined azadirachtinpetroleum oil (0) leaf beetle carbarylpyrethrins (0) disulfotonrotenone (1) endosulfanspinosad (3) esfenvaleratesulfur (NA) insecticidal soap
malathionpermethrinpetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenonespinosad
blister beetles endosulfanpyrethrins
cabbage looper azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensiscarbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
corn earworm Bacillus thuringiensis(tomato fruitworm carbarylbollworm, soybean endosulfanpodworm) esfenvalerate
permethrinpyrethrins
cucumber beetles carbarylendosulfanmalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
cutworms: black azadirachtincutworm Bacillus thuringiensis
carbarylendosulfanesfenvaleratepermethrin
European corn borer Bacillus thuringiensiscarbarylendosulfanesfenvaleratepermethrin
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Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
beans (continued) flea beetles azadirachtincarbaryldisulfoton endosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
leafhoppers carbaryldisulfotonendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenone
leafminers: azadirachtinserpentine leafminer disulfoton
esfenvaleratemalathionpermethrinpetroleum oilrotenonespinosad
Mexican bean beetle azadirachtincarbarylendosulfanesfenvaleratemalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenonespinosad
mites: spider mites azadirachtincarbarylendosulfanesfenvaleratemalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
plant bugs carbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soappermethrin
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Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
beans (continued) plant bugs (continued) petroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenone
saltmarsh caterpillar Bacillus thuringiensiscarbarylesfenvalerate
stink bugs carbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soappermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
thrips: western azadirachtinflower thrips carbaryl
disulfotoninsecticidal soapmalathionpetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenonespinosad
beets (roots and azadirachtin (0) aphids azadirachtintops) Bacillus thuringiensis (0) insecticidal soap
carbaryl (3-7) malathion(14 tops) petroleum oil
Remarks: There insecticidal soap (0) pyrethrinsare often differences in malathion (7) rotenonerestrictions between petroleum oil (0)table beets and beet pyrethrins (1) armyworms: azadirachtingreens. rotenone (1) beet armyworm carbaryl
sulfur (0) pyrethrins
flea beetles azadirachtincarbarylinsecticidal soapmalathionpyrethrinsrotenone
stink bugs carbarylinsecticidal soappyrethrinsrotenone
webworms: beet azadirachtinwebworm, pyrethrinsgarden webworm rotenone
Bok choy(see lettuce)
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Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
broccoli (see cole crops)
brussels sprouts (see cole crops)
cabbage (see cole crops)
cantaloupe (see melons)
carrots azadirachtin (0) cutworms: black azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensis (0) cutworm carbarylcarbaryl (0-7) cyfluthrincyfluthrin (0)endosulfan (7) flea beetles carbarylesfenvalerate (7) cyfluthrininsecticidal soap (0) endosulfanmalathion (7) esfenvaleratepyrethrins (1) malathionrotenone (1) pyrethrinssulfur (NA) rotenone
leafhoppers carbarylcyfluthrinendosulfanesfenvaleratemalathionpyrethrinsrotenone
mites: spider mites endosulfanmalathionrotenone
weevils: carrot carbarylweevil cyfluthrin
esfenvaleraterotenone
cauliflower (see cole crops)
celery Bacillus thuringiensis (0) aphids endosulfanendosulfan (7) insecticidal soapinsecticidal soap (0 ) malathionmalathion (7) permethrinpermethrin (1-3) petroleum oilpetroleum oil (NA) pyrethrinspyrethrins (0) rotenonerotenone (1)
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Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
celery (continued) spinosad (1) armyworms: Bacillus thuringiensissulfur (NA) beet armyworm endosulfan
permethrinpyrethrins
cabbage looper Bacillus thuringiensisendosulfaninsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
corn earworm Bacillus thuringiensisendosulfanpermethrinpyrethrins
cutworms: black Bacillus thuringiensiscutworm permethrin
leafhoppers endosulfaninsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenone
leafminers: insecticidal soapserpentine malathionleafminer permethrin
mites: spider mites endosulfaninsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpetroleum oilrotenonesulfur
weevils: carrot permethrinweevil rotenone
chives Bacillus thuringiensis (0)insecticidal soap (0)
cole crops: broccoli, azadirachtin (0) aphids: cabbage aphid, azadirachtinbrussel sprouts, cabbage, Bacillus thuringiensis (0) poplar-petiole gall carbarylcauliflower, kohlrabi carbaryl (3) aphid disulfoton
disulfoton (P) endosulfanRemarks: Product endosulfan (7-14) esfenvaleratelabels vary greatly esfenvalerate (3) insecticidal soapregarding crops on the insecticidal soap (0) malathionlabel and PHI. malathion (3-7) permethrin
16
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
cole crops (continued) permethrin (1) aphids (continued) petroleum oilpetroleum oil (NA) pyrethrinspyrethrins (0) rotenonerotenone (1)spinosad (1) armyworms: azadirachtinsulfur (NA) beet armyworm Bacillus thuringiensis
carbarylendosulfanesfenvaleratepermethrinpyrethrins
cabbage looper azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensiscarbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
corn earworm Bacillus thuringiensis(tomato fruitworm, carbarylbollworm, soybean endosulfanpodworm) esfenvalerate
permethrinpyrethrins
cutworms: black azadirachtincutworm Bacillus thuringiensis
carbarylendosulfanesfenvaleratepermethrin
diamondback moth azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensiscarbarylendosulfanesfenvaleratepermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
flea beetles azadirachtincarbaryldisulfoton endosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
17
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
cole crops (continued) imported azadirachtincabbageworm Bacillus thuringiensis
carbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpyrethrins
harlequin bug carbarylendosulfaninsecticidal soapmalathionpyrethrinsrotenone
root maggots: carbarylcabbage maggot endosulfan
malathion
thrips: western azadirachtinflower thrips carbaryl
disulfoton insecticidal soapmalathionpetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenonespinosad
weevils: azadirachtinvegetable weevil carbaryl
esfenvaleratepermethrinrotenone
whiteflies: endosulfansweetpotato esfenvaleratewhitefly insecticidal soap
petroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenone
collards(see greens)
corn (sweet) Bacillus thuringiensis (NA) aphids carbarylcarbaryl (0-2) cyfluthrin
(14 for forage or silage) endosulfan(48 for dry grain) esfenvalerate
cyfluthrin (0) malathionendosulfan (0) permethrin
(not for dry corn) petroleum oil
18
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
corn (sweet) (continued) esfenvalerate (1) aphids (continued) pyrethrinsmalathion (5) rotenonepermethrin (1)petroleum oil (0) armyworms: fall carbarylpyrethrins (1) armyworm cyfluthrinrotenone (1) endosulfanspinosad (1) esfenvalerate
permethrinpyrethrins
chinch bugs carbarylcyfluthrinendosulfanesfenvaleratemalathion
corn earworm carbaryl(tomato fruitworm, cyfluthrinbollworm, soybean endosulfanpodworm) esfenvalerate
permethrinpyrethrins
cucumber beetles carbarylendosulfanesfenvaleratemalathionpermethrinrotenone
European corn borer Bacillus thuringiensiscarbarylcyfluthrinendosulfanesfenvaleratepermethrinrotenone
flea beetles carbarylcyfluthrinendosulfanesfenvaleratemalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
rootworms: southern corn carbarylrootworm, spotted corn cyfluthrinrootworm, twelve spotted esfenvaleratecucumber beetle malathion
root maggots: seedcorn none labeledmaggots
19
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
corn (sweet) (continued) stalk borers: lesser esfenvaleratecornstalk borer, southwestern corn borer
stink bugs carbarylcyfluthrinendosulfanpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
cowpeas(see peas, southern)
cucumbers azadirachtin (0) aphids: melon aphid azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensis (0) or cotton aphid carbarylcarbaryl (0-5) endosulfanendosulfan (0-5) esfenvalerateesfenvalerate (3) insecticidal soapinsecticidal soap (0) malathionmalathion (1) permethrinpermethrin (0-3) petroleum oilpetroleum oil (0) pyrethrinspyrethrins (1) rotenonerotenone (1)spinosad (1) cabbage looper azadirachtin
Bacillus thuringiensiscarbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
cucumber beetles: carbarylsouthern corn rootworm endosulfan
esfenvalerate
cutworms: black azadirachtincutworm Bacillus thuringiensis
carbarylendosulfanesfenvaleratepermethrin
leafminers: azadirachtinserpentine leafminer esfenvalerate
insecticidal soapmalathionpermethrin
20
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
cucumbers (continued) melonworm azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensiscarbarylendosulfanpermethrinrotenone
mites: spider mites endosulfaninsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpetroleum oilrotenone
pickleworm azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensiscarbarylendosulfanmalathionpermethrinrotenone
squash bug carbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinrotenone
squash vine borer endosulfanesfenvaleratemalathionrotenone
stink bugs carbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soappermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
thrips: western azadirachtinflower thrips carbaryl
insecticidal soapmalathionpetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenonespinosad
whiteflies: sweetpotato insecticidal soapwhitefly petroleum oil
pyrethrinsrotenone
21
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
eggplant azadirachtin (0) aphids azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensis (0) carbarylBacillus thuringiensis endosulfan
tenebrionis (NA) esfenvaleratecarbaryl (3-7) insecticidal soapendosulfan (1) malathionesfenvalerate (7) permethrininsecticidal soap (0) petroleum oilmalathion (3) pyrethrinspermethrin (0-3) rotenonepetroleum oil (NA)pyrethrins (0) Colorado potato beetle azadirachtinrotenone (1) Bacillus thuringiensisspinosad (1) Comments: Certain carbarylsulfur (NA) Bacillus thuringiensis endosulfan
formulations are esfenvaleratespecific for beetles. permethrin
pyrethrinsrotenonespinosad
cucumber beetles carbarylendosulfanesfenvaleratemalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
flea beetles azadirachtincarbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
lace bugs: carbaryleggplant lace bug insecticidal soap
malathion
leafminers: serpentine azadirachtinleafminer esfenvalerate
insecticidal soapmalathionpermethrin
mites: broad mite, endosulfanspider mites insecticidal soap
malathionpermethrinpetroleum oilrotenonesulfur
22
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
eggplant (continued) whiteflies: sweetpotato azadirachtinwhitefly endosulfan
esfenvalerateinsecticidal soappetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenone
greens: Chinese azadirachtin (0) aphids azadirachtincabbage, collards, Bacillus thuringiensis (0) carbarylkale, mustard carbaryl (14) endosulfangreens, turnip endosulfan (21) esfenvalerategreens esfenvalerate (7) insecticidal soap
insecticidal soap (0) malathionComments: malathion (7) permethrinRegistration for permethrin (1) pyrethrinsspecific crops pyrethrins (0) rotenonevaries between rotenone (1)product labels. Be spinosad (1) armyworms: azadirachtinsure to check the sulfur (NA) beet armyworm Bacillus thuringiensislabel for specifics. carbaryl
endosulfanesfenvaleratepermethrinpyrethrins
beetles: yellow- azadirachtinmargined leaf beetle carbaryl
endosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenonespinosad
cabbage looper azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensiscarbarylendosulfanesfenvaleratepermethrinpyrethrins
diamondback moth azadirachtin Bacillus thuringiensiscarbarylendosulfanesfenvaleratepermethrinpyrethrins
flea beetles azadirachtincarbaryl endosulfan
23
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
eggplant (continued) flea beetles (continued) insecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
imported cabbageworm azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensiscarbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
leafhoppers carbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpyrethrins
mites: spider mites endosulfaninsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinrotenonesulfur
herbs Bacillus thuringiensis (0) insecticidal soap (0)
horseradish Bacillus thuringiensis (0)carbaryl (7)permethrin (22)
kale(see greens)
kohlrabi(see cole crops)
lettuce azadirachtin (0) aphids: red lettuce azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensis (0) aphid carbaryl
Comments: carbaryl (14) disulfotonRegistration (3 head lettuce) endosulfanstatus may vary disulfoton (P) insecticidal soapfor head lettuce endosulfan (14) malathionor leaf lettuce. Be insecticidal soap (0) permethrinsure to check the malathion (7) petroleum oillabel for specifics. permethrin (1) pyrethrins
petroleum oil (NA) rotenonepyrethrins (0)
24
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
lettuce (continued) rotenone (1) armyworms: azadirachtinspinosad (1) beet armyworm Bacillus thuringiensis
carbarylendosulfanpermethrinpyrethrins
beetles: yellow- azadirachtinmargined leaf beetle carbaryl
disulfoton insecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenonespinosad
cabbage looper azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensiscarbarylendosulfaninsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
corn earworm Bacillus thuringiensis(bollworm, tomato carbarylfruitworm, soybean endosulfanpodworm) permethrin
pyrethrins
cutworms: black azadirachtincutworm Bacillus thuringiensis
carbarylendosulfanpermethrin
diamondback moth azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensiscarbarylendosulfanpermethrinpyrethrins
flea beetles azadirachtincarbarylendosulfaninsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
25
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
lettuce (continued) imported cabbageworm azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensiscarbarylendosulfaninsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
leafhoppers carbarylendosulfaninsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenone
leafminers: serpentine azadirachtinleafminer insecticidal soap
malathionpermethrin
thrips: western azadirachtinflower thrips carbaryl
disulfoton insecticidal soapmalathionpetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenonespinosad
melons azadirachtin (0) aphids: melon aphid azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensis (0) or cotton aphid carbaryl
Comments: carbaryl (0-5) endosulfanSpecific melon endosulfan (0-5) esfenvaleratetypes may be esfenvalerate (3) insecticidal soaplisted on some of insecticidal soap (0) malathionthe labels. Be malathion (1) permethrinsure to check permethrin (0-3) petroleum oilproduct labels for petroleum oil (0) pyrethrinsspecific restrictions. pyrethrins (1) rotenone
rotenone (1)spinosad (3) cabbage looper azadirachtinsulfur (NA) Bacillus thuringiensis
carbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
26
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
melons (continued) cucumber beetles: carbarylsouthern corn rootworm endosulfan
esfenvaleratemalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
cutworms: black cutworm azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensiscarbarylendosulfanesfenvaleratepermethrin
leafminers: azadirachtinserpentine leafminer esfenvalerate
insecticidal soapmalathionpermethrin
melonworm azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensiscarbarylendosulfanpermethrinrotenone
mites: spider mites endosulfaninsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenonesulfur
pickleworm azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensiscarbarylendosulfanesfenvaleratemalathionpermethrinrotenone
squash bug carbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinrotenone
27
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
melons (continued) squash vine borer endosulfanesfenvaleratemalathion
stink bugs carbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soappermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
thrips: western azadirachtinflower thrips carbaryl
insecticidal soapmalathionpetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenone
whiteflies: endosulfansweetpotato whitefly esfenvalerate
insecticidal soappetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenone
muskmelon(see melons)
mustard greens(see greens)
okra Bacillus thuringiensis (0) aphids carbarylcarbaryl (0-3) insecticidal soapinsecticidal soap (0) permethrinpermethrin (1) pyrethrinspyrethrins (NA) rotenonerotenone (1)
corn earworm Bacillus thuringiensis(bollworm, tomato carbarylfruitworm, soybean permethrinpodworm) pyrethrins
stink bugs carbarylinsecticidal soappermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
onions azadirachtin (0) armyworms: azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensis (0) beet armyworm Bacillus thuringiensis
Comments: Dry onions are insecticidal soap (0) pyrethrinssometimes on the label as malathion (3)a separate site. petroleum oil (NA) cutworms: black cutworm azadirachtin
28
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
onions (continued) pyrethrins (1) cutworm (continued) Bacillus thuringiensisrotenone (1)sulfur (NA) root maggots: malathion
onion maggot rotenone
thrips: onion thrips, azadirachtinwestern flower thrips insecticidal soap
malathionpetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenone
parsley azadirachtin (0) aphids azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensis (0) carbarylcarbaryl (14) insecticidal soapinsecticidal soap (0) malathionmalathion (21) permethrinpermethrin (1) pyrethrinspyrethrins (NA)spinosad (1) armyworms azadirachtin
Bacillus thuringiensiscarbarylpermethrinpyrethrins
flea beetles azadirachtincarbarylmalathionpermethrinpyrethrins
weevils: carrot azadirachtinweevil carbaryl
permethrin
peas (English, azadirachtin (0) aphids: pea aphid carbarylgreen, succulent) Bacillus thuringiensis (0) endosulfan
carbaryl (0-3) esfenvalerateRemarks: Dry (21 dry) insecticidal soappeas have different disulfoton (P) malathionrestrictions. Be sure esfenvalerate (3) pyrethrinsto read the label. (21 dry) rotenone
insecticidal soap (0)malathion (3) armyworms Bacillus thuringiensispyrethrins (1) carbarylrotenone (1) endosulfanspinosad (3) esfenvaleratesulfur (NA) pyrethrins
cutworms: black Bacillus thuringiensiscutworm carbaryl
esfenvalerate
29
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
peas (continued) leafhoppers carbaryldisulfotonendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpyrethrinsrotenone
leafminers esfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionspinosad
loopers: alfalfa looper Bacillus thuringiensisendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpyrethrinsrotenone
stink bugs carbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soappyrethrinsrotenone
peas (southern, Bacillus thuringiensis (0) aphids: cowpea aphid carbarylblackeyed, crowder, carbaryl (3) disulfotoncowpeas) (21 dry) endosulfan
endosulfan (3) esfenvalerateRemarks: Succulent (not on dry peas) insecticidal soapuse has different malathion (1) malathionrestrictions than dry pyrethrins (NA) pyrethrinspea use. Read the rotenone (1) rotenonelabel for specifics. spinosad (30)
cowpea curculio carbarylendosulfanesfenvalerate
peppers azadirachtin (0) aphids: green azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensis (0) peach aphid, carbarylcarbaryl (0-7) melon aphid or cyfluthrincyfluthrin (7) cotton aphid endosulfanendosulfan (4-7) esfenvalerateesfenvalerate (7) insecticidal soapinsecticidal soap (0) malathionmalathion (3) permethrinpermethrin (3) petroleum oilpetroleum oil (0) pyrethrins
30
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
peppers (continued) pyrethrins (0) aphids (continued) rotenonerotenone (1)spinosad (1) armyworms: azadirachtinsulfur (NA) beet armyworm Bacillus thuringiensis
carbarylcyfluthrinendosulfanesfenvaleratepermethrinpyrethrins
cutworms: black azadirachtincutworm Bacillus thuringiensis
carbarylcyfluthrinendosulfanesfenvaleratepermethrin
corn earworm Bacillus thuringiensis(tomato fruitworm carbarylbollworm, soybean cyfluthrinpodworm) endosulfan
esfenvaleratepermethrinpyrethrins
flea beetles azadirachtincarbarylcyfluthrinendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
leafminers: azadirachtinserpentine leafminer cyfluthrin
esfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpetroleum oilrotenone
mites: broad mites, endosulfanspider mites insecticidal soap
malathionpermethrinpetroleum oilrotenonesulfur
31
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
peppers (continued) psyllids endosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soappermethrin
thrips: western azadirachtinflower thrips carbaryl
cyfluthrininsecticidal soapmalathionpetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenonespinosad
weevils: pepper azadirachtinweevil carbaryl
cyfluthrinesfenvaleratepermethrinrotenone
potatoes (Irish, white) azadirachtin (0) aphids: green azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensis (0) peach aphid, carbarylBacillus thuringiensis melon aphid or disulfoton
tenebrionis (NA) cotton aphid endosulfancarbaryl (0-7) esfenvaleratedisulfoton (P) insecticidal soapendosulfan (0-14) malathionesfenvalerate (7) permethrininsecticidal soap (0) petroleum oilmalathion (0) pyrethrinspermethrin (7) rotenonepetroleum oil (NA)pyrethrins (0) Colorado potato beetle azadirachtinrotenone (1) Bacillus thuringiensisspinosad (7) tenebrionissulfur (NA) carbaryl
endosulfanesfenvaleratepermethrinpyrethrinsrotenonespinosad
cutworm: black azadirachtincutworm Bacillus thuringiensis
carbarylendosulfanesfenvaleratepermethrin
cucumber beetles carbarylendosulfanesfenvalerate
32
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
potatoes (continued) cucumber beetles malathion(continued) permethrin
pyrethrinsrotenone
flea beetles azadirachtincarbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
leaffooted bug endosulfan
leafhoppers carbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenonespinosad
plant bugs carbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soappermethrinpetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenone
psyllids disulfotonendosulfan
Comments: esfenvalerateDisulfoton is labeled insecticidal soapfor use for potato permethrinpsyllid as a preplant pyrethrinstreatment.
pumpkin (see squash)
radishes azadirachtin (0) aphids azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensis (0) carbarylcarbaryl (3-7) cyfluthrincyfluthrin (0) esfenvalerateesfenvalerate (7) insecticidal soap
33
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
potatoes (continued) insecticidal soap (0) aphids (continued) petroleum oilmalathion (7) pyrethrinspetroleum oil (NA) rotenonepyrethrins (0)rotenone (1) beetles: yellow-margined azadirachtin
leaf beetle carbarylcyfluthrinesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenone
cabbage looper azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensiscyfluthrinesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpyrethrinsrotenone
flea beetles azadirachtincarbarylcyfluthrinesfenvalerateinsecticidal soappyrethrinsrotenone
rutabagas carbaryl (3-7)Bacillus thuringiensis (0)rotenone (1)sulfur (NA)
spinach Bacillus thuringiensis (0) aphids azadirachtincarbaryl (3-14) carbarylendosulfan (21) endosulfaninsecticidal soap (0) insecticidal soapmalathion (7) malathionpermethrin (1-7) permethrinpyrethrins (0) pyrethrinsrotenone (1) rotenonespinosad (1)sulfur (NA) armyworms: azadirachtin
beet armyworm Bacillus thuringiensiscarbarylendosulfanpermethrinpyrethrins
cabbage looper azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensisendosulfaninsecticidal soap
34
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
spinach (continued) cabbage looper malathion(continued) permethrin
pyrethrinsrotenone
cutworms: black azadirachtincutworm Bacillus thuringiensis
carbarylendosulfanpermethrin
flea beetles azadirachtincarbarylendosulfaninsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
webworms: azadirachtingarden webworm Bacillus thuringiensis
pyrethrinsrotenone
squash azadirachtin (0) aphids: melon aphid azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensis (0) or cotton aphid carbaryl
Comments: carbaryl (0-5) endosulfanProduct labels differ endosulfan (0-5) esfenvalerateregarding winter squash, esfenvalerate (3) insecticidal soapsummer squash, insecticidal soap (0) malathionpumpkin, etc. Be sure malathion (1) permethrinto read the product permethrin (0-3) petroleum oillabels for specifics. petroleum oil (0) pyrethrins
pyrethrins (1) rotenonerotenone (1)spinosad (3) cabbage looper azadirachtin
Bacillus thuringiensiscarbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
cucumber beetles: carbarylsouthern corn rootworm endosulfan
esfenvaleratemalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
35
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
squash (continued) cutworms: black cutworm azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensiscarbarylendosulfanesfenvaleratepermethrin
leafminers: serpentine azadirachtinleafminer esfenvalerate
insecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpetroleum oilrotenone
melonworm azadirachtincarbarylendosulfanpermethrinrotenone
mites: spider mites insecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpetroleum oilrotenone
pickleworm azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensiscarbarylendosulfanesfenvaleratemalathionpermethrinrotenone
squash bug carbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinrotenone
squash vine borer endosulfanesfenvaleratemalathion
stink bugs carbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soappermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
36
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
squash (continued) thrips: western azadirachtinflower thrips carbaryl
insecticidal soapmalathionpetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenonespinosad
whiteflies: sweetpotato endosulfanwhitefly esfenvalerate
insecticidal soappetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenone
strawberries azadirachtin (0)Bacillus thuringiensis (0)carbaryl (1-7)endosulfan (4)permethrin (14)petroleum oil (NA)pyrethrins (0)rotenone (1)
sweet corn (see corn)
sweet potatoes azadirachtin (0) beetles: golden azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensis (0) tortoise beetle endosulfanendosulfan (P, 0) malathionmalathion (3) pyrethrinspyrethrins (NA) rotenonerotenone (1) spinosadspinosad (7)
cutworms: black azadirachtincutworm Bacillus thuringiensis
endosulfan
flea beetles azadirachtinendosulfanmalathionpyrethrinsrotenone
sweetpotato weevil no labels found
Swiss chard azadirachtin (0) aphids azadirachtin\Bacillus thuringiensis (0) carbarylcarbaryl (14) insecticidal soapinsecticidal soap (0) malathionmalathion (7) permethrinpermethrin (1) pyrethrins
37
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
Swiss chard (continued) pyrethrins (NA) aphids (continued) rotenonerotenone (1)spinosad (1) armyworms: azadirachtin
beet armyworm Bacillus thuringiensiscarbarylpermethrinpyrethrins
flea beetles azadirachtincarbarylmalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
stink bugs carbarylpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
webworms: beet azadirachtinwebworm, garden Bacillus thuringiensiswebworm pyrethrins
rotenone
tomatoes azadirachtin (0) aphids azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensis (0) carbaryl
Remarks: Bacillus thuringiensis cyfluthrinPermethrin use is tenebrionis (NA) disulfotonnot permitted on carbaryl (0-7) endosulfanvarieties with cyfluthrin (0) esfenvaleratemature fruit disulfoton (P) insecticidal soapunder 1 inch in endosulfan (1-5) malathiondiameter. esfenvalerate (1) permethrin
insecticidal soap (0) petroleum oilmalathion (1) pyrethrinspermethrin (0) rotenonepetroleum oil (0)pyrethrins (0) armyworms: azadirachtinrotenone (1) beet armyworm, Bacillus thuringiensisspinosad (1) fall armyworm carbarylsulfur (NA) cyfluthrin
endosulfanesfenvaleratepermethrinpyrethrins
cabbage looper azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensiscarbarylcyfluthrinendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathion
38
Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
tomatoes (continued) cabbage looper permethrin(continued) pyrethrins
rotenone
cutworms: black azadirachtincutworm Bacillus thuringiensis
carbarylcyfluthrinendosulfanesfenvaleratepermethrin
flea beetles azadirachtincarbarylcyfluthrindisulfotonendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
leaffooted bug endosulfan
leafminers: serpentine azadirachtinleafminer cyfluthrin
esfenvalerateinsecticidal soapmalathionpermethrinpetroleum oil
plant bugs carbarylendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soappermethrinpetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenone
stink bugs carbarylcyfluthrinendosulfanesfenvalerateinsecticidal soappermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
thrips: western azadirachtinflower thrips carbaryl
cyfluthrindisulfoton
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Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
tomatoes (continued) thrips (continued) insecticidal soapmalathionpetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenonespinosad
tomato pinworm azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensiscarbarylcyfluthrinesfenvaleratepermethrinrotenone
tomato russet mite endosulfan
tomato hornworm azadirachtin(tobacco hornworm is a Bacillus thuringiensisclose relative) carbaryl
cyfluthrinendosulfanesfenvaleratepermethrinrotenone
tomato fruitworm (corn azadirachtinearworm, bollworm, Bacillus thuringiensissoybean podworm carbaryl
cyfluthrinendosulfanesfenvaleratepermethrinpyrethrins
whiteflies: sweetpotato endosulfanwhitefly esfenvalerate
insecticidal soappetroleum oilpyrethrinsrotenone
turnips azadirachtin (0) aphids azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensis (0) carbaryl
Comments: The carbaryl (3-7) endosulfansite generally (14 tops) insecticidal soaprefers to roots. endosulfan (21 greens) malathionAlso see greens insecticidal soap (0) pyrethrinsfor turnip tops. malathion (3-7) rotenone
pyrethrins (0)rotenone (1) blister beetles endosulfansulfur (NA) pyrethrins
weevils: azadirachtinvegetable weevil carbaryl
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Vegetable Registered Pesticides (PHI) Common Insect Pests Pesticides Registered by Pest
watermelon azadirachtin (0) aphids: melon aphid azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensis (0) or cotton aphid malathion
Comments: Also carbaryl (3-5) permethrinsee melons. malathion (1) pyrethrins
permethrin (0) rotenonepyrethrins (NA)rotenone (1) armyworms: azadirachtinspinosad (3) beet armyworm permethrin
pyrethrins
cabbage looper azadirachtinBacillus thuringiensismalathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
cucumber beetles malathionpermethrinpyrethrinsrotenone
cutworms: black azadirachtincutworm permethrin
leafminers: serpentine azadirachtinleafminer malathion
permethrin
mites: spider mites malathionpermethrinrotenone
squash bug malathionpermethrinrotenone
thrips: western azadirachtinflower thrips malathion
pyrethrinsrotenonespinosad
webworms: garden azadirachtinwebworm pyrethrins
rotenone
whiteflies: sweetpotato pyrethrinswhitefly
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Table 2. Insecticides and example product names.
Insecticide Example Product Names
azadirachtin Gordon’s® Garden Guard Liquid insecticide
B.t., Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstak Bonide® Dipel® 150 Dust(and other caterpillar products) Bonide® Thuricide® Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT)
Bonide® Dipel® 10GBonide® Dipel® .86% W.P.Green Light® BT Worm KillerGreen Light® Dipel® DustMonterey® Caterpillar Clobber BioinsecticideThuricide® HPC
B.t., Bacillus thuringiensis var. tenebrionis Bonide® Colorado Potato Beetle Beater 3%(and others for beetles)
carbaryl (some baits also contain metaldehyde) Allpro® Carbaryl 4L FlowableAllpro® Carbaryl 80SAllpro® 10% Carbaryl DustBonide® Slug, Snail, & Sowbug BaitCutworm & Cricket Bait, Southern® Agricultural Insecticides, Inc.Gordon’s® Liquid Dura-Spray Carbaryl InsecticideGreen Light® Bug BaitMonterey® “7” Carbaryl InsecticideSouthern® Ag Mole Cricket Bait
cyfluthrin Bayer® Advanced Garden™ Power Force Multi-InsectKiller ConcentrateBayer® Advanced Garden™ Power Force Multi-InsectKiller Ready-to-UseBayer® Advanced Garden™ Power Force Multi-InsectKiller Ready-to-Spray
diazinon 5% Diazinon Granules, Southern® Agricultural Insecticides, Inc. Gordon’s® Diazinon 25% Emulsifiable ConcentrateGordon’s® Diazinon 5G Lawn & Garden Insect ControlGreen Light® Diazinon GranulesGreen Light® Diazinon Concentrate
disulfoton Bonide® Systemic Granules 2%
endosulfan .75 Thiodan® Insecticide SprayBonide® Tomato-Potato Vegetable Dust Bonide® Thiodan Spray Concentrate
esfenvalerate Monterey® Bug Buster
insecticidal soap AllPro® Insecticidal Soap 40%Bonide® Bon-Neem Insecticidal Soap RTUBonide® Bon-Neem Insecticidal Soap Concentrate
iron phosphate Sluggo® Monterey
malathion Bonide® Malathion Gordon’s® Malathion 50% Spray for Flies and Garden InsectsGreen Light® 50% Malathion Insect SprayMalathion 50% E. C., Southern® Agricultural Insecticides, Inc.
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Insecticide Example Product Names
metaldehyde Bonide® No Escape Slug & Snail Killer (Pellet)Bonide® No Escape Slug & Snail Killer (Meal)Bonide® No Escape Slug & Snail KillerEliminator® Snail & Slug BaitOrtho® Bug-Geta Snail & Slug Killer
neem oil extracts (some also contain pyrethrins) Green Light® Neem ConcentrateGreen Light® Neem II Ready-to-UseGreen Light® Tomato & Vegetable Spray Ready-to-Use
permethrin Bonide® Total Pest ControlBonide® Borer Miner Killer ConcentrateBonide® Eight™ Insect Control, Garden & HomeBonide® Eight™ Garden DustBonide® Eight™ Insect Control, Vegetable, Fruit & VegetableBonide Eight™ Insect Control, Yard & Garden
Dexol® Yard & Garden Bug KillerGordon’s® Bug-No-More Yard & Garden Insect SprayGreen Light® Conquest® Insecticide ConcentrateGreen Light® Borer KillerGreen Light® Conquest® Hose-End Concentrate (RTS)Southern® Ag, Garden Insect Dust with PermethrinSouthern® Ag Lawn Insect Control
petroleum oil (paraffinic oil) Bonide® All season Horticultural & Dormant SprayBonide® All Seasons Horticultural and Dormant Spray OilMonterey® Saf-T-SideTM
pyrethrins (some also have canola oil or Bonide® Japanese Beetle RTUpiperonyl butoxide) Gordon’s® Garden Guard®
Monterey® Bug Buster - OMonterey® Take Down Spray RTUMonterey® Take Down Garden SprayNatural Pyrethrins Concentrate Southern® Ag.
rotenone (usually with cube extracts, Bonide® Rotenone 1.00% Dustsome have copper) Bonide® Garden Dust
Bonide® Rotenone 5% DustBonide® Rotenone - Copper Dust
rotenone + pyrethrins Bonide® Liquid Rotenone-Pyrethrins Spray
spinosad Fertilome® Borer, Bagworm, Leafminer & Tent Caterpillar SpraySouthern® Ag Conserve Naturalyte Insect Control
sulfur Bonide® Liquid SulfurGreen Light® Wettable Dusting SulfurMonterey® Sulfur 90W
thyme oil, clove oil and sesame oil Green Light® Bioganic® Lawn & Garden Insect SprayGreen Light® Bioganic® Organic Insect Control ConcentrateGreen Light® Bioganic® Lawn & Garden Hose-End Concentrate (RTS)
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Table 3. Chemical classes and mode of action.
Insecticide Class Examples Mode of Action
Botanical azadirachtin Insect growth regulator that inhibits molting
pyrethrins Derived from a dried pyrethrum daisy flower head Provides quick “knockdown” by destabilizing nerve cell membranes
rotenone Derived from several tropical legume roots such as derris and cube root Inhibits cellular respiration primarily in nerve and muscle cells causingdeath to occur hours or days after exposure
Synthetic pyrethroid cyfluthrin Synthetic compounds related to natural pyrethrinsesfenvalerate Destabilizes nerve cell membranespermethrin
Carbamate carbaryl Inhibits cholinesterase, preventing the termination of nervous impulsesmetaldehyde
Chlorinated hydrocarbon endosulfan Destabilize nerve cell membranes, preventing them from transmittingnervous impulses
Inorganic sulfur Elemental sulfur, when ingested, causes dehydration and electrolyte depletion
iron phosphate Causes pathological changes at the cellular basis in slug and snail crop and hepatopancreas
Microbial Bacillus thuringiensis Bacteria-produced spores and delta endotoxin cause disruption of thestomach lining of certain leaf feeding caterpillars and beetles
Naturalite spinosad Extract of Actinomycetes fungusActivates nerve receptors with a unique mechanism
Organophosphate diazinon Inhibits cholinesterase, preventing the termination of nervous impulsesdisulfoton malathion
Insecticidal soaps and oils insecticidal soap Derived from animal byproducts (fat) or plant oilsneem oil Causes physical disruption of the insect cuticle, resulting in waterparaffinic oil imbalance and dessication
Acknowledgment: The original version of this publication, published in 1993, was developed byExtension Entomologist Bastiaan M. Drees and former Extension Entomologists Garland McIlveenand Charles L. Cole.
Educational programs of Texas Cooperative Extension are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age ornational origin.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, Acts of Congress of May 8, 1914, as amended,and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. Chester P. Fehlis, Director, Texas CooperativeExtension, The Texas A&M University System.Revision
Produced by Agricultural Communications, The Texas A&M University System
Extension publications can be found on the Web at: http://tcebookstore.orgVisit Texas Cooperative Extension at: http://texasextension.tamu.edu
For more information on vegetable insect management see:http://vegipm.tamu.edu
orhttp://insects.tamu.edu