Insect Pests by the Proper Use of of Reach of Children

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COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY CORVALLIS

Cooperative Extension work in Agriculture and Home Economics, Gene M. Lear, director. Oregon State University and the United States Department of Agriculture, cooperating. Printed and dis- tributed in furtherance of Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914.

Extension Bulletin 747 .k; Revised July 1968 2 Peace &ledea,a insect Itdect Saieley

Prepared by The pesticides suggested in this bul- H. H. Crowell R. W. Every letin have been selected on the basis of theireffectiveness,availability,and Entomologist Extension Entomology Specialist safety. These pesticides are among the less hazardous to the user, and can be used safely if precautions are observed. This bulletin has been prepared for Avoid Pesticide Residues on Follow the manufacturer's precau- the home or small-acreage vegetable Vegetables grower. Commercial growers may ob- tions on the pesticide label. These are tain more appropriate information from not intended to frighten the user, but county Extension agents or from the Apply pesticides to plants onlyto impress upon him the need for care- Oregon Insect Control Handbook, for at the rates recommended. ful use of pesticides. sale at the OSU Book Stores, Inc. Always wash vegetables thor- Home gardeners can safely control oughly in running water before using, Store pesticides in a safe place, out most insect pests by the proper use of of reach of children. Strip and discard outside leaves insecticides. There are many different Destroy empty containers or those insecticides and many ways of prepar- from head lettuce,cabbage, and so ing or formulating each kind. All of forth. without labels. the materials recommended in this pub- Observe the suggested time in- Do not keep pesticides in beverage lication for use in the home garden are terval between the last application of bottles or other containers which available in small packages at seed or an insecticide and harvest. These inter- previously have been used for food garden-supply stores. Multipurpose in- vals may vary considerably both with or drink. secticides and fungicide combinations the insecticide and the crops to which it are also available. These products will is applied. The specific time intervals When mixing and using pesti- carry the brand names of national or between application and harvest are cides, avoid getting them on the local manufacturers and the labels will listed on the labels. If instructions are skin. Avoid spilling concentrated list the ingredients. followed, only insignificant amounts of insecticides on the skin. If there The dilute dust formulations, such residue will remain on the treated veg7 is accidental contact, stop what you handle and apply. Some products are pesticides suggested in this bulletin are spraying. It is advisable to wear sold in dual-purpose containers which as follows: rubber gloves when handling pes- serve as dust applicators. ticides.

PESTICIDE INTERVAL Insecticidesalsoare availableas Carbaryl (Sevin) 1 to 3 days CABBAGE MAGGOTS liquid concentrates which form a milky DDT On leafy type vegetables, emulsion when dilutedwithwater. do not apply after edi- The "stem" or "leafy" type cole These emulsions can be applied easily ble parts startto form crops (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, with a compressed-air or trombone- Diazinon 7 to 10 days etc.) do not require perfect control of type hand sprayer. Sprayers which at- Dicofol (Kelthane) 2 days Malathion 1 to 7 clays these root maggots. Also, control is tach to the garden hose are preferred Methoxychlor 3 to 14 days seldom needed in the plant bed where by some. If this type of equipment is Rotenone 1 day sets for transplanting are grown. Im- used, follow the manufacturer's directions.

Wettable powder formulationsre- Common Insecticides and Concentrations for Small-Quantity Use quire constant agitation in the spray tank and cannot be applied as satis- Approximate dust factorily as the emulsions with the type Insecticide Amount to mix with 1 gallon of water concentration of equipment usually available to the Baits Purchase prepared home gardener. Insecticides are some- Carbaryl (Sevin) 2 to 4 tablespoonfuls 50% W.P.1 5% times available in a granular form for Chlordane 1 to 2 tablespoonfuls 44% E.C.2 10% use as broadcast or furrow treatments. DDT 1 tablespoonful 25% E.C. 1 tablespoonful 50% W.P. 5% Diazinon 2 teaspoonfuls 25% E.C. 4% Concentrations of dust formulations Dicofol (Kelthane) 2 teaspoonfuls 18.5% E.C. 3% commonly available and the suggested Lindane 1 tablespoonful 20% E.C. 1% Malathion 2 teaspoonfuls 57% E.C. 4% dilution rates for the spray materials Metaldehyde Prepared baits or 1 tablespoonful 50% W.P. 15% are shown at theright. The main Methoxychlor 1 tablespoonful 50% W.P. 5% thing to remember, however, is always Rotenone 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls E.C. 1% to read the label and follow the recom- 1W.P. ------Wettable powder. mendations found there. 2 KC. Emulsifiable concentrate. 3 4 mediately after transplanting, the sets other method which has had some de- ONION MAGGOT can be treated individually as follows: gree of success is the application of dust or ring the bases of the plants two or three drenching sprays of dia- This insect, the larva of a fly and a teaspoon per plant) with chlordane, zinon along the rows. Use one tea- "cousin" to the cabbage maggot, at- spoonful of liquid concentrate in one tacks only onions and a few closely re- diazinon, or lindane dusts. If the mag- lated plants. Early in the season, seed- gots in your area are resistant to the gallon of water and use heavily enough to wet the soil around the roots. The lings are actually killed by the mag- aldrin-chlordane family of insecticides, gots and, later, maturing onions are only the diazinon treatment will be first application should be made when the first true leaves are showing; the ruined for storage. effective. Liquid application of these For effective control, sprinkle dia- same materials can be made, if pre- second about mid-season; and the last not later than 10 days before maturity. zinon dust or granules into the open ferred, by merely spraying or pouring furrow at the rate of about table- the dilute spray emulsions at the bases Radishes can also be protected by the spoonful of 4% material per 20 feet of of the transplants (i cup of liquid per methods described for turnips and ru- row. Other concentrations of dusts or plant). See dilution chart on page 3. tabagas, but a third method may be granules can be used, but follow the suggested. Dilute granules or dust of directions on the label for rate of ap- Protection of root crucifers is more diazinon can be sprinkled in the fur- plication. A small screw-cap jar with difficult, since one maggot can ruin the row at the time of planting. Because holes punched in the lid can be used edible root. At the present time, there the concentration of the granules or like a salt shaker to apply these ma- is no sure way to protect turnips and dusts may vary according to the manu- terials. rutabagas, but there are two programs facturer,follow labeldirections for Onions grown for mature bulbs may which may be suggested for home gar- rate of application. A small screw-cap also be protected by light treatment deners. jar with holes punched in the lid can with DDT. Start treating soon after be used to apply these dry materials. planting, before seedlings emerge. Con- The adult fly is susceptible to dusts tinue dusting or spraying at 10-day or sprays of DDT, methoxychlor, dia- (Note: The furrow treatment method intervals until the end of June. Two zinon, or malathion and weekly applica- described for radishes is not recom- or three more treatments should be tions of one of these materials will mended for turnips or rutabagas be- made, but the last not closer than 30 prevent many eggs from being laid. cause of injury to seedlings and lack days before harvest. For green or Applications should also be made soon of satisfactory maggot control on crops bunching onions, malathion should be after a rain or sprinkler irrigation. An- that require a longer growing period.) substituted for DDT. %meet 44ed doufgage &mewl VEGETABLES GENERALLY Cutworms: Several species of dingy, Cutworm baits, available ready-mixed on the market, are effective soil-inhabiting worms damage crops when plant growth is sparse. Baits are more effective when applied in by cutting off seedlings at the soil line, the evening and when the ground is wet. If worms are cutting plants eating holes in edible roots, and feed- at or below the ground level, spray or dust DDT on the area infested ing on foliage. and irrigate or rake DDT into the top layer of soil. When cutworms are feeding on foliage of crops such as beets, one application of DDT should give control. Do not apply DDT to edible portions of plants. Grasshoppers: Well - known insects Use sprays or dusts of malathion, carbaryl (Sevin), or chlordane. At- which may be very injurious to vege- tempt to keep grasshoppers out of the garden by early application to tables and flowers in late summer. vegetation around outside edges. Avoid application of chlordane to the edible portions of vegetables. Slugs and snails: Land molluscs com- Metaldehyde baits, applied in the evening, are usually effective. Met- mon to western Oregon. Very destruc- aldehyde dust, or wettable powder formulations, may be more effective to seedling vegetables, flowers, tive in the spring when newly hatched slugs are abundant. Repeat androot crops, especiallyinrainy control after rainy periods. Baiting in September and October after the years. first fall rains is particularly effective since this precedes the period of heaviest egg laying. Earwigs: Pests of seedlings. They also Spread earwig bait according to directions on the package. Apply in infest ears of corn and leafy vegeta- the evening as earwigs feed at night. DDT or malathion are also effec- bles. tive. Do not apply DDT to edible portions of vegetables.

Symphylans No satisfactory chemical control measure is available for home gar- (Symphylids): Small, white, centipede- deners. Thorough pulverization of the soil with rotary tillers when likeanimals. They attackroot sys- the soil is on the dry side and easily put into good tilth will scatter tems of most garden plants which they and destroy symphylans. This practice makes it possible to grow stunt or kill. crops in infested soil without resorting to the use of chemicals.

5 6 Control of Vegetable Insect PestsContinued ladect Awe ,ceaotafe easeetai Wireworms: Brown, jointed larvae of To control wireworms, use a pre-planting soil treatment with dia- click beetles. They kill young plants; zinon or chlordane. Apply either of the insecticides at the rate sug- damage edible roots and tubers. gested on the label and mix thoroughly with the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Spider mites: Tiny, spider-like creatures Use malathion, diazinon, or dicofol (Kelthane). Direct the spray or on the lower sides of leaves.The dust to the undersides of leaves. Spider mites usually appear in late leaves turn yellow and die. season. Repeated applications are often necessary for satisfactory control. Do not apply diazinon or dicofol (Kelthane) to eggplant. Blister beetles: Large black or gray Use DDT, malathion, methoxychlor, or carbaryl (Sevin) , sprays Or beetles which eat foliage of vegeta- dusts. Do not apply DDT to the edible portions of plants. bles and flowers. "17ka, Pil!bugs, sowbugs, millipedes: Many- These pests prefer decaying organic matter but may be serious in legged arthropods which inhabit moist, wet seasons or in greenhouses. Use malathion, chlordane, carbaryl shaded areas. They may attack seed- (Sevin), or DDT, but do not apply chlordane or DDT to the edible por- ling plants or fruits in contact with soil. tions of plants.

Seed-corn maggot: White larvae of a There is no satisfactory chemical for control of this pest. Avoid plant- fly similar to cabbage maggot. Itat- ing seeds when the soil is excessively wet. Damage is most likely to tacksmost vegetables,mainlythe occur when heavy cover crops have been worked into the soil.If germinating seeds. damage is severe, replant.

ASPARAGUS

Asparagus beetle: Bluish-black, yellow- Rotenone, methoxychlor, malathion, carbaryl (Sevin), or DDT dusts or - spotted beetle. Adultsdamage sprouts 404111: sprays are effective on both adults and larvae. DDT should be used by feeding and egg laying. Beetles only on the ferns after cutting season. Control in late season is im- and gray larvae defoliate ferns. Ai' wtglr' portant to reduce numbers of overwintering beetles as well as to itr74 protect ferns. LJ0111 bpi (JUIJ CH ILI IC111.. LOI V CIC ICCLI r berries only. BEANS

Western spotted cucumber beetle: Yel- Adults may be controlled with most insecticides recommended for lowish-green,black - spottedbeetle home gardens, including methoxychlor, carbaryl (Sevin), diazinon, common to western Oregon. Adults at- rotenone, and DDT. Beetles frequently migrate in large numbers, so tack seedlings and green pods. repeated applications may be necessary.

Black bean aphid: Black plant louse Use malathion or diazinon as dusts or sprays when needed. which forms colonies on leaves and pods. Nitidulid beetle: Small, black beetles Beetles may migrate into gardens in large numbers during late July migrate into gardens and infest blos- and early August, but they do not cause serious damage. som of beans and cause blossom drop. A nuisance on flowers.

BEETS

Western spotted cucumber beetle: Yel- Dusts or sprays of DDT, methoxychlor, diazinon, carbaryl (Sevin), or lowish-green, black-spotted beetle may rotenone are effective. Apply lightly when needed. Do not apply attack seedlings. Feeds on foliage at all DDT to foliage to be eaten for greens. stages of plant growth. BROCCOLI and BRUSSELS SPROUTSSee Cabbage CABBAGE, CAULIFLOWER, and Other "Stem" Crucifers Aphids: Gray, mealy plant lice which Use malathion or diazinon dusts or sprays. Start control measures suck sap from allcole crop plants. early in the season and repeat when necessary. They form large colonies and weaken or kill the plants. 8 Control of Vegetable Insect PestsContinued %deaf .eued damage eo*seme Cabbage worms: Imported or common Rotenone, DDT, malathion, diazinon, methoxychlor, and carbaryl cabbage worm, cabbage looper, dia- (Sevin) are effective. Worms may be active during the entire growing mond-back moth larvae, and other cat- season and regular applications may be necessary to protect plants. erpillars which feed on the foliage of Do not use DDT after heads begin to form. cole crops. Root maggots: White maggots may Chlordane, lindane, or diazinon dusted or ringed (1/2 teaspoonful kill or weaken plants by feeding on dust per plant) around bases of plants will protect them from dam- the roots. The egg-laying fly is active age. Treatment should be made within 24 hours of setting plants out during most of the season. in the field. See the section on cabbage maggots, pages 3 and 4. Cabbage flea beetle: Small, blue-black, DDT or methoxychlor are most effective because of longer residual jumping insect which eats holesin action, but do not use DDT after edible parts start to form. Carbaryl leaves of all cole crops. (Sevin), rotenone, lindane, or malathion can be used later in the season if repeated applications are needed. CARROTS Rust fly: Straw-colored maggots; ruin The carrot rust fly has not been a problem for several years. Ifit the roots for eating. should be causing damage, apply diazinon dust or granules in the furrow at planting time as suggested by the manufacturer, or use diazinon as suggested for wireworm control. Aphids: Yellowish-gray plant lice on Apply diazinon or malathion sprays or dusts when needed. Aphids foliage in certain seasons. are hard to see and they weaken plants if not controlled.

CUCURBITS (Squash, cucumbers, etc.) Aphids: Dark-colored plant lice form Use diazinon or malathion sprays or dusts. Direct insecticides to the large colonies on undersides of leaves undersides of leaves, and do not apply when leaves are wet since and progressively kill foliage. They are plant injury may result. in late spring. They suck juices from SICI-111 COMM. IT IS InOTTSTIT TO KIII overwimerea dOUITS uerore rney squashplants,etc.killleaves and lay eggs or kill seedling plants. Hand picking is effectivebugs hide whole vines. under boards placed in fields.

Cucumber beetle: Striped beetles are Use methoxychlor, diazinon, carbaryl (Sevin), or rotenone dusts or serious foliage feeders in certain sea- sprays. Apply lightly. Many insecticides cause plant injury if applied sons. The spotted cucumber beetle is heavily and when leaves are wet. Do not use DDT on cucumbers or not a serious pest of cucurbits. squash.

EGGPLANT Western potato flea beetle and west- Treat lightly with DDT, methoxychlor, malathion, or rotenone. Repeat ern spotted cucumber beetle:Tiny, when necessary. black, jumping beetles eat holes in leaves or yellowish-green spotted beetles feed on young plants. Spider mites: Tiny, spider-like crea- Mites may be particularly injurious to eggplant. See "spider mites" tures on undersides of leaves. on page 6. Do not use diazinon or dicofol (Kelthane) on eggplant.

LETTUCE Western spotted cucumber beetle, var- Methoxychlor, diazinon, carbaryl (Sevin), or rotenone dusts or sprays ious worms: Common black-spotted are effective. Young lettuce plants are most susceptible to attack green beetles, semi-looper worms, and by these insects. other leaf-eating insects sometimes attack lettuce. ONIONS Onion maggot: White worm which Use diazinon dust or granules in furrows at plariting time. See the kills seedlings and ruins older onion section on onion maggots, page 4. bulbs. Parent fly lays eggs on soil 0/6040"4 around plants. 10 Control of Vegetable Insect PestsContinued

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Thrips: Tiny insects which cause foli- Use diazinon, DDT, or malathion. Do not use DDT on green or spring age to turn white or silvery and wilt. onions. Sprays are more effective. Thrips appear in midseason; they Reduces onion yields. are not serious in western Oregon in most seasons.

PEAS

Pea weevil: Egg-laying weevils appear Use two or three applications of DDT, malathion, rotenone, or methox- when first pods are setting. Grubs ychlor at weekly intervals as soon as the first pods set. Early applica- feed on the inside of the green peas. tion is necessary to kill adult weevils before egg-laying starts.

Pea aphid: Large, greenplantlice Malathion or diazinon sprays or dusts are effective. Thorough appli- which form large colonies in the grow- cation to growing tips and undersides of leaves is important. ing tips of the vines.

POTATOES

Western potato fleabeetle:Bronze- Apply DDT, carbaryl (Sevin), or diazinon sprays or dusts. Begin appli- black, jumping beetle which eats holes cations to potato foliage when the first leaves appear. Continue ap- in the foliage. plications at 7- to 10-day intervals. Control is aimed at killing adults and before they lay eggs. Tuber flea beetle: Similar lo western flea beetle, but jet black. Larvae feed on and seriously damage tubers. beetles and reddish grubs both eat for control of tuber flea beetle will control this pest. Spot treatment at foliage and vines. They are a pest only intervals early in the season may save treating whole potato plant- in eastern Oregon. ings later.

RADISHES AND OTHER ROOT CRUCIFERS

Aphids: The same gray-colored plant Use malathion or diazinon dusts or sprays. Aphids are not as impor- louse which infests cabbage and other tant on "root" crops unless greens are to be eaten. "stem" crucifers (cole crops).

Cabbage flea beetle: The same blue- Apply DDT in early stages of plant growth. It is important to protect black jumping beetle found on other seedling radishes, turnips, etc. Methoxychlor, diazinon, or malathion cole crops. can be used later in the season. Diamond-back moth: Small larvae of a Use DDT, malathion, methoxychlor, diazinon, carbaryl (Sevin), or moth whicheatsholesinleaves, rotenone directed to undersides of leaves. mostly from the undersides. Rootmaggots:Whitemaggotsor Use the methods of control suggested in the section on cabbage mag- worms which feed on the roots and gots, pages 3-4. ruin them for food. The parent is a fly.

SPINACH

Westernspottedcucumberbeetle: Use methoxychlor, rotenone, diazinon, carbaryl (Sevin), or DDT dusts Spotted beetles which eat holesin or sprays. Do not use DDT after the seedling stage. leaves. They may be serious on the seedling plants.

SQUASHSee Cucurbits fl 12 Control of Vegetable Insect PestsContinued Tower Aotee ixtotage &at/we SWEET CORN Cornearworm:Large,green(also Use DDT, carbaryl (Sevin), or malathion dust daubed onto silks of brown, black, or reddish) worms which each ear with a brush. Make three to four applications at 3-day inter- get into tips of ears and feed on silk vals and start when silks first appear. DDT sprays in the ear zone are and kernels. Serious in most areas. also effective. TOMATOES Westernpotatofleabeetle:Small, Apply DDT, carbaryl (Sevin), diazinon, or methoxychlor lightly, as black beetles (same as on potatoes) needed. It is important to watch plants for flea beetle damage when which attack the leaves in early sum- tomato sets are still small. mer. Hornworm: Very large, green worms Hand picking of worms (or snipping with scissors) is effective in with diagonalstripes anda single small plantings, or apply DDT. A pest only in eastern Oregon. "horn" at the back end.

TURNIPS See radishes