WS, BAnts take
the bait for less toxic solution
Farm Press, Western Edition http://westernfarmpress.com/news/060806-ants-low-toxic/
Jun 8, 2006 6:14 AM
Organic citrus growers can use low-toxic ant control measures to rid their
groves of pesky Argentine ants, according to a study funded by the UC
Exotic/Invasive Pests and Diseases Research Program. After one week of using baits,
ants were reduced by about 50 percent and after two weeks, by about 70 percent.
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In their study, Les Greenberg, entomology specialist,
John Klotz,
“We used a commercially available liquid bait with
a borate toxicant to reduce season-long ant population densities,” says
Greenberg. “Our results indicate that small amounts of relatively
non-toxic insecticides, delivered in a sugar-bait, can reduce ants.”
Argentine ants are probably the most prevalent of the ant
species in
The ants feed on honeydew excreted by soft scales,
mealybugs, cottony cushion scales, whiteflies and aphids. As part of this
relationship, they also protect these insects from their natural enemies, thus
interrupting biological control of the honeydew-producing pests.
No effective natural enemies of the Argentine ant are
known. Cultural controls, including the use of sticky materials applied to tree
trunks, are acceptable for use in organically managed citrus groves.
Greenberg, Klotz and Rust recommend that growers monitor
their orchards in spring when honeydew-producing insects, such as aphids,
appear. Check the abdomen of ants descending the tree trunks to see if they are
swollen and translucent. This identifies them as honeydew-collecting species.
Growers should periodically inspect for ants and bark damage under the trunk wraps
of several young trees. For the most effective and economical ant control,
begin treatments when ants become active in the spring following the winter
rains.
The UC EDRP targets research on exotic pests and diseases
in
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Vegetable
By John Mishanec,
IPM Vegetable Program
General Conditions
Drier conditions are allowing growers out into the fields and get
some work done. Transplants are going in everywhere. Growers are
generally way behind everywhere. With all the rain in the previous couple
weeks, fertilizer that was put down earlier in the season is long gone.
Crops that have been out for a while should have a side-dressing of fertilizer
when you find the time.
Potatoes
There are lots of
Also, make sure you have a fungicide application protecting your potato
plants. Organic growers have limited options but copper is probably the
best choice. When you scout your fields look for low spots where there is
still water standing or along tree lines. Anywhere there is humidity
staying on, those are places where late blight can come in.
Sweet Corn
While the flight of european corn borer (ECB) continues, corn plants
are beginning to show some signs of growing. Plants are yellowish and
need side-dressing. If you have bare ground sweet corn, it is still a
little early to start looking for ECB damage in your fields. Also,
spraying at this time to control the ECB larvae is totally a waste of time and
money. You have lots better things to do. Occasionally we are
seeing some armyworms causing damage on a couple plants here and there.
No need to worry. If they are still there when it is time to spray for
ECB, you will control them. Seeing a fair amount of damage on row cover
or plastic corn. With the continued flight, you may want to consider
another insecticide application. Adults are still laying eggs and even if
you made an application earlier, it may be necessary again as long as the
flight is continuing. This is a very odd year for ECB.
Normally, the flight is over with within a week or 10 days. This year,
with the cool, wet weather the flight is continuing and eggs are still being
deposited.
Vine Crops
Anywhere there is flooding in the field, you should consider disking
a ring around the area. You don't want to have phytophthora come into a
crop. Most growers have experienced phytophthora in the past and with all
the flooding this spring and early summer, it is a problem best avoiding
now.
Also, there are cucumber beetles to be found in most vine crops. It is
hard to control them if you didn't treat the plants with Admire at
planting. Again, with the warm weather we are expecting this weekend
there will be lots of beetles out. Be careful of bees so you should wait
till late in the day when the bees are not flying to make treatments against
cucumber beetle.
Tomatoes
Keep a sharp eye on your tomatoes. There is still a chance we
will see late blight showing up. I am on a network of university people
all over the north-east, looking for late blight. So far, no one has
reported it and let's hope it doesn't show up.
Cornell Recommends
The online version of the 2005 Integrated Crop and Pest Management
Guidelines for Vegetables is now available at http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/recommends/
--
John Mishanec
Area Vegetable IPM Educator
Cornell Cooperative Extension
6th Floor,
Phone 518-434-0016
Fax 518-426-3316
E-mail [log in to unmask]
NATION'S
LARGEST DAIRIES TRYING TO AVOID MONSANTO'S BOVINE GROWTH HORMONE
The largest retailers and
distributors of milk and dairy products in the
SOME MAJOR U.S. DAIRIES
ELIMINATING rBGH OVER THE PAST YEAR
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June 2006 - Garelick: A
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Gold and Darigold Farms:
CRAFT = COLLABORATIVE REGIONAL
TUESDAY, JUNE 20
Please join us for this opportunity to learn about and experience the
application of biodynamic agriculture...
BIODYNAMIC PREPARATION 500
APPLICATION LEARNING AND PRACTICE
6pm - 8:30 pm
Bob Johnson Farm 12035 Fruit Ridge Ave. (between 14 & 15 Mile -
north of
Contact: Paul and Nancy Keisers -
(616) 677-6176
PLEASE CALL TO GET INFORMATION IF YOU ARE COMING
END
Organic Vegetable and Crop Outreach
Specialist
C.S. Mott Sustainable Food Systems
303 Natural Resources Bldg.
517-353-3542
517-282-3557 (cell)
517-353-3834 (fax)
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