• With the help of Ty Torrance, we completed a bioassay on flea beetles on eggplant this week. This pest has become more difficult to control in recent years, with Torac previously identified as our best option for control. This bioassay was conducted to evaluate a few selected products and one experimental product that is hopefully…

  • Hopefully everyone knows that chlorpyrifos (Lorsban and several generic products) tolerances on all food crops were lost on February 28, 2022. This makes ANY application on February 28 or later to a food crop illegal (even though the label on the jug has not changed, nor has the label been revoked). What happens if chlorpyrifos…

  • While results of any bioassay against diamondback moth primarily applies to the specific population tested, we do try and share results of our bioassays from time to time. Below are the results of two recent bioassays conducted by Thomas Dunn (under the direction of Dr. David Riley). In both bioassays, Proclaim, Radiant, and Torac performed…

  • We were able to conduct a bioassay on a population of diamondback moth last week. Keep in mind we work in fields with severe problems and high populations. Also, responses to insecticides can vary greatly from location to location – mostly based on to which insecticides the population has been exposed. The bioassay is a…

  • I have received questions concerning the current use of chlorpyrifos (Lorsban and generics) on registered food crops. You will undoubtedly hear a great deal about this at the end of the month as the rule which cancels all tolerances on food crops will go into effect on October 29; however, the tolerances do not expire…

  • Just a quick update on the broad mite efficacy test. Ty Torrance completed the second check on this tests today, 6 days after the applications. Thanks for Ty’s persistence for getting this test in and completed. This was actually our second attempt at a broad mite test this season. All of the acaricides tested provided…

  • Broad Mites

    Broad mites are back (and have been for a while) and they have become common in the fall. Some fields have been treated twice and still have mites. Some have been cleaned up successfully. First – a couple of reminders: Do not put a sticker with Agri-Mek (also no chlorthalonil because it has a sticker…

  • We have received many questions about Lorsban in the last week. EPA has provided a prepublication version of the final rule which will revoke all food tolerances. Some changes are possible, but not likely. Upon publication, all food tolerances for chlorpyrifos will be cancelled 6 months later (again, some changes are possible, but I believe…

  • Based on my research trials over the years I am recommending couple of important pre-and post-harvest evaluation steps to reduce post-harvest losses due to this pathogen: Please avoid picking melons from low-spots in your field. Please pick your healthy looking fields first followed by problematic fields Please pay attention to any water-soaked spots on fruit…