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Squash bugs threaten fields but control is possible
VU
Squash bugs are a major threat to cucurbit crops, including squash, pumpkins, and melons, as they feed on leaves, vines, and fruit, causing plant collapse and yield losses of up to 50%.
Squash bugs, a persistent pest in cucurbit crops, are once again threatening yields in fields. Commonly found on zucchini, yellow squash, winter squash, and pumpkins, these insects can also appear on melons and cucumbers, posing challenges for commercial growers. In severe cases, they can reduce harvests significantly and even kill entire plants.
Both adults and nymphs feed by piercing leaves, vines, and fruit to extract sap. This damages plant tissue, disrupts water transport, and can lead to white speckles on foliage, yellowing leaves, and eventual plant collapse. Heavy infestations can also cause sunken, rotting spots on fruit and cut yields by up to half. Squash bugs are also known vectors of cucurbit yellow vine decline, which causes sudden yellowing and plant death.
Adults are slender, brownish‑black insects with orange markings, about 1.3 centimeters long. They overwinter in crop residue and other sheltered areas. Their bronze‑colored egg clusters, often laid on the undersides of leaves, signal the start of population growth. Nymphs emerge bright green before turning gray and teardrop‑shaped as they mature. Multiple generations per year can pressure crops throughout the growing season.
For commercial operations, integrated pest management (IPM) is critical. Experts recommend regular field monitoring to detect early infestations, removal of crop residues to reduce overwintering sites, and controlling alternative host plants and weeds near production fields. Row covers can be used in early growth stages to prevent egg‑laying, though they must be removed for pollination. For large infestations, insecticidal soap, neem oil, or targeted applications of pyrethroid‑based products like bifenthrin and permethrin can be used, focusing on nymph stages for maximum effectiveness.
As cucurbit production continues to expand, timely monitoring, sanitation, and consistent management practices remain essential to prevent economic losses from squash bug outbreaks in commercial fields.
source: southernliving.com
photo: vinesgardens.org
