New Jersey Cucumber, Melon, and Summer Squash IPM Guidelines


Joseph Ingerson-Mahar, Vegetable IPM Coordinator
Kristian Holmstrom, Vegetable IPM Program Associate
Sally Walker, Vegetable IPM Program Associate
George Hamilton, IPM Coordinator
Rutgers Cooperative Extension

MAJOR PESTS

Insects

Diseases

Rotation

Weeds
Major Insects bacterial wilt NA annual broadleaves
striped cucumber beetle downy mildew NA annual grasses
spotted cucumber beetle powdery mildew NA perennial broadleaves
aphids Phytophthora >3years* perennial grasses
Minor/Sporadic Insects Viruses NA  
squash bug      
thrips      
potato leafhopper      
spider mites      

*- duration of rotation uncertain
NA - not applicable

The following practices are general guidelines that many, if not, most farmers in New Jersey already practice. It is felt that all farmers should be able to adopt these guidelines on 100% of their acreage within a 3-year period. It is recognized that adoption of specific practices may not always be possible depending upon the unique circumstances of the individual farmer. However, farmers should strive to adopt the highly recommended practices in order to be considered an IPM farmer.

A. SITE PREPARATION AND SELECTION

 Priority
H = high
M = medium
L = low
Ø      Review previous season's weed map of fields to choose appropriate weed control strategies

H
Ø      Crop rotation: 2-3 years away from cucurbits, more if needed for diseases indicated in table above.

H
Ø      Avoid peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant in rotation with cucurbits to minimize disease problems

H
Ø      Nutrient management: soil test at least every third year. Fertilize and lime according to test recommendations. Assay a portion of the soil sample for plant parasitic nematodes.

H
Ø      Take soil sample from field to determine soil texture by mechanical analysis for each soil type within the field. This needs to be done only once for each field to help determine herbicide rates.

H
Ø      Take soil sample from field to determine percent organic matter to help adjust herbicide rates. This needs to be done whenever cropping practices change. That is, going from fallow to crops, from perennial crops to annual crops.

H
Ø      Select field with good air flow and soil drainage

H
Ø      If manure is applied to field, apply only before planting and incorporate

 M
B. Planting  
Ø      Resistant varieties: Choose disease resistant varieties and varieties less-preferred by beetle pests when available and feasible

H
Ø      Use fungicide/insecticide treated seed for controlling seed and root rots and preventing damage from seed corn maggot

H
Ø      Turn under any cover crop residue 3 weeks before planting to avoid seedcorn maggot

H
C. Pest Management  
Ø      Calibrate sprayer at least once per season or every time nozzles are changed

H
Ø      Scout for insects and diseases as recommended in IPM procedures

H
Ø      Use applicable thresholds for pests that have established thresholds

H
Ø      Follow management guidelines in the Rutgers Commercial Vegetable recommendations or scouting guidelines for pests that do not have thresholds

H
Ø      Use recommended, labeled pesticides, or appropriate alternative control options

H
Ø      Keep records of pest populations, pesticide applications, and cultural practices

H
Ø      Subscribe to the Plant and Pest Advisory Newsletter - vegetable edition, or access via internet or fax info-line and follow current, seasonal recommendations provided there.

H
 D. Post Harvest  
Ø      If washing crop, chlorinate wash water and maintain proper chlorine levels.

H
Ø      Make late season weed map for use the following season

H
Ø      Use spot applications of translocated herbicide for control of perennial weeds.

H
Ø      Disk down fields immediately after last harvest.

H
Ø      Establish a cover crop to scavenge nutrients, control weeds, and reduce soil erosion.

H