Melon Insect Pest Management in Arizona

Abstract

Melon production in the Southwestern United States occurs primarily in the desert growing areas of Arizona, and Southern California. Melons in Arizona are grown in very diverse cropping systems, where a variety of vegetable, agronomic and seed crops are cultivated concurrently throughout the year. Numerous insect species can be found on melon plants, but only a few have been determined to be economically important. This publication discusses several key insects that cause economic damage to melons, and the tactics commonly used to manage infesting populations.