Insect Pests in Yuma Winter Vegetables: Review of the 2003-2004 Season

Abstract

Insect pest populations seemed to be exceptionally abundant on our desert vegetable crops this past growing season. It is difficult to explain why some insect populations occurred in larger numbers this year, but the weather we experienced may have had a significant role. Hot, dry weather in the early fall and spring, coupled with moderate winter temperatures provided ideal conditions for some insect pests.