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ABOUT THE COLLECTION
The mission of the Arizona Pest Management Center (APMC) is to support College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) faculty in their efforts to develop and deliver outstanding Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs that address the needs of Arizona’s citizens. This includes IPM programs serving agriculture, urban communities and natural areas.
QUESTIONS?
For information, please contact APMC at https://acis.cals.arizona.edu/about-us/arizona-pest-management-center.
Recent Submissions
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How to Identify Eggs and Early Instar Larvae of Beet Armyworm, Diamondback Moth, and Cabbage LooperThis article, published in the Vegetable IPM Newsletter (Vol. 16, No. 23), provides diagnostic features to distinguish eggs and early instar larvae of beet armyworm, diamondback moth, and cabbage looper. It highlights key differences in color, shape, clustering, and larval behavior to improve field identification and management of these common vegetable pests.
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The Evolution of Bagrada Bug Management in Desert Cole Crops: The Legacy of John C. Palumbo (2010–2025)This article, published in the Veg IPM Newsletter (Vol. 16, No. 21), summarizes John Palumbo’s research following the 2009 introduction of Bagrada bug in desert cole crops. His work identified pest behavior, feeding injury, and management thresholds that shaped current IPM practices still guiding growers today.
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Arizona Vegetable IPM Program EvaluationThis report presents a comprehensive evaluation of the University of Arizona Vegetable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program based in Yuma. Designed to measure program effectiveness and economic impact, the study employed two online surveys targeting Pest Control Advisors (PCAs), growers, and other agricultural stakeholders. Survey questions aligned with the program’s logic model to assess short-, medium-, and long-term outcomes. Results demonstrated high levels of stakeholder engagement, knowledge gain, and behavior change. Notably, 80% of respondents indicated positive changes in pest management practices, and over 90% recognized the program’s contributions to reduced-risk pesticide adoption. The evaluation also quantified economic returns and yield protection attributed to the program’s entomology, plant pathology, and weed science recommendations. Findings underscore the critical value of the Arizona Vegetable IPM Team in improving production efficiency, environmental stewardship, and stakeholder satisfaction across the state’s high-value vegetable systems.
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Do Antimicrobial Water Sanitizers Affect Insecticide Efficacy in Desert Produce?In response to new food safety guidelines requiring antimicrobial sanitizers in non-potable spray water, this study assessed whether peroxyacetic acid (PAA) and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) impact insecticide performance in desert lettuce. Through field trials and lab bioassays, researchers tested combinations of sanitizers with commonly used insecticides against key pests, including beet armyworm, cabbage looper, diamondback moth, western flower thrips, and green peach aphids. Results showed no negative effects on insecticide efficacy or residual control when sanitizers were used at recommended rates. Findings support the compatibility of water sanitization with effective pest management in leafy greens.
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Impact of Diamondback Moth Outbreaks on Arizona Cole Crops in 2016‐17In the 2016–2017 growing season, Arizona cole crop growers experienced severe outbreaks of a resistant diamondback moth (DBM) (Plutella xylostella) population, leading to substantial yield losses and high insecticide use. Originating from infested greenhouse transplants, the outbreak spread to direct-seeded crops and overwhelmed standard management practices. Surveys of growers and pest control advisors (PCAs) revealed extensive insecticide applications, with limited success from commonly used products like pyrethroids and chlorantraniliprole. The study highlights the economic and agronomic impact of the outbreak and the urgent need for resistance management and improved transplant production practices.
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Liriomyza Leafminer Management on Desert MelonsLiriomyza leafminers, primarily L. sativae and L. trifolii, are significant pests in Arizona melon production, causing damage through larval mining and adult feeding punctures. This publication provides detailed identification, biology, and seasonal development of both species, emphasizing the importance of accurate monitoring and sampling. Effective management combines cultural, biological, and chemical strategies. Selective insecticides and conservation of parasitoids are essential for sustainable control. Multiple field-based thresholds and species-specific responses to insecticides are discussed to support informed decision-making and reduce economic damage in desert melon crops.
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New Insecticides for Desert Produce and Melon CropsOver the past 25 years, desert produce and melon cropping systems have benefited from the registration of numerous novel insecticide chemistries. These include neonicotinoids, spinosyns, ketoenols, and anthranilic diamides, all of which have improved the efficacy and safety of pest control in Arizona’s vegetable systems. This publication introduces five newly registered products—PQZ, Sefina, Versys, Cormoran, and Harvanta—detailing their modes of action, target pests, efficacy ratings, and fit within desert IPM programs. Evaluated through multiple field trials at the Yuma Agricultural Center, these insecticides offer promising alternatives for managing whiteflies, aphids, and lepidopteran pests while supporting resistance management and pollinator safety goals.
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Biopesticide Efficacy in Desert Produce CropsThis publication presents results from small plot field trials conducted in Arizona’s desert vegetable production systems to evaluate the efficacy of biopesticides commonly used in organic leafy greens. Trials targeted major insect pests including beet armyworm, cabbage looper, diamondback moth, green peach aphid, and western flower thrips. Products were assessed using standardized spray intervals, and both knockdown and residual effects were measured. Results are summarized in an easy-to-interpret Relative Efficacy Index (REI), offering growers and PCAs a comparative tool to optimize pest management decisions in organic systems under desert growing conditions.
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Relative Efficacy Index (REI) for Biopesticides on Desert ProduceArizona’s desert vegetable producers, particularly in the organic sector, face mounting challenges in managing insect pests while meeting cosmetic and market standards. To address this, a Relative Efficacy Index (REI) was developed to evaluate the performance of biopesticides on key pests such as whiteflies, thrips, aphids, and Lepidopterous larvae under local desert conditions. Field trials revealed significant variation in efficacy among products, with Entrust and Entrust+M-Pede consistently ranking highest across pest groups. This REI serves as a practical decision-support tool for organic growers and PCAs, enabling more informed and effective biopesticide use in desert produce systems.
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Trends in Insect Losses and Management on Desert Lettuce: A 19-Year SummaryThis 19-year summary (2004–2023) of insect pest impacts on desert lettuce in Arizona evaluates pest status, yield losses, and economic trends using survey data from Pest Control Advisors (PCAs). Through intensive scouting and management practices, PCAs have consistently maintained yield losses below 1% per pest in both fall and spring lettuce crops. Key pests include beet armyworm, western flower thrips, green peach aphid, and cabbage looper, with variations in pest pressure and management costs across seasons. The study highlights the effectiveness of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and the value of long-term data in guiding pest control decisions and economic assessments in leafy vegetable production.
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Organic-Allowed Insecticide Options for the Management of Six Major Insect Pests in Arizona’s Vegetable CropsThis report summarizes field trial results from the 2024–2025 growing seasons conducted at the University of Arizona Yuma Agricultural Center to evaluate organic-allowed insecticide options for managing key pests in Arizona vegetable production. Trials focused on six major pests affecting leafy greens and Brassica crops: diamondback moth, beet armyworm, pale striped flea beetle, whitefly, green peach aphid, and western flower thrips. Results showed that Entrust consistently provided high efficacy against thrips, while combinations of Bacillus thuringiensis products (XenTari and DiPel), Pyganic, and Entrust were most effective for managing diamondback moth and beet armyworm. M-Pede and Aza-Direct offered measurable control of green peach aphid and whitefly populations, with M-Pede performing best in lettuce. Pale striped flea beetle management required multiple applications, with Biolink- and Entrust-based mixes showing the most promise. These results provide updated guidance on integrating effective organic insecticides into desert vegetable IPM programs.
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New Insecticides for Desert Produce and Melon CropsOver the past 25 years, the development of new insecticide chemistries has transformed pest management in desert produce and melon crops. Key breakthroughs include the introduction of neonicotinoids, spinosyns, ketoenols, and anthranilic diamides—each offering unique modes of action and improved efficacy against whiteflies, aphids, Lepidoptera, and virus vectors. Recently registered products such as PQZ, Sefina, Versys, Cormoran, and Harvanta provide growers with additional effective tools for managing sucking and chewing pests. This guide summarizes their modes of action, effective spectra, and IPM fit based on extensive field trials in Yuma, Arizona, to support sustainable and strategic insecticide use.
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Cultural Practices Key to Whitefly and Virus Management in Fall MelonsThis IPM short highlights the importance of cultural practices in managing whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) and Cucurbit Yellows Stunting Disorder Virus (CYSDV) in fall melons in the desert Southwest. While insecticide-based programs are effective, reliance on chemical control increases costs, disrupts beneficials, and drives resistance. This publication outlines key preventative practices such as crop isolation, sanitation, optimized crop management, and use of row covers to reduce virus risk. Emphasis is placed on managing whitefly migration and suppressing virus reservoirs, providing a holistic strategy for virus mitigation and sustainable melon production.
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Cabbage Budworm in Desert Cole CropsThis IPM short addresses the biology, damage, and management of the cabbage budworm (Hellula phidilealis), an occasional pest of Cole crops in the desert Southwest. Although historically rare, damaging infestations occurred in fall 2022 on broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale, particularly in organic systems. Larvae bore into terminal stems, causing adventitious bud formation or blind plants with no marketable heads. Because larvae quickly tunnel into tissue, insecticide efficacy is limited. The publication emphasizes timely detection, sanitation, and the use of systemic soil insecticides to manage outbreaks and reduce crop injury.
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Spider Mites in MelonsThis IPM short provides updated guidance on the identification, biology, and management of twospotted spider mites (Tetranychus spp.) in desert melon crops. While typically a secondary pest, spider mites can cause significant foliar damage and yield loss under hot, dry conditions favorable to rapid population growth. The publication discusses injury symptoms, environmental risk factors, and the role of biological control, highlighting the importance of conserving natural enemies such as predatory mites and thrips. Acaricide options and application strategies are provided for effective suppression when economic injury becomes evident.
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Insect Management on Spring Melons: WhitefliesThis IPM short provides a comprehensive overview of sweet potato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) management in spring melons in the desert Southwest. Whiteflies pose a dual threat through direct feeding damage and transmission of Cucurbit Yellows Stunting Disorder Virus (CYSDV). The publication outlines economic impacts, sampling strategies, and cultural, biological, and chemical control tactics. Emphasis is placed on early season management, soil-applied neonicotinoids, and foliar insecticides, with additional considerations for pollinator safety and resistance management. Effective whitefly suppression requires an integrated, area-wide approach to prevent colonization and mitigate virus spread.
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Weed Interference with Insect Management in Desert CropsThis IPM short explores how weed presence in and around desert vegetable fields influences insect pest dynamics and disrupts integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Weeds can serve as hosts for insect pests, reservoirs for virus transmission, and physical barriers to effective insecticide application. While some weeds may support beneficial insects, the risks associated with pest and virus outbreaks generally outweigh these benefits. The publication emphasizes the importance of comprehensive weed control to support insecticide efficacy and reduce pest pressure in desert cropping systems.
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Insecticide Usage on Conventional and Organic Lettuce in the Desert, 2005-2024This report summarizes trends in insecticide use on desert-grown conventional and organic lettuce from 2005–2024, with detailed data from the 2023–24 season. Based on PCA survey responses across Arizona and California, pyrethroids remain the most widely used chemistry due to cost and broad-spectrum efficacy, especially for Lepidoptera and thrips. Use of reduced-risk insecticides like diamides, spinosyns, and neonicotinoids has grown steadily, reflecting increased adoption of selective IPM strategies. Organic systems continue to rely heavily on Entrust and Bt, though a broader range of biopesticides is now used. This document highlights the shift toward sustainable pest control practices in desert lettuce production.
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2024 Guidelines for Whitefly / CYSDV Management on Fall MelonsThis IPM short provides comprehensive guidelines for managing sweetpotato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) and Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV) in fall melon production systems of the desert Southwest. Based on nearly two decades of monitoring and field research, the publication outlines trends in whitefly populations and virus incidence across Arizona growing regions and presents a three-stage insecticide program integrated with cultural practices such as crop isolation, sanitation, and use of row covers. Special attention is given to minimizing pollinator risk during bloom, making this a vital tool for sustainable melon production.
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Diamondback Moth on Desert Cole Crops in 2017This report details the impact and management of diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella, on desert Cole crops during the 2017–2018 season, following a major insecticide-resistant outbreak in 2016. Survey results from growers and pest control advisors (PCAs) across Arizona and California indicate that DBM pressure in 2017 was significantly reduced, with few reports of resistance or crop losses. Field and lab data confirmed that DBM populations in 2017 were susceptible to commonly used insecticides, including diamides. The findings support the hypothesis that 2017 infestations originated from distinct populations introduced via transplants or weather events, rather than persistent local resistance.
