Cucurbit Pest and Crop Management Systems Evaluation

Abstract

In 2002 a long-term cucurbit crop systems pest and crop management evaluation was continued at NYSAES Geneva. This project is a continuation of a sweet corn systems project conducted 1995-1999. Systems are located in the same fields as the previous sweet corn evaluation meaning that land has now been managed under the particular systems for 8 years. A team of vegetable experts evaluated four systems for producing cucurbit crops including Conventional, IPM Present, IPM Future, and Organic. Commercial scale plots of cucumbers, melons, zucchini, and pumpkins were grown under these systems and compared on the basis of economic, environmental, and pest control efficacy factors. In addition, demonstrations of the systems were conducted on growers' farms in eastern New York, Ohio, and Massachusetts.