On Farm Trials of Alternative Controls for Striped Cucumber Beetles on Summer Squash

Abstract

Alternate methods for striped cucumber beetle (SCB) control were trialed on zucchini summer squash at two commercial vegetable farms, one of which was managed organically. On the organic farm, Rotenone 5%WP, row cover, and Surround (a new kaolin clay-based product) were compared to an untreated control. On the conventionally managed farm, two treatments included the use of Invite, a cucurbitacin-based feeding stimulant. This stimulant was used with a reduced rate of Sevin 4F (carbaryl) and, in a separate treatment, a reduced rate of Rotenone 5%WP. The other treatments were Sevin 4F (regular rate), Surround, and an untreated control.