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Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Besides Aphids, there really are none. The first real threat around here will be the dreaded adult egg laying Squash Vine Borer that will debut locally in the first week of June. So we're getting ready here now. We have Merit down already & it's coursing through the veins in case Mama SVB happens to successfully lay the eggs that hatch. The resulting larvae/borer burrow into the vines. There they will pick up a toxic dose & die. But not before causing at least some damage. damage I'd prefer to live without seeing.

Therefore we'll make a preventive spray of a residual contact insecticide like Bifenthrin ot Lambda-cyhalothrin for Mama. I hate Sevin since it causes damae to young tender growth. Sevin also kills Earthworms & other beneficial predator insects & Mites.

Most of the "holes" we're seeing now are probably either wind tears or insignificant leopidoptora caterpilars or slugs. Check to be sure.

Keep in mind that spray dates vary significantlt by region & checking with tenured agronomists or experienced local growers is always better than the internet.

All the same, here is a useful link for pest management in vegetable production.

Dial up modems beware. This is a big one.

http://cecommerce.uwex.edu/pdfs/A3422.PDF

5/30/2004 10:04:05 AM