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market-farming - Re: [Market-farming] Leaf-footed bugs and a request

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  • From: "Bill Shoemaker" <wshoemak AT inil.com>
  • To: "Market Farming" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Leaf-footed bugs and a request
  • Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:02:21 -0500

I've noticed homeowners freak out over earwigs, not because of damage. They are annoying but don't usually cause that much damage. I think they just hate earwigs because of their behaviour and looks.
 
Good comments on the leaf-footed squash bug. It's a great example of the vunerability of most insects. They have specific behaviours that can be exploited. The key is knowing their behaviours and developing strategies that give a grower a tool for managing the insect. The insects can't help themselves. They will repeat the behaviours. We just have to be smarter than them.
 
Shawnee; I haven't seen Japanese beetle yet either in the Fox Valley, but I didn't expect too. It seems a little early yet. I think last year was atypically early for them. I expect them around July 4. I saw grubs in the field yesterday where we worked some ground. They were large so I think they'll be on a normal schedule or just a bit late. We've been cooler than normal this year.
 
Bill Shoemaker, Sr Research Specialist, Food Crops
University of Illinois - St Charles Horticulture Research Center
www.nres.uiuc.edu/faculty/directory/shoemaker_wh.html
Now a request for observations/experience with the funky earwig.  I am hearing all sorts of nonsense from customers about earwig problems...I mainly notice the insect to be an opportunist and that apart from occasional damage to a few ornamental flowers, he gets implicated by his presence on the scene of destruction.  But  some customers are contracting exterminators, spraying bad chemicals, freaking out.  Anybody got any good science on what you see out there?
 
Shawnee, zone 5, and as of today, the Japanese beetles are 10 days late in appearing here..




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