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NOTES:  For the insecticides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient (AI) as an example of rates, preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), and special instructions. In many cases, there are other products available with the same AI. Please see Table 27 and Insecticides Alphabetical Listing by Trade Name for more information on these insecticides.

The designation (Bee: L, M, or H) indicates a bee toxicity rating of low, moderate, or high. See the Protecting Honeybees and Native Pollinators section for more details.

The symbol * indicates a product is a restricted use pesticide. See Pesticide Safety and Use for more details.

The symbol OG   indicates a product is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as approved for use in organic production. See Organic Certification section for more details.

Floating row covers can exclude beetles, increase yield and produce earlier harvests. Plants should be free of aphids and whiteflies before setting in the field. Apply covers immediately after setting transplants. Completely seal edge of the material with soil, leaving enough slack to allow for plant growth. Use wire hoops to prevent damage to growing tips. Use in conjunction with crop rotation to prevent Colorado potato beetles from emerging underneath. Remove row covers at bloom to prevent plants from becoming leggy and lodging. See Plastic Mulch and Row Covers, and High Tunnels for more information.

Aphids, Green Peach (Myzus persicae ) and Melon (Aphis gossypii)

See melon aphid in the insect control section of Cucumber and green peach aphid (GPA) in the insect control section of Pepper for more information on each of these aphid species.

Aphids generally colonize eggplant during the first 2 weeks of July, and good control at this time with a selective insecticide will prevent the need for sprays later in the season. Good coverage of the underside of leaves is important. Treat when 1 to 2 aphids per leaf are observed. Be aware that broad-spectrum insecticide applications can cause aphid and mite outbreaks by reducing the populations of beneficial organisms.

Reflective mulch, where 50% of the surface area is reflective, will repel colonizing aphids. Even black plastic mulch has been shown to reduce aphid infestations to some extent compared with bare-ground culture.

  • acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 2 to 4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 4A.
  • afidopyropen (Sefina): 3 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9D.
  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 3.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • azadirachtin (Azatin OOG): 4 to 16 oz/A foliar or drench, 4 to 16 oz/100 gal in greenhouses; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee:L, Group UN. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake.
  • Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 2 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M. Group UN.
  • cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 13.5 to 20.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 28. For best performance, use with an effective adjuvant.
  • cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A at planting, 6.75 to 10 oz/A chemigation; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. For soil applications at planting, drip chemigation, or soil injection. Suppression only.
  • dinotefuran (Safari 20SG): 0.16 to 0.32 oz/1,000 sq ft; 3.5 to 7 oz/100 gal; 7 to 14 oz/A; REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4. For transplants while in greenhouse. Not for use on greenhouse or field grown crops.
  • dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 4 oz/A foliar or 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. For green peach and potato aphids only. Soil application may be as a band during bedding, in-furrow at seeding, transplant or post-seeding drench, sidedress or through drip.
  • flonicamid (Beleaf 50SG): 2.8 to 4.28 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9C. Begin applications before populations begin to build, and before damage is evident. Use higher rate for building populations or dense foliage.
  • flupyradifurone (Sivanto): 10.5 to 14 oz/A green peach aphid and 7 to 14 oz/A for other aphids foliar, 21 to 28 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 45d soil, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 4D.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Suppression only.
  • imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 7 to 10.5 oz/A soil, 1.3 to 2.2 oz/A foliar, 0.44 oz/10,000 plants on seedling transplants in greenhouse; PHI 21d soil, PHI 0d foliar, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Planthouse applications only provide short-term protection. An additional field application must be made within 2 weeks following transplanting to provide continuous protection.
  • insecticidal soap (M-PedeOG): 1.25 to 2.5 oz/gal water; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Spray to wet all infested plant surfaces. May need to make repeated applications. For enhanced and residual control, apply with companion labeled aphicide.
  • methomyl (Lannate LV*): 0.75 to 3 pt/A; PHI 5d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A. For green peach aphid.
  • oxamyl (Vydate* L): 2 to 4 pt/A; PHI 1d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A. For foliar treatment by ground equipment when insects first appear.
  • petroleum oil (Suffoil XOG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed.
  • pymetrozine (Fulfill): 2.75 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9B. Green peach and potato aphids only. Translaminar. Apply when aphids first appear, before populations build up.
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.
  • sodium tetraborohydrate decahydrate (Prev-AM): 100 oz/100 gal; REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 25. Do not apply in midday sun or mix with copper, sulfur or oils.
  • spirotetramat (Movento): 4 to 5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 24h, Bee: M, Group 23. Must be tank-mixed with a spray adjuvant with spreading and penetrating properties to maximize leaf uptake and sytemicity. Don't use sticker adjuvants. Controls immature stages; may also reduce adult fertility.
  • sulfoxaflor (Closer SC): 1.5 to 2 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4C. Do not apply any time between 3 days prior to bloom and until after petal fall. 
  • thiamethoxam (Actara): 2 to 3 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
  • thiamethoxam (Platinum): 5 to 11 oz/A; PHI 30d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Systemic insecticide used as an in-furrow, banded, drench, or drip irrigation application to the seedling root zone during or after transplanting operations. DO NOT apply as a foliar spray.
  • tolfenpyrad (Torac): 17 to 21 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 21A.

Blister Beetles (Epicauta funebris and E. vittata)

See Blister Beetles in the Beets and Swiss chard section for more information on these two species of blister beetles. Note that both species feed on flowers and foliage in eggplant. A single spot spray with a broad-spectrum insecticide that is registered for blister beetles or flea beetles on this crop will control blister beetles.

  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • petroleum oil (Suffoil XOG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed. For beetle larvae only.
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.

Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)

See Potato for more details on the Colorado potato beetle (CPB), including cultural controls and resistance management. In eggplant, CPB feeding may occur in June on young transplants or later in the season when plants are fully grown and fruit is developing. Watch for the emergence of summer adults in late July and August, as they can damage leaves, flowers, and petioles, including clipping flower buds. This reduces fruit formation and marketable yield. Scout to determine the number of adults, egg masses, and small and large larvae and to assess feeding damage. The following action thresholds have been established from seedling to fruiting stage: 2 small larvae or 1 large larva per plant (if the plant is 6 inches). Avoid using insecticides from the same resistance group more than once per year.

  • abamectin (Agri-Mek* SC): 1.75 to 3.5 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 6. Must be mixed with a non-ionic wetting, spreading and/or penetrating spray adjuvant. Do not use binder or sticker type adjuvant.
  • acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 1.5 to 2.5 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 4A.
  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee:H, Group 3A.
  • azadirachtin (Azatin OOG): 4 to 16 oz/A foliar or drench, 4 to 16 oz/100 gal in greenhouses; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group UN. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake.
  • Beauveria bassiana (Mycotrol ESOOG): 0.5 qt to 1 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group UN. Treat when populations are low and thoroughly cover foliage. Takes 7 to 10 days after the first spray to see control.
  • beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 1.6 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • chlorantraniliprole (Coragen): 3.5 to 7.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 28. See label for application rates when used through drip chemigation, or soil injection applications. For foliar applications, may be combined with a labeled adjuvant for improved leaf adhesion or control in dense foliage. For soil applications, must be applied uniformly in the root zone.
  • cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 7 to 13.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 28.
  • cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 5 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. See label for application rates when used through drip chemigation, or soil injection applications.
  • cyclaniliprole (Harvanta): 10.9 to 16.4 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28.
  • deltamethrin (Delta Gold*): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 4 oz/A foliar or 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Soil application may be as a band during bedding, in-furrow at seeding, transplant or post-seeding drench, sidedress or through drip.
  • esfenvalerate (Asana* XL): 5.8 to 9.6 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • fenpropathrin (Danitol* 2.4EC): 7 to 10.66 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3. Do not apply during bloom or if bees are actively foraging. May be combined at with Belay for control of other pests (see label for rates an increased PHI).
  • flupyradifurone (Sivanto): 10.5 to 14 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 4D. Foliar applications only.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 7 to 10.5 oz/A soil, 1.3 to 2.2 oz/A foliar; PHI 21d soil, PHI 0d foliar, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
  • lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • novaluron (Rimon 0.83EC): 9 to 12 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 16B.
  • oxamyl (Vydate* L): 2 to 4 pt/A; PHI 1d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A. For foliar treatment by ground equipment when insects first appear.
  • permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 9.6 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • petroleum oil (Suffoil XOG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed. For beetle larvae only.
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.
  • spinetoram (Radiant SC): 5 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5.
  • spinosad (Entrust SCOG): 3 to 6 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5. Do not apply Group 5 insecticides to consecutive generations of CPB, and do not make more than 2 applications to a single generation.
  • thiamethoxam (Actara): 2 to 3 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
  • thiamethoxam (Platinum): 5 to 11 oz/A; PHI 30d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Systemic insecticide used as an in-furrow, banded, drench, or drip irrigation application to the seedling root zone during or after transplanting operations. DO NOT apply as a foliar spray.
  • tolfenpyrad (Torac): 14 to 21 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 21A.
  • zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.24 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

Cutworms

Black cutworm is the most common of the many cutworm species that damage eggplants in New England. The dark-grey or black caterpillars hide under the soil surface adjacent to the plant stem during the day and feed after dark. On rare occasions, large larvae switch from leaf feeding to cutting stems of seedlings. Certain fields tend to have a history of repeated cutworm damage. Scout fields weekly through June after transplanting. Check at least 100 plants for cut stems, especially near field margins. Spot spray damaged areas or edges of the field if 1% or 2% of the plants have been cut down. For best results, apply between midnight and dawn while cutworms feed aboveground. Hardening seedlings before transplanting toughens stems and reduces damage. See cutworms in the Pepper section for more information on this pest.

  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • Burkholderia spp. strain A396 (Venerate XCOG): 1 to 4 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M. Group UN. Variegated cutworm only. 
  • carbaryl (10% Sevin Granules): 20 lb/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Apply evenly to the soil surface.
  • Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 1 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M. Group UN. Variegated cutworm only. 
  • deltamethrin (Delta Gold*): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • fenpropathrin (Danitol* 2.4EC): 10.66 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3. Do not apply during bloom or if bees are actively foraging.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 0.77 to 1.28 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 0.96 to 1.6 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • spinosad (SeduceOG): 20 to 44 lb/A or 0.5 to1 lb/1000 sq ft; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5. Spread bait on soil around plants.
  • tebufenozide (Confirm 2F): 6 to 16 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 18. Must be ingested. Use lower rate for early season applications to young, small plants. Begin applications when first signs of feeding damage appear. Use higher rate for later season applications and heavier infestations. Use of a spreader-binder adjuvant is recommended. Black cutworm only.
  • zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.24 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

Flea Beetle, Potato (Epitrix cucumeris)

Potato flea beetle feeds primarily on solanaceous crops (eggplant, tomato, pepper, and potato), solanaceous weeds (jimsonweed, ground cherry, black nightshade), and other weeds, including redroot pigweed and lambs quarters. It does not feed in brassica crops. Adults are 1.5 to 2.0 mm, dull black, short and broad, with a pitted and hairy body. Adult beetles spend the winter protected under leaf litter in field edges near the crop where they feed in late summer and search out weed and crop plants in the spring. Eggs are laid in the soil, larvae feed on roots, and after the pupal stage in the soil, a new generation of adult beetles will emerge. These ‘summer adults’ feed heavily and then move to a protected spot for the winter. Thus, there are 2 major flushes of adults – one in late May and early June and the second from mid-July to mid-August. Leaves that are heavily damaged may be riddled with small round ‘shot holes’ that stunt or kill plants. Potatoes, once well established, can withstand considerable feeding damage. Eggplants are vulnerable even at later stages, especially when summer adults emerge and fruit is forming.

Management practices include clean cultivation, crop rotation, removing or avoiding spring weed hosts, using row covers, and applying spot treatments targeting eggplants along the field edges. Scout to observe beetles and damage. Treat newly set transplants if they have 2 flea beetles per plant, seedlings 3" to 6" tall if they have greater than 4 beetles per plant, and plants over 6" tall if they have 8 beetles per plant. Most insecticides registered to control CPB, including spinosad, will control FB. Systemics applied to the soil at transplanting may control flea beetles and Colorado potato beetles; avoid using the same chemical group for both soil and foliar treatments.

  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 2.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus): 0.5 to 1 qt/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Do not apply to plants in bloom. 
  • cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. For soil applications at planting.
  • cyclaniliprole (Harvanta): 10.9 to 16.4 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28.
  • deltamethrin (Delta Gold*): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 4 oz/A foliar or 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Soil application may be as a band during bedding, in-furrow at seeding, transplant or post-seeding drench, sidedress or through drip.
  • esfenvalerate (Asana* XL): 5.8 to 9.6 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • fenpropathrin (Danitol* 2.4EC): 10.66 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3. Do not apply during bloom or if bees are actively foraging. May be combined with Belay (see label for rates and increased PHI).
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 7 to 10.5 oz/A soil; PHI 21d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Only soil applications allowed for flea beetle control.
  • kaolin (Surround WPOG): 12.5 to 50 lb/A or 0.125 to 0.5 lb/gal; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Suppression and repellence only. May be applied to transplants prior to setting in field. Use on seedlings and young plants. Product residue may need to be washed off if applied after fruit set. White residue may be minimized if applications stop when fruit is 25% of its expected harvest size. Generally compatible as a tank mix with other insecticides.
  • lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 6.4 to 9.6 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • petroleum oil (Suffoil XOG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed. For beetle larvae only.
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.
  • spinosad (Entrust SCOG): 4 to 8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5. Suppression only. Do not apply to seedlings for transplant.
  • thiamethoxam (Actara): 2 to 3 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4.
  • thiamethoxam (Platinum): 5 to 11 oz/A; PHI 30d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4. Systemic insecticide used as an in-furrow, banded, drench, or drip irrigation application to the seedling root zone during or after transplanting operations.
  • tolfenpyrad (Torac): 17 to 21 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 21A.
  • zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.24 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

Pepper Maggot (Zonosemata electa)

Some farms with a high population of pepper maggots experience damage to eggplant, especially when peppers are rotated out of the field. Perimeter trap cropping can help limit damage to eggplant. Plant 1 or 2 rows of cherry peppers around the perimeter of the eggplant and spot spray the trap crop (only) when the first stings (egg-laying scars) occur on the peppers or adult flies are captured on traps. See pepper maggot in Pepper section for more details and effective insecticides for peppers.

Potato Leafhopper (Empoasca fabae)

Potato leafhopper feeding is toxic to eggplant. Leaf margins and tips turn yellow and curl up. Feeding can reduce yield before damage is visible. Damage is often confused with Verticillium wilt, where leaves turn yellow and droop down. Treatment is recommended if there is an average of more than 1 to 1.5 leafhoppers per leaf. See potato leafhopper in the Potato section for more information.

  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 1.6 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus): 0.5 to 1 qt/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Do not apply to plants in bloom. 
  • deltamethrin (Delta Gold*): 1 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 4 oz/A foliar or 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4. Soil application may be as a band during bedding, in-furrow at seeding, transplant or post-seeding drench, sidedress or through drip.
  • fenpropathrin (Danitol* 2.4EC): 10.66 oz/A.; PHI 3d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3. Do not apply during bloom or if bees are actively foraging. May be combined with Belay (see label for rates and increased PHI). 
  • flupyradifurone (Sivanto): 7 to 10.5 oz/A foliar, 21 to 28 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 45d soil, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 4D.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 7 to 10.5 oz/A soil, 1.3 to 2.2 oz/A foliar; PHI 21d soil, PHI 0d foliar, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
  • kaolin (Surround WPOG): 12.5 to 50 lb/A or 0.125 to 0.5 lb/gal; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Suppression and repellence only. May be applied to transplants prior to setting in field. Use on seedlings and young plants. Product residue may need to be washed off if applied after fruit set. White residue may be minimized if applications stop when fruit is 25% of its expected harvest size. Generally compatible as a tank mix with other insecticides.
  • lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • petroleum oil (Suffoil XOG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed.
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.
  • thiamethoxam (Actara): 2 to 3 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
  • thiamethoxam (Platinum): 5 to 11 oz/A; PHI 30d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Systemic insecticide used as an in-furrow, banded, drench, or drip irrigation application to the seed/seedling root zone during or after planting/transplanting operations.
  • zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.24 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

Stink Bugs

See Tomato section for information on stink bugs, including brown marmorated stink bug.   

  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Foliar applications only. For brown, consperse, green, and Southern green stink bugs only. Coverage is essential for adequate control.
  • fenpropathrin (Danitol* 2.4EC): 10.66 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 24, Bee: H, Group 3. Can be combined with Belay to control brown stink bugs only (see label for rates and increased PHI), but this combination should not be applied during bloom or if bees are actively foraging.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • novaluron (Rimon 0.83EC): 12 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 16B. Most effective on immature stages.

Tarnished Plant Bug (Lygus lineolaris)

See Lettuce for information about tarnished plant bug.

  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee:H, Group 3A.
  • beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 2.1 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A
  • deltamethrin (Delta Gold*): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • flonicamid (Beleaf 50SG): 2.8 to 4.28 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9C. Begin applications before populations begin to build, and before damage is evident. Use higher rate for building populations or dense foliage.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.
  • sulfoxaflor (Closer SC): 2.75 to 4.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4C. Do not apply any time between 3 days prior to bloom and until after petal fall. 
  • zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.24 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

Tomato Fruitworm (Helicoverpa zea)

This is another common name for the corn earworm. Caterpillars may attack tomatoes and other solanaceous crops late in the season, especially if moth numbers are high and fresh corn silk is relatively scarce. Use selective insecticides to avoid disrupting natural enemies that control secondary pests, such as mites and aphids.  For more information, see corn earworm in the Sweet Corn section.   

  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee:H, Group 3A.
  • Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai (XenTariOG): 0.5 to 1.5 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 11. Must be ingested. Apply in evening or early morning, before larvae are actively feeding. Adherence and weather-fastness will improve with use of an approved spreader-sticker. Use high rate at cool temperatures. For resistance management, may be rotated with Bt kurstaki products (Dipel).
  • Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Dipel DFOG): 0.5 to 2 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 11. Must be ingested. Apply in evening or early morning, before larvae are actively feeding. Adherence and weather-fastness will improve with use of an approved spreader-sticker. Use high rate at cool temperatures. For resistance management, may be rotated with Bt aizawai products (XenTari).
  • beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 1.6 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • Burkholderia spp. strain A396 (Venerate XCOG): 1 to 4 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M. Group UN.
  • chlorantraniliprole (Coragen): 3.5 to 7.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 28. See label for application rates when used through drip chemigation, or soil injection applications. For foliar applications, may be combined with a labeled adjuvant for improved leaf adhesion or control in dense foliage. For soil applications, must be applied uniformly in the root zone.
  • Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 1 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN.
  • cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 7 to 13.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 28.
  • cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 5 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. For soil applications at planting, drip chemigation, or soil injection.
  • deltamethrin (Delta Gold*): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • emamectin benzoate (Proclaim*): 2.4 to 4.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 6. Apply when larvae are first observed.
  • esfenvalerate (Asana* XL): 5.8 to 9.6 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • fenpropathrin (Danitol* 2.4EC): 10.66 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 24, Bee: H, Group 3. Control may be improved by the addition of a non-ionic surfactant. May be combined with Dipel DF (see label for rates). 
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • indoxacarb (Avaunt): 3.5 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 22.
  • lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • methomyl (Lannate LV*): 1.5 to 3 pt/A; PHI 5d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A.
  • methoxyfenozide (Intrepid 2F): 10 to 16 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 18. Suppression only. Apply at first sign of feeding damage, or when threshold levels are reached.
  • novaluron (Rimon 0.83EC): 9 to 12 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 16B
  • spinetoram (Radiant SC): 5 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5.
  • spinosad (Entrust SCOG): 3 to 6 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5. Do not apply to seedlings for transplant.
  • zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.24 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

Two-spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae)

Two-spotted spider mite (TSSM) is the most common mite species that attacks vegetable crops in New England and feeds on tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, beans, vine crops such as melons and cucumbers, and other crops.  In eggplant, TSSM is a key insect pest. Adult females are approximately 1/2 mm long, slightly orange or pale green in color with 2 dark spots on their body, and lay up to 100 eggs over their 3 to 4-week lifespan. Eggs are globular and amber-red when viewed with a 10X hand lens. Eggs hatch in about 3 days and immediately begin feeding. Following two brief nymphal stages, they become adults and lay eggs in 1 to 3 days. Depending on temperature, the life cycle can be completed in 7 to 14 days.

Foliar damage results from piercing plant tissue with mouth-parts and removing plant fluids. Feeding injury often gives the top leaf surfaces a mottled or speckled, dull or bronzed appearance. Mites cover the leaves with fine webbing. Other symptoms include distorted leaves, stunting, overall loss of plant vigor (despite adequate moisture and nutrition), whitening or spotting of leaves, yellowing of the plant or some of the leaves, and in some cases, loss of foliage and death. Spider mites favor hot, dry, dusty conditions, which also aggravates injury by stressing the plant and excess nitrogen, fostering succulent growth. Damage is often underestimated or goes unnoticed since the wounds and the pests are not easy to see without close inspection.

Overhead irrigation or prolonged periods of rain can help reduce populations. Do not over-fertilize. Avoid weedy fields, and do not plant eggplant adjacent to legume forage crops. Avoid planting eggplant near dusty, high-traffic farm roads. Scout by searching leaves for symptoms and webbing and using a 10- to 15X hand lens to identify mites. Use selective products and avoid broad-spectrum insecticides for this and other pests wherever possible because outbreaks are often caused by the use of broad-spectrum insecticides that interfere with the numerous natural enemies that help to manage mite populations. With most miticides (except those with a long residual such as bifenazate), use 2 applications, approximately 5 to 7 days apart, to help control immature mites that were in the egg stage and protected during the first application. Alternate between products after 2 applications to help prevent or delay resistance. Preventative releases of the predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis, may suppress TSSM populations, as they do in strawberry fields. Releases must be made when TSSM numbers are low. Amblyseius fallicis is a predatory mite that is widely used in greenhouses. See Vegetable Transplant section on insect and mite management, scouting guidelines, and biological control for information.

  • abamectin (Agri-Mek* SC): 1.75 to 3.5 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 6. Must be mixed with a non-ionic wetting, spreading and/or penetrating spray adjuvant. Do not use binder or sticker type adjuvant.
  • acequinocyl (Kanemite 15SC): 31 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 20B. Do not use less than 100 gal water/A. Use of an adjuvant or surfactant is prohibited.
  • bifenazate (Acramite 50WS): 0.75 to 1 lb/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 25. Long residual, not systemic. Ensure complete coverage of upper and lower leaf surfaces and fruit.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 5.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • etoxazole (Zeal): 2 to 3 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 10B. Do not apply more than once per season.
  • fenpropathrin (Danitol* 2.4EC): 10.66 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 24, Bee: H, Group 3.
  • fenpyroximate (Portal XLO): 2 pt/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 21A.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Suppression only.
  • insecticidal soap (M-PedeOG): 1.25 to 2.5 oz/gal water; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L.
  • lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Suppression only.
  • neem oil (TrilogyOG): 1 to 2% solution in 25 to 100 gal water/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 18. Avoid midday applications and ensure good coverage.
  • oxamyl (Vydate* L): 2 to 4 pt/A; PHI 1d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A. For foliar treatment by ground equipment when insects first appear.
  • petroleum oil (Suffoil XOG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed.
  • sodium tetraborohydrate decahydrate (Prev-AM): 50 oz/100 gal; REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 25. Do not apply in midday sun or mix with copper, sulfur or oils.
  • soybean oil (Golden Pest Spray OilOG): 2 gal/10 to 80 gal water/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 25. Apply once a week beginning when mites first appear.
  • spiromesifen (Oberon 2SC): 7 to 8.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 23. Complete coverage is necessary. An adjuvant may be used to improve coverage and control. Effective against egg and immature stages.

Whiteflies, greenhouse (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) and sweet potato (Bemisia tabaci)

Transplant clean plants to the field. Because whiteflies can go from egg to adult in a few days, making 2 to 3 applications 4 to 5 days apart is important. Alternate chemical groups to prevent the development of resistance. See whiteflies in the Outdoor Tomato section for more information. 

  • acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 2.5 to 4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 4A.
  • afidopyropen (Sefina): 14 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9D.
  • beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 2.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. For suppression of adults only.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • Chenopodium extract (Requiem EC): 2 to 4 qts/A; PHI 0d, 4h REI, Bee: L, Group UN. Apply before pests reach damaging levels. 
  • Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 2 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN.
  • cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 13.5 to 20.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 28. For best performance, use with an effective adjuvant.
  • cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A at planting, 6.75 to 10 oz/A chemigation; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. For soil applications at planting, drip chemigation, or soil injection. Allow 1-3 days for control to be translocated into the aerial portions and to fully protect transplants following an at-plant application. Allow 2-5 days for chemigation. 
  • deltamethrin (Delta Gold*): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Suppression only.
  • dinotefuran (Safari 20SG): 0.16 to 0.32 oz/1,000 sq ft; 3.5 to 7 oz/100 gal; 7 to 14 oz/A; REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4. For transplants while in greenhouse. Not for use on greenhouse or field grown crops.
  • dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 4 oz/A foliar or 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Whiteflies only. Soil application may be as a band during bedding, in-furrow at seeding, transplant or post-seeding drench, sidedress or through drip.
  • flonicamid (Beleaf 50SG): 2.8 to 4.28 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9C. Begin applications before populations begin to build, and before damage is evident. Use higher rate for building populations or dense foliage. For greenhouse whitefly suppression only.
  • flupyradifurone (Sivanto): 10.5 to 14 oz/A foliar, 21 to 28 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 45d soil, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 4D.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Suppression only.
  • imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 7 to 10.5 oz/A soil, 1.3 to 2.2 oz/A foliar, 0.44 oz/10,000 plants on seedling transplants in greenhouse; PHI 21d soil, PHI 0d foliar, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Planthouse applications only provide short-term protection. An additional field application must be made within 2 weeks following transplanting to provide continuous protection.
  • insecticidal soap (M-PedeOG): 1.25 to 2.5 oz/gal water; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Spray to wet all infested plant surfaces. May need to make repeated applications. For enhanced and residual control, apply with a companion labeled insecticide.
  • lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Suppression only.
  • petroleum oil (Suffoil XOG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed.
  • pymetrozine (Fulfill): 2.75 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9A. Suppression only. Apply when whiteflies first appear.
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.
  • pyriproxyfen (Knack): 6 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 7. Higher water volumes provide improved control. Apply when whiteflies reach economic thresholds. 
  • sodium tetraborohydrate decahydrate (Prev-AM): 50 oz/100 gal; REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 25. Do not apply in midday sun or mix with copper, sulfur or oils.
  • spiromesifen (Oberon 2SC): 7 to 8.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 23. Complete coverage is necessary. An adjuvant may be used to improve coverage and control. Effective against egg and immature stages. 
  • spirotetramat (Movento): 4 to 5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 24h, Bee: M, Group 23. Must be tank-mixed with a spray adjuvant with spreading and penetrating properties to maximize leaf uptake and sytemicity. Don't use sticker adjuvants. Controls immature stages, may also reduce adult fertility.
  • sulfoxaflor (Closer SC): 4.25 to 4.5 oz/A.; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4C. Do not apply any time between 3 days prior to bloom and until after petal fall. 
  • thiamethoxam (Actara): 3.0 to 5.5 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
  • thiamethoxam (Platinum): 5 to 11 oz/A; PHI 30d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Systemic insecticide used in an in-furrow, banded, drench, or drip irrigation application to the seedling root zone during or after transplanting operations.