Insect Control : New England Vegetable Management Guide : UMass Amherst

Eggplant - General Eggplant Disease Control Eggplant Weed Control

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 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 1-2 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.

IRAC Group 1:

malathion (Malathion 57EC): 1 to 1.5 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1B.
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 foliar; PHI 1d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Apply by ground equipment when insects first appear.

IRAC Group 3:

alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* CS): 3.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H. See resistance statement on label. Aphid control may be variable depending on species present and host-plant relationships.
beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 1.6 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H. Potato aphid only.
gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 48h, Bee: H. See resistance statement on label. Suppression only.
lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H. See resistance statement on label. Suppression only.
lambda-cyhalothrin plus chlorantraniliprole (Beseige*): 6 to 9 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Groups 3A & 28. See resistance statement on label. Suppression only.
pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0^OG): 4.5 to 15.61 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.
zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang* Maxx): 3.2 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H. See resistance statement on label. Aphid control may be variable depending on species present and host-plant relationships.

IRAC Group 4:

acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 2 to 4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 4A.
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 4A. For transplants while in greenhouse. Not for field use.
dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 4 oz/A foliar, 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Do not apply to vegetables grown for seed. For suppression of green peach aphids (foliar & soil) and potato aphids (soil).
flupyradifurone (Sivanto): 10.5 to 14 oz/A foliar green peach aphid, 7 to 14 oz/A foliar other aphids, 21 to 28 oz/A soil, 0.34 oz/10,000 plants on seedling transplants in greenhouse (tray drench); PHI 1d foliar, 45d soil and greenhouse, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 4D.
imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 1.3 to 2.2 oz/A foliar, 7 to 10.5 oz/A soil, 0.44 oz/10,000 plants on seedling transplants in greenhouse (tray drench); PHI 0d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
sulfoxaflor (Closer SC): 1.5 to 2 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4C. Do not use in greenhouses or high tunnels.
thiamethoxam (Actara): 2 to 3 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
thiamethoxam (Platinum 75SG): 1.66 to 3.67 oz/A; PHI 30d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Systemic insecticide used at planting.

IRAC Group 6:

abamectin plus cyantraniliprole (Minecto* Pro): 10 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Groups 6 & 28. Green peach and melon aphid only.

IRAC Group 8:

sodium tetraborohydrate decahydrate (Prev-AM): 100 oz/100 gal; REI 24h, Bee: L, Group 8D. Do not apply in midday sun or mix with copper.

IRAC Group 9:

afidopyropen (Sefina): 3 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9D.
pymetrozine (Fulfill): 2.75 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9B. Translaminar. Green peach and potato aphids only.

IRAC Group 21:

tolfenpyrad (Torac): 17 to 21 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.

IRAC Group 23:

spirotetramat (Movento): 4 to 5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 24h, Bee: M. Must be tank-mixed with a spray adjuvant with spreading and penetrating properties to maximize leaf uptake and systemicity. Don't use sticker adjuvants. Controls immature stages, may also reduce adult fertility. Do not use in greenhouses or high tunnels.

IRAC Group 28:

chlorantraniliprole plus lambda-cyhalothrin (Beseige*): 6 to 9 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Groups 28 & 3A. See resistance statement on label. Suppression only.
cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 13.5 to 20.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H. For best performance, use with an effective adjuvant. For green peach and potato aphid.
cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A at planting, 6.75 to 10 oz/A chemigation/soil injection; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H. Suppression only.
cyantraniliprole plus abamectin (Minecto* Pro): 10 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Groups 28 & 6. Green peach and melon aphid only.
cyclaniliprole (Harvanta 50SL): 10.9 to 16.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H. For best results, use with an effective adjuvant. Use the higher rate for best performance. Melon aphid only.

IRAC Group 29:

flonicamid (Beleaf 50SG): 2.8 to 4.28 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L.

IRAC Group UN:

azadirachtin (Azatin O^OG): 4 to 16 oz/A foliar or drench, 4 to 16 oz/100 gal in greenhouses; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake.
Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (Grandevo^OG): 2 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M.
insecticidal soap (M-Pede^OG): 1.25 to 2.5 oz/gal water; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Apply with companion labeled insecticide on green peach aphids. On other aphid, use of a companion insecticide is recommended for enhanced and residual control. Do not mix with sulfur.
mineral oil (SuffOil-X^OG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed.

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. 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.

IRAC Group 3:

gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 48h, Bee: H.
lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H.
pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0^OG): 4.5 to 15.61 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.

IRAC Group UN:

mineral oil (SuffOil-X^OG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed. For beetle larvae only.

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.

IRAC Group 1:

oxamyl (Vydate* L): 2 to 4 pt/A; PHI 1d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Apply by ground equipment when insects first appear.

IRAC Group 3:

alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* CS): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 1.6 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H. See resistance statement on label.
bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
deltamethrin (Delta Gold*): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H. See resistance statement on label.
esfenvalerate (Asana* XL): 5.8 to 9.6 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
fenpropathrin (Danitol* 2.4EC): 10.66 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 24h, Bee: H. 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 48h, Bee: H. See resistance statement on label.
lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H. See resistance statement on label.
lambda-cyhalothrin plus chlorantraniliprole (Beseige*): 6 to 9 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Groups 3A & 28. See resistance statement on label.
permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 9.6 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0^OG): 4.5 to 15.61 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.
zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang* Maxx): 2.24 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.

IRAC Group 4:

acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 1.5 to 2.5 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 4A.
dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 4 oz/A foliar, 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Do not apply to vegetables grown for seed.
flupyradifurone (Sivanto): 10.5 to 14 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 4D. Foliar applications only.
imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 1.3 to 2.2 oz/A foliar, 7 to 10.5 oz/A soil; PHI 0d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
thiamethoxam (Actara): 2 to 3 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
thiamethoxam (Platinum 75SG): 1.66 to 3.67 oz/A; PHI 30d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Systemic insecticide used at planting.

IRAC Group 5:

spinetoram (Radiant SC): 5 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M.
spinosad (Entrust SC^OG): 3 to 6 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M. Do not apply Group 5 insecticides to consecutive generations of Colorado potato beetle and do not make more than 2 applications to a single generation.

IRAC Group 6:

abamectin (Agri-Mek* SC): 1.75 to 3.5 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H.

IRAC Group 15:

novaluron (Rimon 0.83EC): 9 to 12 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Do not apply to successive generations. Most effective on 1st and 2nd instars.

IRAC Group 21:

tolfenpyrad (Torac): 14 to 21 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.

IRAC Group 28:

chlorantraniliprole (Coragen): 3.5 to 7.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L. For drip chemigation and foliar applications only. Do not apply more than twice to one generation or within a 30-day period.
chlorantraniliprole plus lambda-cyhalothrin (Beseige*): 6 to 9 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Groups 28 & 3A. See resistance statement on label.
cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 7 to 13.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 5 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H. For drip chemigation or soil injection applications.
cyclaniliprole (Harvanta 50SL): 10.9 to 16.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H.

IRAC Group 30:

isocycloseram (Incipio): 2.1 to 4.1 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H. Do not treat plants grown for transplanting. Not for use in greenhouses.

IRAC Group UN:

azadirachtin (Azatin O^OG): 4 to 16 oz/A foliar or drench, 4 to 16 oz/100 gal in greenhouses; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake.
Beauveria bassiana (Mycotrol ESO^OG): 0.5 to 1 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply up to 3 qt/A for high pest pressure and/or dense foliage.
mineral oil (SuffOil-X^OG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed. For beetle larvae only.

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 1-2% of the plants have been cut down. For best results, apply between midnight and dawn while cutworms feed aboveground. Hardening off seedlings before transplanting toughens stems and reduces damage. See cutworms in the Pepper section for more information on this pest.

IRAC Group 1:

carbaryl (10% Sevin Granules): 20 lb/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Apply evenly to the soil surface.

IRAC Group 3:

alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* CS): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
deltamethrin (Delta Gold*): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
fenpropathrin (Danitol* 2.4EC): 10.66 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 24h, Bee: H. May be combined with Dipel DF for variegated cutworm control (see label for rates).
gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 0.77 to 1.28 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 48h, Bee: H.
lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 0.96 to 1.6 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H.
zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang* Maxx): 2.24 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.

IRAC Group 5:

spinosad (Seduce^OG): 20 to 44 lb/A, 0.5 to1 lb/1000 sq ft; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M. Spread bait on soil around plants.

IRAC Group 18:

tebufenozide (Confirm 2F): 6 to 8 oz/A early season on young plants, 8 to 16 oz/A mid- to late-season; PHI 7d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Black cutworm only.

IRAC Group UN:

Burkholderia spp. strain A396 (Venerate XC^OG): 1 to 4 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M. Variegated cutworm only.
Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (Grandevo^OG): 1 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M. Variegated cutworm only.

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 lambsquarters. 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 hosts 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 3-6" 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 Colorado potato beetle, including spinosad, will control flea beetles. 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.

IRAC Group 1:

carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus): 0.5 to 1 qt/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Do not apply to crops or weeds in bloom.

IRAC Group 3:

alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* CS): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 2.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
deltamethrin (Delta Gold*): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
esfenvalerate (Asana* XL): 5.8 to 9.6 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
fenpropathrin (Danitol* 2.4EC): 10.66 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 24h, Bee: H. 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 48h, Bee: H.
lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H.
permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 6.4 to 9.6 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0^OG): 4.5 to 15.61 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.
zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang* Maxx): 2.24 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.

IRAC Group 4:

dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 4 oz/A foliar, 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Do not apply to vegetables grown for seed.
imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 7 to 10.5 oz/A; PHI 21d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Soil applications only.
thiamethoxam (Actara): 2 to 3 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
thiamethoxam (Platinum 75SG): 1.66 to 3.67 oz/A; PHI 30d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Systemic insecticide used at planting.

IRAC Group 5:

spinosad (Entrust SC^OG): 4 to 8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M. Suppression only. Do not apply to seedlings for transplant.

IRAC Group 21:

tolfenpyrad (Torac): 17 to 21 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.

IRAC Group 28:

cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H. For soil applications at planting.

IRAC Group 30:

isocycloseram (Incipio): 2.1 to 4.1 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H. Do not treat plants grown for transplanting. Not for use in greenhouses.

IRAC Group UN:

kaolin (Surround WP^OG): 12.5 to 50 lb/A (12.5 lb/25 gal preferred up to fruit set), 0.125 to 0.5 lb/gal; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Suppression only. Supplemental controls may be needed for complete control. For fresh-market, apply only up to 1/4 of fruit size unless washing capabilities are sufficient.
mineral oil (SuffOil-X^OG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed. For beetle larvae only.

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 the 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 1-1.5 leafhoppers per leaf. See potato leafhopper in the Potato section for more information.

IRAC Group 1:

carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus): 0.5 to 1 qt/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Do not apply to crops or weeds in bloom.

IRAC Group 3:

alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* CS): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 1.6 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
deltamethrin (Delta Gold*): 1 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
fenpropathrin (Danitol* 2.4EC): 10.66 oz/A.; PHI 3d, REI 24h, Bee: H. 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 48h, Bee: H.
lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H.
pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0^OG): 4.5 to 15.61 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.
zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang* Maxx): 2.24 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.

IRAC Group 4:

dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 4 oz/A foliar, 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Do not apply to vegetables grown for seed.
flupyradifurone (Sivanto): 7 to 14 oz/A foliar, 21 to 28 oz/A soil, 0.34 oz/10,000 plants on seedling transplants in greenhouse (tray drench); PHI 1d foliar, 45d soil and greenhouse, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 4D.
imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 1.3 to 2.2 oz/A foliar, 7 to 10.5 oz/A soil; PHI 0d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
thiamethoxam (Actara): 2 to 3 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
thiamethoxam (Platinum 75SG): 1.66 to 3.67 oz/A; PHI 30d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Systemic insecticide used at planting.

IRAC Group 30:

isocycloseram (Incipio): 2.1 to 4.1 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H. Do not treat plants grown for transplanting. Not for use in greenhouses.

IRAC Group UN:

azadirachtin (Azatin O^OG): 4 to 16 oz/A foliar or drench, 4 to 16 oz/100 gal in greenhouses; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake.
kaolin (Surround WP^OG): 12.5 to 50 lb/A (12.5 lb/25 gal preferred up to fruit set), 0.125 to 0.5 lb/gal; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Suppression only. Supplemental controls may be needed for complete control. For fresh-market, apply only up to 1/4 fruit size unless washing capabilities are sufficient.
mineral oil (SuffOil-X^OG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed.

Stink Bugs

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

IRAC Group 3:

bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H. Use higher rate for control of brown marmorated stink bug.
fenpropathrin (Danitol* 2.4EC): 10.66 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 24h, Bee: H. Must be combined with Belay to control brown stink bugs only (see label for rates and increased PHI).
gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 48h, Bee: H.

IRAC Group 4:

dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Foliar applications only. Do not apply to vegetables grown for seed. For brown, consperse, green, and Southern green stink bugs only.

IRAC Group 15:

novaluron (Rimon 0.83EC): 12 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Most effective on young nymphs.

Tarnished Plant Bug (Lygus lineolaris)

See Lettuce, Endive, and Escarole insect control section for information about tarnished plant bug.

IRAC Group 3:

alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* CS): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 2.1 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H. See resistance statement on label.
bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H
deltamethrin (Delta Gold*): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H. See resistance statement on label.
gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 48h, Bee: H.
lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H.
pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0^OG): 4.5 to 15.61 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.
zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang* Maxx): 2.24 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.

IRAC Group 4:

sulfoxaflor (Closer SC): 2.75 to 4.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4C. Do not use in greenhouses or high tunnels.

IRAC Group 29:

flonicamid (Beleaf 50SG): 2.8 to 4.28 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L.

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.

IRAC Group 1:

methomyl (Lannate* LV): 1.5 to 3 pt/A; PHI 5d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A.

IRAC Group 3:

alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* CS): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 1.6 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
deltamethrin (Delta Gold*): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
esfenvalerate (Asana* XL): 5.8 to 9.6 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
fenpropathrin (Danitol* 2.4EC): 10.66 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 24h, Bee: H. May be combined with Dipel DF (see label for rates).
gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 48h, Bee: H.
lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H.
zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang* Maxx): 2.24 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.

IRAC Group 5:

spinetoram (Radiant SC): 5 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M.
spinosad (Entrust SC^OG): 3 to 6 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M. Do not apply to seedlings for transplant.

IRAC Group 6:

emamectin benzoate (Proclaim*): 2.4 to 4.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H. Apply when larvae are first observed.

IRAC Group 11:

Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai (XenTari^OG): 0.5 to 1.5 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Must be ingested. For resistance management, may be rotated with Bt kurstaki products (Dipel).
Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Dipel DF^OG): 0.5 to 2 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Must be ingested. For resistance management, may be rotated with Bt aizawai products (XenTari).

IRAC Group 15:

novaluron (Rimon 0.83EC): 9 to 12 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Most effective on 1st and 2nd instars.

IRAC Group 18:

methoxyfenozide (Intrepid 2F): 10 to 16 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Suppression only.

IRAC Group 22:

indoxacarb (Avaunt): 3.5 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H.

IRAC Group 28:

chlorantraniliprole (Coragen): 3.5 to 7.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L. May be applied to soil at planting, through drip chemigation, or as foliar spray.
cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 7 to 13.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 5 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H. For soil applications at planting, drip chemigation, or soil injection.

IRAC Group 30:

isocycloseram (Incipio): 5.1 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H. Do not treat plants grown for transplanting. Not for use in greenhouses.

IRAC Group UN:

Burkholderia spp. strain A396 (Venerate XC^OG): 1 to 4 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M.
Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (Grandevo^OG): 1 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M.

Two-spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae)

Two-spotted spider mite (TSSM) is the most common mite species that attacks vegetable crops in New England. It 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 1-3 days. Depending on temperature, the life cycle can be completed in 7-14 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 aggravate injury by stressing plants, 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 10X or 15X hand lens to identify mites. Use selective products and avoid 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 5-7 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 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.

IRAC Group 1:

oxamyl (Vydate* L): 2 to 4 pt/A foliar; PHI 1d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Apply by ground equipment when mites first appear.

IRAC Group 3:

bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 5.12 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
fenpropathrin (Danitol* 2.4EC): 10.66 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 24h, Bee: H.
gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 48h, Bee: H. Suppression only.
lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H. Suppression only.

IRAC Group 6:

abamectin (Agri-Mek* SC): 1.75 to 3.5 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H.

IRAC Group 8:

sodium tetraborohydrate decahydrate (Prev-AM): 50 oz/100 gal; REI 24h, Bee: L, Group 8D. Do not apply in midday sun or mix with copper.

IRAC Group 10:

etoxazole (Zeal): 2 to 3 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 10B. Do not apply more than once per season.

IRAC Group 20:

acequinocyl (Kanemite 15SC): 31 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 20B.
bifenazate (Acramite 50WS): 0.75 to 1 lb/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 20D. Long residual.

IRAC Group 21:

fenpyroximate (Portal XLO): 2 pt/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L.

IRAC Group 23:

spiromesifen (Oberon 2SC): 8.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: M.

IRAC Group 30:

isocycloseram (Incipio): 2.1 to 4.1 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H. Do not treat plants for transplanting. Not for use in greenhouses. Labeled for broad mites and spider mites.

IRAC Group UN:

insecticidal soap (M-Pede^OG): 1.25 to 2.5 oz/gal water; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Use of a companion labeled insecticide/miticide is recommended for enhanced and residual control. Do not mix with sulfur.
mineral oil (SuffOil-X^OG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed.
neem oil (Trilogy^OG): 0.5 to 2% solution in 25 to 100 gal water/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M.
soybean oil (Golden Pest Spray Oil^OG): 2 gal/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply once a week beginning when mites first appear. Decrease frequency as pest is controlled.

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 2-3 applications 4-5 days apart is important. Alternate IRAC groups to prevent the development of resistance. See whiteflies in the Outdoor Tomato section for more information.

IRAC Group 3:

beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 2.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H. For suppression of adults only.
bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
deltamethrin (Delta Gold*): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H. Suppression only.
gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 48h, Bee: H. See resistance statement on label. Suppression only.
lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H. See resistance statement on label. Suppression only.
pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0^OG): 4.5 to 15.61 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.

IRAC Group 4:

acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 2.5 to 4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 4A.
dinotefuran (Safari 20SG): 7 to 14 oz/A, 3.5 to 7 oz/100 gal, 0.16 to 0.32 oz/1,000 sq ft.; REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. For transplants while in greenhouse. Not for field use.
dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 4 oz/A foliar, 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Do not apply to vegetables grown for seed.
flupyradifurone (Sivanto): 10.5 to 14 oz/A foliar, 21 to 28 oz/A soil, 0.34 oz/10,000 plants on seedling transplants in greenhouse (tray drench); PHI 1d foliar, 45d soil and greenhouse, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 4D.
imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 1.3 to 2.2 oz/A foliar, 7 to 10.5 oz/A soil, 0.44 oz/10,000 plants on seedling transplants in greenhouse (tray drench); PHI 0d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
sulfoxaflor (Closer SC): 4.25 to 4.5 oz/A.; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4C. Do not use in greenhouses or high tunnels.
thiamethoxam (Actara): 3 to 5.5 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
thiamethoxam (Platinum 75SG): 1.66 to 3.67 oz/A; PHI 30d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Systemic insecticide used at planting.

IRAC Group 7:

pyriproxyfen (Knack): 8 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 7C. Higher water volumes provide improved control. Apply when whiteflies reach economic thresholds.

IRAC Group 8:

sodium tetraborohydrate decahydrate (Prev-AM): 50 oz/100 gal; REI 24h, Bee: L, Group 8D. Do not apply in midday sun or mix with copper.

IRAC Group 9:

afidopyropen (Sefina): 14 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9D.
pymetrozine (Fulfill): 2.75 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9B. Translaminar. Suppression only.

IRAC Group 23:

spiromesifen (Oberon 2SC): 8.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: M. Effective against immature stages.
spirotetramat (Movento): 4 to 5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 24h, Bee: M. Must be tank-mixed with a spray adjuvant with spreading and penetrating properties to maximize leaf uptake and systemicity. Don't use sticker adjuvants. Controls immature stages, may also reduce adult fertility. Do not use in greenhouses or high tunnels.

IRAC Group 28:

cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 13.5 to 20.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H. 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/soil injection; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H. 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.

IRAC Group 29:

flonicamid (Beleaf 50SG): 2.8 to 4.28 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Suppression of greenhouse whitefly only.

IRAC Group UN:

Chenopodium extract (Requiem EC): 2 to 3 qt/A; PHI 0d, 4h REI, Bee: L. Apply before pests reach damaging levels. For silverleaf whitefly.
Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (Grandevo^OG): 2 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M.
insecticidal soap (M-Pede^OG): 1.25 to 2.5 oz/gal water; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Use of a companion labeled insecticide is recommended for enhanced and residual control. Do not mix with sulfur.
mineral oil (SuffOil-X^OG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed.