Insect Control

Lettuce, Endive, and Escarole - General Lettuce, Endive & Escarole Disease Control Lettuce, Endive & Escarole Physiological Disorders Lettuce, Endive & Escarole Weed Control

Lettuce Aphids (Nasonovia ribisnigri)

The most common aphid species present on lettuce is the lettuce aphid. This pest is of European origin. The lettuce aphid overwinters on Ribes species, which includes gooseberries and currants. Winged aphids that colonize lettuce are dark, while wingless females that reproduce on lettuce are pale yellow to green, sometimes reddish, with darker patches. Unlike other aphid species, they feed in the interior of the head, making them difficult to detect and to reach with insecticides. Scout plants at the seedling stage and before heads form. Check field margins, where infestations begin. If one planting becomes infested, use tillage to incorporate crop residue and prevent spread to later succession plantings. Potato aphid, green peach aphid, or lettuce root aphid may also occur. See the Potato insect control section for more information on potato aphid, and the Pepper insect control section for more information on green peach aphid.

IRAC Group 1:

  • acephate (Orthene 97): 0.5 to 1 lb/A; PHI 21d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 1B. For green peach aphid. For head lettuce (crisphead) only. 
  • dimethoate (Dimethoate 4EC): 0.5 pt/A; PHI 14d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1B. Not for head lettuce.
  • malathion (Malathion 57 EC): 1.5 to 2 pt/A for endive, 2 pt/A for lettuce; PHI 7d for endive, 14d for lettuce, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 1B. Lettuce and endive only.
  • methomyl (Lannate LV*): 1.5 to 3 pt/A; PHI 7d for 1.5 pt/A, 10d for over 1.5pt/A, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A. For lettuce (head and leaf varieties) only.

IRAC Group 3:

  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* CS): 2.2 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.  
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H. Head lettuce only.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 48h, Bee: H. See resistance management statement on label. Suppression only.
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 15.61 oz/A, or 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal and 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M.

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 0.25 oz/1,000 sq ft or 3.5 to 5.5 oz/100 gal or 7 to 11 oz/A; REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. For transplants while in greenhouse. Not for field use.
  • dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 3 oz/A foliar, 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 7d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Do not apply to vegetables grown for seed. For suppression of green peach and potato aphid only.
  • flupyradifurone (Sivanto): 7 to 14 oz/A foliar, 21 to 28 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 21d soil, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 4D.
  • imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 1.3 oz/A foliar, 4.4 to 10.5 oz/A soil; PHI 7d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. For foliar applications, apply only to fully leafed-up canopies.
  • sulfoxaflor (Closer SC): 1.5 to 2 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4C. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops. 
  • thiamethoxam (Actara): 1.5 to 3 oz/A; PHI 7d, 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 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 (Versys): 1.5 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9D. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops. 
  • pymetrozine (Fulfill): 2.75 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9B. Translaminar. 

IRAC Group 23:

  • spirotetramat (Movento): 4 to 5 oz/A; PHI 3d, 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 apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops. 

IRAC Group 28:

  • cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 13.5 to 20.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H. 
  • cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A soil at planting, 6.75 to 10 oz/A chemigation; PHI 1d chemigation, REI 4h, Bee: H. For control of green peach and suppression of potato aphid only.

IRAC Group 29:

  • flonicamid (Beleaf 50SG): 2 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L.

IRAC Group UN:

  • 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. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake.
  • Beauveria bassiana (Mycotrol ESOOG): 0.25 to 1 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply up to 3 qt/A for high pest pressure and/or dense foliage.
  • Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 2 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M.
  • insecticidal soap (M-PedeOG): 1.25 to 2.5 oz/gal water; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Use in combination with a specified rate of another labeled product. Do not mix with sulfur. 
  • mineral oil (SuffOil-XOG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed. Lettuce only.

Aster Leafhopper (Macrosteles quadralineatis)

See the Carrot and Parsnip insect control section for more information on aster leafhopper and the yellows mycoplasm that it vectors.

IRAC Group 1:

  • acephate (Orthene 97): 0.5 to 1 lb/A; PHI 21d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 1B. For head lettuce (crisphead) only.
  • carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus): 1 to 2 qt/A; PHI 14d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Do not apply to crops or weeds in bloom. 
  • dimethoate (Dimethoate 4EC): 0.5 pt/A; PHI 14d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1B. Not for head lettuce.
  • malathion (Malathion 57 EC): 2 pt/A; PHI 14d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 1B. Lettuce only.
  • methomyl (Lannate LV*): 1.5 to 3 pt/A; PHI 7d for 1.5 pt/A, 10d for over 1.5pt/A, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A. For lettuce (head and leaf varieties) only.

IRAC Group 3:

  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* CS): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
  • beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 2.4 to 3.2 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H. Head lettuce only.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 48h, Bee: H.
  • lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 24h, Bee: H. Lettuce only.
  • permethrin (Pounce 25WP*): 3.2 to 12.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 15.61 oz/A, or 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal and 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 3 oz/A foliar, 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 7d 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; PHI 1d foliar, 21d soil, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 4D.
  • imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 1.3 oz/A foliar, 4.4 to 10.5 oz/A soil; PHI 7d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. For foliar applications, apply only to fully leafed-up canopies.
  • thiamethoxam (Actara): 1.5 to 3 oz/A; PHI 7d, 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 21:

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

IRAC Group UN:

  • insecticidal soap (M-PedeOG): 1.25 to 2.5 oz/gal water; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Do not mix with sulfur. 
  • mineral oil (SuffOil-XOG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed. Lettuce only.

Cabbage Looper (Trichoplusia ni)

An occasional pest of lettuce, especially in late season when migratory flights have brought high numbers of cabbage looper moths into New England. See the Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Other Brassica Crops insect control section for more information on cabbage looper.

IRAC Group 1:

  • acephate (Orthene 97): 1 lb/A; PHI 21d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 1B. For head lettuce (crisphead) only. 
  • methomyl (Lannate LV*): 1.5 to 3 pt/A; PHI 7d for 1.5 pt/A and 10d for over 1.5 pt/A, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A. For lettuce (head and leaf varieties) only.

IRAC Group 3:

  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* CS): 3.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
  • beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 1.6 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H. Head lettuce only.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 0.77 to 1.28 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 48h, Bee: H.
  • permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 3.2 to 12.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H. 
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 15.61 oz/A, or 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal and 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.

IRAC Group 5:

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

IRAC Group 6:

  • emamectin benzoate (Proclaim*): 3.2 to 4.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H. Apply when larvae are first observed.

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 11:

  • Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai (XenTariOG): 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 DFOG): 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 18:

  • methoxyfenozide (Intrepid 2F): 4 to 8 oz/A early season on young plants, 8 to 10 oz/A mid- to late-season; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L. 
  • tebufenozide (Confirm 2F): 6 to 8 oz/A early season on young plants, 8 oz/A mid- to late-season; PHI 7d, REI 4h, Bee: L. 

IRAC Group 22:

  • indoxacarb (Avaunt): 2.5 to 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, and as a foliar spray. 
  • cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 10 to 17 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
  • cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A soil at planting, 6.75 to 10 oz/A chemigation; PHI 1d chemigation, REI 4h, Bee: H.
  • cyclaniliprole (Harvanta 50SL): 10.9 to 16.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H.

IRAC Group UN:

  • 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. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake.
  • Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 1 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M.
  • mineral oil (SuffOil-XOG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed. Lettuce only.

Cutworms

Cutworms are caterpillars that hide under the soil surface adjacent to the plant stem during the day and feed on stems after dark. For best results, make applications between midnight and dawn while cutworms are feeding aboveground. Synthetic pyrethroids (Group 3A) may work best during cool spring weather. See the Pepper and Tomato (Outdoor) insect control sections for more information on black and variegated cutworms.

IRAC Group 3:

  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* CS): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
  • beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 0.8 to 1.6 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H. Head lettuce only.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 0.77 to 1.28 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 48h, Bee: H.
  • lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 0.96 to 1.6 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 24h, Bee: H. Lettuce only.
  • permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 6.4 to 12.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
  • zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang* Maxx): 2.24 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.

IRAC Group 5:

  • spinosad (SeduceOG): 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 11:

  • Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai (XenTariOG): 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 DFOG): 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 18:

  • methoxyfenozide (Intrepid 2F): 4 to 8 oz/A early season on young plants, 8 to10 oz/A mid- to late-season; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Suppression only.

IRAC Group UN:

  • Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 1 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M.

Tarnished Plant Bug (Lygus lineolaris)

The tarnished plant bug (TPB) is a small (1/4”) bronze-colored insect with a triangular marking on its back. Adults are highly mobile. The nymphs are smaller and bright green, resembling an aphid, but much more active. Adults overwinter in weeds and crop residue and become active in early spring, laying eggs in plant tissue. Young tissue such as flower buds, immature fruit, and emerging leaves are preferred feeding sites compared to mature fruit, stems, or leaves. There are 2–3 generations per year. The sucking injury from adults and nymphs can cause dieback of the growing tip, death and drop of buds or flowers, brown scars on leaf ribs, and distorted or stunted growth of leaves, pods, seeds, or fruit. TPB injury in lettuce includes piercing of leaf ribs, which leaves brown scarring that is especially noticeable in romaine. The range of vegetable and fruit crops affected by TPB is great; field crops such as alfalfa and many weeds are also favored hosts. In this guide, celery, lettuce, bean, and eggplant list TPB as a pest, but these are not the only crops that could be affected. In vegetables, TPB is generally not a seriously damaging pest unless the vegetation surrounding crop fields is serving as a source of large populations, and the crop offers more succulent feeding than the surrounding fields. Avoid planting lettuce near abandoned, weedy fields or alfalfa crops. While alfalfa may serve as a trap crop, mowing alfalfa may cause TPB to leave mowed fields for nearby vegetables, causing TPB damage to increase. Scout plants for signs of injury and for TPB adults or nymphs. Sweep nets can be used in crops that will not be damaged by sweeping. There are both native and imported predators and parasites of TPB. Insecticides are warranted if damage is increasing and the crop stage is such that significant crop injury can be prevented.

IRAC Group 1:

  • carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus): 1 to 2 qt/A; PHI 14d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Do not apply to crops or weeds in bloom. 

IRAC Group 3:

  • beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 2.4 to 3.2 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H. See resistance statement on label.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 48h, Bee: H. See resistance statement on label.
  • lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 24h, Bee: H. Lettuce only.
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 15.61 oz/A, or 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal and 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M.

IRAC Group 29:

  • flonicamid (Beleaf 50SG): 2 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L.

IRAC Group UN:

  • insecticidal soap (M-PedeOG): 1.25 to 2.5 oz/gal water; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Do not mix with sulfur. 
  • mineral oil (SuffOil-XOG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed. Lettuce only.

Slugs

Damage appears as shredded foliage. Look for silvery slime trails on leaves or turn over soil clods or debris to find slugs during daylight hours. Grow plants away from moist, shaded habitats, use clean cultivation, control weeds, hand pick/crush slugs, or scatter baits on the ground near infested plants. See the Cabbage insect control section for more information on slugs.

IRAC Group UN:

  • iron phosphate (Sluggo: Snail and Slug BaitOG): 20 to 44 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 0h, Bee: L. Apply around perimeter, scatter around base of plants, or band down rows. Apply to moist soil in the evening.
  • metaldehyde (Deadline Bullets): 25 lb/A maximum in single application, up to 3x per season; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Apply to moist soil in the evening. Do not apply directly to or contaminate edible portions of plants. Lettuce only.

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New England Vegetable Management Guide