The document outlines an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) initiative for backyard vegetable gardens in Alabama, detailing key insect pests, treatment strategies, and research findings from various projects. It emphasizes the importance of monitoring, scouting, and using a combination of biological and chemical pest control methods to optimize vegetable yield while minimizing pesticide use. The findings from the projects highlight the effectiveness of certain treatments, the emergence of new pests, and the benefits of community engagement through programs like the master gardeners' IPM project.

1. Integrated Pest Management for Backyard VegetablesDr. Ayanava MajumdarExtension Entomologist (Peanuts, Vegetables)State SARE Coordinator (Auburn U)&Willie DatcherReg. Ext. Agent, ACES

2. Alabama insect monitoring project 2009-10Peanut farmVegetable farm+2009 (15 sites)2010 (30 sites)Outputs: 25,000+ insect trapped400+ lbs of soil analyzed

3. Insect Trap Catches in Vegetables

4. EBPM Training EventsRegional Extension Agent training in improved scouting practicesIPM training to farmers at farmsin Alabama

5. Master Gardeners IPM Project (2010): Efficacy of ImidaclopridEstablishing a Vegetable Research GardenMay 2010April 2010Soil preparation:FertilizerInsecticide gran.Phyllis & George Holman (MG Volunteers)Final vegetable garden (TP date: May 7, 2010)

6. Major Insect Pests – Sentinel Plots (2010 - A drought year)GrasshopperColorado potato beetleLeptinotarsadecemlineataTomato fruitworm, Helicoverpa zea Brown stink bug, Euschistus servus

7. Major Insect Pests – Sentinel Plots (2010 - A drought year)Beet armyworm, SpodopteraexiguaSpider mites (Tetranychus sp.) Fall armyworm, SpodopterafrugiperdaYellowstriped armyworm, Spodoptera ornithogalli

8. Major Insect Pests – Sentinel Plots (2010 - A drought year)Squash vine borer, MellitiacucurbitaeSugarcane borer, EuetheolarugicepsTomato hornworm, Manducaquinquemaculata

9. Emerging Pest on Vegetables: Leaffooted BugsLeptoglossusgonagraLeptoglossusphyllopusHeavy fruit drop in eggplants and tomatoes (LFBs)Leptoglossuszonatus

10. Emerging Crop Pests: Invasive InsectsBrown marmorated stink bug, HyalomorphahalysDetected in 3 CountiesBean plataspid, Megacopta cribrariaDetected in AL in 2010Seeks shelter in homesInfests kudzu, soybean, kidney beans, lima beans, etc.UGA Photos

11. Trap Cropping for Insect Pest ReductionPerimeter Trap CroppingTrap crop (squash)Trap crop = early planted squash, apply insecticide on bordersSquash lured 66% cucumber beetles and 90% squash bugsReduced insecticide usageMain crop (watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber)

12. Net house vegetable production, 2011Untreated check (insect injury 15 days after planting)Research sites: Fairhope, ThomastonUntreated bell peppers inside net house (slight insect injury)

13. Organic collard production (Brewton, 2010)BotaniGard ES, Molt-X, Suffoil-XBotaniGard is a living insecticideMolt-X is an insect growth regulator (3% azadirachtin)Suffoil-X is a pre-emulsified paraffinic oilResults (Oct. 2010): Aphid pop. high, no caterpillarsSign. results: BG + MX rotated with SX to below 0 aphid/plant for 3 wks; Untreated check = 3-5 aphids per plantNo yield response (22-24 lb/plot)BioWorks, Inc. sponsored organic vegetable research

14. Organic collard production (Brewton, 2010)

15. What is IPM?Major crop losses occur due to:

16. Lack of early detection of insects

17. Insecticide resistance by over-use

18. Loss of natural control with insecticides

19. “Integrated pest management (IPM) is a threshold based decision management system which leads to judicious use of multiple pest control tactics.”Decision making in IPM…Insect detection & monitoringInsect identificationPopulation pressureEconomic thresholdMake treatment decisionChoosing right insecticideApplying insecticide timely & correctly

20. Toxicity of formulationsSource: Penn State Univ. IPM Program

21. Bayer’s systemic insecticide Systemic poison, introduced in 2010

22. Apply at first sign of insects: aphid, thrips, WF, flea beetles

23. Best as PoE drench

24. CAUTION: Long waiting period (21 d) Bayer Advanced FCV

25. Master Gardeners IPM Project (2010): Insect Monitoring & ScoutingVolunteer: Carol Rhodes (detailed observations on insect pests and plant yields)

26. Master Gardeners IPM Project (2010): Efficacy of ImidaclopridObservations:Imidacloprid provides early season protection

27. Promotes plant establishment & growth