1.Cucumber Beetles:Organic and BiorationalIntegrated Pest ManagementA Publication of ATTRANational Sustainable Agriculture Information Service 1-800-346-9140 www.attra.ncat.orgUpdated byCucumber beetles are present throughout the United States and cause serious damage to cucurbitSteve Diver and crops. Overwintering adult insects cause feeding damage on young plants, larvae in the soil feed onTammy Hinmanplant roots and second-generation adults cause feeding damage on plant leaves, blossoms and fruits.NCAT AgricultureAdult insects transmit bacterial wilt and squash mosaic virus. Organic and biorational integrated pestSpecialists management measures include delayed planting, trap crops, oating row covers, parasitic organisms 2008 NCAT and botanical pesticides. Field scouting or yellow sticky traps can monitor insect populations.ContentsIntroduction corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) and northern corn rootworm (DiabroticaCIntroduction ..................... 1 ucumber beetles are pests of cucur- barberi), have similar yet distinct ecologicalSpecies of cucumberbits in most areas of the United States.and behavioral characteristics. Correctlybeetles................................ 1 Cucumber beetles transmit bacterial identifying the pest that occurs in eachLife cycle of thecucumber beetle ............ 3wilt, squash mosaic virus and can increase geographical region is the rst step towardDamage to plants bythe incidence of powdery mildew, black rot devising a pest management strategy.cucumber beetles .......... 4 and fusarium wilt. They also damage plantsOrganic control directly by feeding on roots, stems, leavesThe striped cucumber beetle is about 1/5measures ........................... 7and fruits. Population inch long and yellowish-green with a black monitoring .................... 7This publication will focus on organic andhead and yellow thorax. It has three par- Cultural practices ........ 8biorational control methods that fit into allel and longitudinal black stripes along Trap crops, trap baits an integrated pest management approach. the length of its wing covers. The east- and sticky traps .......... 10Organic control measures include delayedern striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma Predators and parasites ....................... 12 planting, oating row covers, trap crops andvittatum) is found mostly east of the Mis- Botanicalusing predatory organisms and botanical orsissippi River and the western striped and biorationalbiorational insecticides. cucumber beetle (Acalymma trivittatum) insecticides .................. 14is found mostly west of the Mississippi.Resources ........................ 16 Biorational pest controls are commonly knownReferences ...................... 17 as least-toxic pest controls or soft pesticides. Biorational pest controls are preferred in bioin- tensive integrated pest management because they usually target the pest and spare benecial organisms, are relatively non-toxic to humans and have few environmental side eects.ATTRA National SustainableAgriculture Information Service(www.ncat.attra.org) is managedSpecies of cucumber beetlesby the National Center for Appro- There are six species of cucumber beetle inpriate Technology (NCAT) and isfunded under a grant from the the United States. Striped cucumber beetlesUnited States Department of in the Acalymma genus and spotted cucum-Agricultures Rural Business-Cooperative Service. Visit theber beetles in the Diabrotica genus are col-NCAT Web site (www.ncat.org/lectively known as diabroticine or diabrotic-sarc_current.php) for Striped cucumber beetle. Photo by Ken Gray,more information on ite beetles. The diabroticines, which include courtesy of Oregon State University.our sustainable agri- the closely related species known as westernculture projects.

2. The spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica running horizontally across its back undecimpunctata howardi) is about 1/3 inchand a thin green band along the center of long and greenish-yellow with a black headits back. and lime-green thorax. It has 12 black spots on its wing covers. The larval stage is known as the southern corn rootworm.Related ATTRApublications Banded cucumber beetle. Photo by Kim Davis andBiointensive Spotted cucumber beetle. Photo by Charles Schurch Mike Stangeland, www.texasento.net/beetles.htm.Integrated PestLewallen.Management Adult western corn rootworms (Diabroctica The western spotted cucumber beetle virgifera virgifera) can be found crawling onFarmscaping to (Diabrotica undecimpunctata undecim- cucurbit plants, but the rootworms causeEnhance Biological punctata) is similar in appearance to theControllittle feeding injury to cucurbits and do not spotted cucumber beetle, but is slightly transmit bacterial wilt or virus diseases.Organic IPM Fieldsmaller. It is found in Arizona, California, The female adult looks very similar to aGuideColorado and Oregon, though it is more striped cucumber beetle, so it is impor- prolic and destructive in the southernOrganic Pumpkintant to distinguish which insect is present.and Winter Squashpart of its range (EPPO, 2003). Striped cucumber beetles have black abdo-Production mens underneath the wing cover, whileBiorationals:western corn rootworms have yellow abdo-Ecological Pestmens. In addition, the center stripe on theManagement striped cucumber beetle extends to the tipDatabase of the abdomen, while the center stripe on the western corn rootworm extends about three-quarters of the way. Finally, striped cucumber beetles have faint yellow mark- ings on their legs while the western corn rootworm has solid black legs. Western spotted cucumber beetle. Photo by Jack Kelly Clark, courtesy of UC Statewide IPM Project, 2000 Regents, University of California. The banded cucumber beetle (Diabrotica balteata) is found throughout the south- ern United States from North Carolina to southern California (Capinera, 1999). It is about 1/5 inch long and green- ish-yellow with a red head and blackAdult western corn rootworm. Photo by Jim Kalisch, thorax. It has three greenish-blue bandsCropWatch, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.Page 2 ATTRA Cucumber Beetles: Organic and Biorational IPM 3. Notes on terms used in organic productionOrganic production of crops and live- organic certication should check withstimulation, as well as for weed, insectstock in the United States is regulated an accredited certifying agent before and disease control. Manufacturers sub-by the U.S. Department of Agricultures using any pest control material men-mit product data, ingredients and relatedNational Organic Program. The program tioned in this publication, whether it is proprietary information to the instituteis an organic certication and market-described as organic or biorational, to for evaluation of suitable materialsing program that ensures food and verify approved status. according to standards established byfood products labeled as organic meet the USDA National Organic Program.standard guidelines. Land must be free Biorational products include botani-of synthetic pesticides and fertilizerscals, horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps,The OMRI Products List is a directoryfor three years before it can be certiedbiopesticides (biofungicides and micro-of products reviewed and approved byorganic. After that, producers can onlybial antagonists), mineral-based prod- the institute for use in organic crop pro-use approved organic pest control strat- ucts, parasitic nematodes, anti-feedants,duction. These products may display theegies and fertilizers. plant extracts and pheromones. Organic OMRI Listed seal on labels and in adver- farmers commonly use biorational prod- tising literature. The OMRI Products List isProducers who want to label or market uct formulations of natural origin. a convenient way for farmers to identifytheir produce as organic need to gain which biorational pest control products arecertication through a USDA-accredited Biorational pest controls also include approved for use in organic production.certifying agent. This process involves reduced-risk pesticides and insect growththe development of an organic sys- regulators that are not allowed in organic Resources:tem plan describing details about soil production. In addition, organic farmersfertility planning, seeds and seedlings, are not allowed to use certain botanical The National Organic Programweed and pest management practices insecticides like nicotine and rotenone or USDA Agricultural Marketing Serviceincluding materials the grower plans to specic formulations of biorational pes-www.ams.usda.gov/nop/indexNet.htmuse, and storage and handling routines ticides. For example, the commercially The OMRI Products List(Kuepper, 2002). A recordkeeping sys- available Entrust formulation of spinosad Organic Materials Review Institutetem and an annual farm inspection are is allowed, but many other spinosad for-www.omri.orgalso required. mulations are not.Organic regulation, certication,For more information, see the ATTRA The Organic Materials Review Institutetransition and historypublication Organic Farm Certifica- is a nonprot organization that reviews ATTRA National Sustainabletion and the National Organic Program.products used in organic crop produc- Agriculture Information ServicePlease note that farmers involved withtion for the purpose of fertility and plant www.attra.ncat.org/organic.htmlLife cycle of the cucumber Applications of biorational insecticides are most effective and least costly when basedbeetle on knowledge of:Understanding the life cycle of an insectpest is critical to using control measures The pests life cycleeffectively. Integrated pest management The life stage(s) of the pest that willpest-control strategies require knowledge ofdamage the crop plantthe pests life cycle to: The life stage(s) of the crop plant Adjust planting times so crops arenot in a susceptible growth stage most susceptible to the pestwhen the pest is most active The life stage of the pest that is Distract insects from susceptible cropseasiest to controlby using pheromones or trap crops Local climate and ecological con- Disrupt the pests ability to repro- ditions and how they affect plantduce or growgrowth and insect movementRefer to the ATTRA publication Biointensive Integrated Pest Management for anintroduction to integrated pest management concepts and practices.www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 3 4. Cucumber beetles overwinter as unmated on a wide range of plants in the cucurbit,adults in bordering vegetation, plant debris,rose, legume and mustard families. Bandedwoodlots and fence rows. Cucumber bee- cucumber beetles can produce up to seventles are active in spring when temperaturesgenerations per year in the Deep South.reach 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and feed After feeding and mating on cucurbit seed-on alternate host plants until cucurbit plants lings, female cucumber beetles oviposit eggsappear in vegetable elds. in the soil near the base of plants. Egg produc-Striped cucumber beetles are monophagous tion ranges from 200 to 300 eggs per female,during the larval stage, meaning the bee-laid in clusters over the course of severaltles only feed on roots of cucurbit plants.weeks, for the spotted cucumber beetle andOverwintering adults feed on the pollen, up to 1,500 eggs per female for the stripedpetals and leaves of early blooming plants,cucumber beetle. Eggs usually hatch in veespecially owering plants in the rose fam-to 10 days with larval development from 11ily, in spring before migrating to cucurbitto 45 days. Pupae reside in the soil for fourelds. Adults also feed on the leaves andto seven days and then emerge as adults.owers of corn, beans and peas during theDepending on weather and temperature, peakHgrowing season and on goldenrods, sunow-activity can spike every 30 to 60 days as newigh-ers and asters later in the season. However, generations emerge. Adults can live up to 60altitude days or more (Capinera, 2001).both species of striped cucumber beetlescurrentsare known as specialist feeders becausecan carry striped the beetles highly prefer cucurbit plantsDamage to plants bycucumber beetles up and fruits. The beetles produce one or twogenerations per growing season in north- cucumber beetlesto 500 miles in threeCucumber beetles injure cucurbit cropsern regions and two or three generations into four days.southern regions.directly and indirectly. Direct feeding by larvae can injure crop roots and disruptSpotted cucumber beetles are polyphagous plant growth. Direct feeding by adults canduring the larval stage, meaning the beetles stunt seedlings and damage maturing fruits.feed on the roots of multiple host plants. The Cucumber beetles transmit bacterial wilt,larvae are commonly known as rootworms which causes plants to quickly wilt and die.because they are injurious feeders on rootsBacterial wilt is a major problem for manyof corn, peanuts, small grains and grasses.vegetable growers.Adult spotted cucumber beetles feed onthe pollen, petals and leaves of more than Feeding damage200 alternate host plants. Adult spotted Cucumber beetles in ict feeding damagecucumber beetles overwinter in southern three times during their life cycle:states and migrate into northern states inJune and July, appearing two to four weeks Overwintering adults feed on emerg-later than striped cucumber beetles. Adults ing cucurbit plants in the spring.are strong iers and disperse rapidly from These adults can kill or severely stunteld to eld during summer. High-altitude young plants by feeding on stems andcurrents can also carry striped cucumbercotyledons. Adult cucumber beetlesbeetles up to 500 miles in three to fouralso transmit bacterial wilt.days. (EPPO, 2003). Spotted cucumber Larvae from eggs laid by overwin-beetles produce two or three generations in tering adults feed on plant roots.a growing season. Larval tunneling can stunt cropThe banded cucumber beetle is polyph- plants, especially seedlings, andagous during the larval stage and can bepredispose the plant to soilbornean injurious feeder on roots of soybeansdiseases such as fusarium wilt.and sweet potatoes in addition to cucur- Second- and third-generation adultsbits. Adult banded cucumber beetles feedemerging from pupae during thePage 4ATTRACucumber Beetles: Organic and Biorational IPM 5. growing season or migrating intothe area at mid-season feed on foli-Some varieties of a cucurbit species are more attractive toage, owers, stems and fruit. These cucumber beetles than others. For example, cucumber beetlespreferentially feed on muskmelon varieties in the followingadults damage maturing fruits order, from greatest to least (Foster et al., 1995):and transmit bacterial wilt. Feed-ing damage is less serious to plants1. Makdimon 6. Galiathat are already leafed out. Dam- 2. Rocky Sweet7. Pulsarage to fruits results in scarring and3. Cordele8. Passportdecreases the marketability andstorage life of the crop. 4. Legend 9. Super StarCucumber beetles preferentially feed on 5. Caravelle10. Rising Stardifferent cucurbit species. The approximate See Table 1, "Ranking of cucurbits by cucumber beetle feeding preference,"order of susceptibility to feeding damage for susceptibility ratings of other cucurbit species.may vary with geographical regions. Vegetable Insect Management withJude Boucher from the University of Connecticut ranks Emphasis on the Midwest (Foster et al., susceptibility in the northeast from greatest to least as: 1995) lists susceptibility, from greatest to least as:1. Bitter gourds 2. Winter squash (C. maxima) such as Turks Turban, Blue 1. CucumberHubbard, etc. 2. Cantaloupe 3. Cucumbers 3. Honeydew 4. Summer squash 4. Casaba melon 5. Cantaloupe 5. Winter squash6. Honeydew 6. Pumpkins 7. Butternut winter squash 7. Summer squash8. Casaba melon 8. Watermelon 9. WatermelonTable 1. Ranking of cucurbits by cucumber beetle feeding preference (Jarvis, 1994).Higher ranking numbers indicate more preferred varieties by cucumber beetles. Rankings: 1 to 14 means notpreferred, greater than 45 means highly preferred. Summer squashWinter squashVariety RankingVariety RankingYellow AcornSunbar 1 Table Ace6Slender Gold2Carnival 7Early Prolic Staightneck 20 Table King (bush) 12Goldie Hybrid 32 Tay Belle (bush)14Sundance33 Butternut StraightneckZenith13Seneca Prolic 4 Butternut Supreme 16Goldbar5 Early Butternut 25www.attra.ncat.orgATTRAPage 5 6. Table 1. Continued Higher ranking numbers indicate more preferred varieties by cucumber beetles. Rankings: 1 to 14 means not preferred, greater than 45 means highly preferred. Summer squash Winter squash Multipik37Waltham 28 CrookneckButtercup Yellow Crookneck8 Honey Delight 43 Sundance34Buttercup Burgess 44ScallopAmbercup55 Peter Pan9 PumpkinsZucchini Baby Pam10 Gold Rush 39Munchkin11 Zucchini Select 40Seneca Harvest Moon 15 Ambassador41Jack-Be-Little17 President 45Jackpot 18 Black Jack46Tom Fox 19 Green Eclipse 50Baby Bear 21 Seneca Zucchini 51Howden22 Senator 52Spirit23 Super Select54Wizard24 Dark Green Zucchini 56Ghost Rider 26 Embassy Dark Green Zucchini 57Big Autumn27 Other summer squash Autumn Gold 29 Scallop 3 Jack-of-All Trades30 Cocozelle 48Rocket31 Caserta 58Frosty35 Melon Spookie 36 Classic 59Connecticut Field 38 Happy Jack42 Big Max 47 Baby Boo53 Bacterial wilt While horticultural literature commonly In addition to direct feeding on plants, explains that bacterial wilt overwinters in cucumber beetles are vectors for bacte-the intestinal tract of adult cucumber bee- rial wilt caused by the bacterium Erwiniatles, plant pathologists now believe the tracheiphila. While foliage-feeding adultErwinia bacterium overwinters in the sap of cucumber beetles can injure crops, espe- alternate host plants. These plants remain cially seedlings, the transmission of bacte- asymptomatic, or do not exhibit symptoms rial wilt disease is a more serious concernof the disease (Latin, 2000). Adult cucum- because the disease causes rapid wilting ber beetles feed on these alternative host and death of cucurbit plants.crops, become infected with bacterial wiltPage 6 ATTRACucumber Beetles: Organic and Biorational IPM 7. and then transmit the disease to squash,Squash mosaic virusmelons or cucumbers by feeding on theThe western striped cucumber beetle and thecrop plants or through fecal contaminationspotted cucumber beetle are alternate vectorsof wounded leaves and stems.for another disease: squash mosaic virus.Following infection, the Erwinia bacteriumAphid insects are the primary vector. Whilespreads throughout the vascular system of the virus is seed-borne, the incidence of thisthe plant, causing blockage of xylem ves- disease is enhanced through cucumber bee-sels. The formation of bacterial-exuded tle feeding and transmission. Squashes andgums and resins results in restricted move- melons are particularly susceptible to thisment of water and nutrients and the plant disease because of a greater occurrence ofstarts to wilt. The incubation period frominfected seeds in these species.time of infection to expression of wiltingThe symptoms of squash mosaic virus varysymptoms ranges from several days to sev- according to host species and cultivar, buteral weeks. Young, succulent plants are include mosaic patterns, leaf mottling,more susceptible to cucumber beetle feed- ring spots, blisters and fruit deformationing and disease transmission than older,(Provvidenti and Haudenshield, 1996). Bmature plants.Besides the use of certified virus-free acterialTo determine if a plant is infected withseeds, control measures are aimed at min- wilt is mostbacterial wilt, use the following diagnos-imizing the presence of cucumber beetles. severe ontic tests:(Provvidenti and Haudenshield, 1996 and cantaloupe andDavis et al., 1999). Squeeze sap from a wilted stem cut cucumber, less dam-near its base. Press a knife againstthe stem and slowly pull it awayOrganic control measures aging on squash andabout a centimeter. The appearanceOrganic control measures for cucumberpumpkin and rarelyof ne, shiny threads indicates bac-beetles fall into ve categories, each dis-aects establishedterial wilt (Snover, 1999). cussed in detail in the following sections:watermelon plants. Population monitoring Immerse a newly cut stem in a glass Cultural practicesof water. If the plant has bacterial Trap crops, trap baits and stickywilt, milky strands of bacterial ooze trapswill leak from the stem in ve to 10minutes. Predators and parasites Botanical and biorational insecticides Cut the stem with a knife and thenPopulation monitoring methods like croppush the cut ends together andscouting and sticky traps are commonlyslowly pull them apart. Sticky, vis-used as monitoring tools to help growerscous strands of bacterial slime indi- detect insect pest populations and makecate bacterial wilt (Latin, 2000).informed and timely pest management deci-The sap of a healthy plant is watery and will sions. Growers can use threshold data estab-not exhibit stringing and bacterial oozinglished by university Extension entomologists(Snover, 1999). to determine when control measures, like aknock-down insecticide, prevent crop dam-Bacterial wilt is most severe on cantaloupeage and disease transmission.and cucumber, less damaging on squashand pumpkin and rarely affects establishedCornell University recommends cropwatermelon plants. Wilt-resistant varieties scouting twice a week, with emphasis onare available for some cucurbits, but still the inspection of young cucurbit plantslacking for others. For example, County with fewer than ve leaves. MonitoringFair 83 and Saladin are resistant variet- should involve thorough inspection of veies of cucumber, but resistant varieties of plants at each of ve locations in a eld.muskmelon are not developed.Pay special attention to the undersideswww.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 7 8. of leaves and plants at eld edges. ThesePheromone Technologies, Inc., the ISCA population counts are used to calculateyellow sticky card from ISCA Technolo- the average number of beetles per plantgies, Inc. and the Olson yellow sticky card (Petzoldt, 2008).from Olson Products, Inc. These productsare listed under the Products section of Economic thresholds for cucumber bee-Resources at the end of this publication. tle control depend on the type of cucur- bit, age of plants and susceptibility to Researchers at Southwest-Purdue Agricul- bacterial wilt. Once cucurbit vines are well-tural Center in Vincennes, Ind., determined established, plants can tolerate a 25 to 50that 20 striped or spotted cucumber bee- percent loss of foliage without a reduction in tles per trap during a 48-hour period cor- yield. However, seedling cucurbits can berespond to one beetle per plant. That is the seriously injured or killed by heavy feed- threshold for treating cucurbits in the Mid- ing from cucumber beetles. When bacterialwest, especially with melons and cucum- wilt is present, risk is greater among cucur-bers, to prevent excessive loss from bacte- bit varieties that are most susceptible. Ento- rial wilt (Lam and Foster, 2005). If fewer mologists in the Midwest use a threshold ofthan 20 beetles are found on the traps, it one beetle per plant for insecticidal controlmeans that beetle populations are not at an when bacterial wilt disease is present.economic threshold and treatment is not Growers can use homemade yellow sticky warranted. Growers should repeat this mon- traps or purchase commercial yellow sticky itoring procedure through critical parts of cards for detection of cucumber beetles. the growing season. Homemade and commercial insect attrac- Volatile chemicals known as kairomones tants can enhance the trapping effect. attract diabroticine beetles. Kairomones Cucumber beetles and most insets are include cucurbatacins, indoles and oral attracted to the color yellow. volatiles as well as specic kairomonal ana- To make a simple sticky trap, coat an 8- logs like 2,3-benzopyrrole and 1,2,4-trime- ounce yellow plastic cup with insect glue, thoxybenzene. Since each species of cucum- like commercially available Stickum Specialber beetle responds to unique kairomones, or Tangle-Trap. Invert the cup and secure it separate commercial lures are available on a 2-foot wooden stake (Levine and Met-for each type of cucumber beetle. There calf, 1988). Eugenol, a naturally occurringare two manufacturers of kairomone lures: insect attractant found in clove oil (82 toTrece, Inc., which sells the Pherocon CRW 87 percent eugenol), allspice oil (65 to 75series, and Advanced Pheromone Technolo- percent eugenol) and bay oil (40 to 45 per-gies, Inc., which sells the APTLure series. cent eugenol), lures diabroticine beetlesCultural practices are land and crop (Peet, 2001 and The Scientic Commu- management practices that affect the repro- nity on Cosmetic and Non-food Products,duction of pests or the time and level of 2000). Cinnamaldehyde, found in cassia exposure crops have to pests. Cultural prac- oil and cinnamon bark oil, functions as an tices that can protect against cucumber insect attractant and natural cucumber bee-beetles include: tle bait (Environmental Protection Agency, Delayed planting 2007). Attach a cotton swab soaked in these aromatic oils to increase the sticky traps Floating row covers trapping effect. Mulching Cultivation and residue removal Integrated pest management suppliers sell rectangular yellow sticky cards imprinted Insect vacuuming with grid patterns for detection of diabroti-Crop rotation within a eld, a well-known cine beetles. These include the Phero- pest management tool for disease control, con AM trap card from Trece, Inc., the is ineffective to control cucumber bee- Intercept AM trap card from Advanced tles since the beetles migrate from areasPage 8 ATTRACucumber Beetles: Organic and Biorational IPM 9. surrounding the elds. Since these insects seedlings in bare, moist soil. Row coverssurvive on a number of wild hosts, the create a favorable environment for the ger-removal of alternative hosts from the farm mination and growth of weeds. Periodicwould be difcult and ineffective because of removal of row covers for mechanical cul-immigration. A two-year study in Massachu- tivation to stir the soil and disrupt weedsetts compared the effectiveness of syntheticseedlings is not very practical. Row cov-and biorational insecticides on the controlers are normally used for the rst 30 to 40of striped cucumber beetles and the occur- days of vine growth until the onset of ow-rence of bacterial wilt in direct-seeded and ering. This corresponds to the critical weed-transplanted pumpkin using the susceptible free period for cucurbit plant growth, whenMerlin variety. Results of the trial indicateweeds should be controlled and excludedthe need for long-distance crop rotation for as much as possible. In organic production,insecticides to be most effective. Rotation to row covers are commonly used in combi-an adjacent eld close to the pervious yearsnation with weed-suppressive mulches likecucurbits did not reduce beetle numbersplastic mulch, geotextile weed barriers,(Andenmatten et al., 2002).straw, hay and paper.IDelayed planting is an effective pest man- Mulching can deter cucumber beetles from n regions withagement strategy in some regions and crop- laying eggs in the ground near plant stems.establishedping systems. Growers can avoid the rstMulches can also function as a barriercucumber beetlegeneration of cucumber beetles by keepingto larval migration and feeding on fruitselds cucurbit-free until the establishment(Cranshaw, 1998 and Olkowski, 2000). populations, rowof summer cucurbits like cucumbers, pump-Tunneling larvae need moist soil to damage covers can make thekins and squash intended for fall harvest. ripening fruit. Limiting irrigation at thisdierence betweenDelayed planting is an especially useful cul-time can minimize damage (Cranshaw,a harvestable croptural strategy in cucurbits because this tech- 1998). Mulches are known to harbor squashand crop failure.nique also bypasses rst-generation squashbugs, however, and mulches do not deterbugs. However, this method is not relevant beetles from feeding on leaves, owers andfor plantings of early-market spring cucur-fruits of cucurbits.bits like cucumbers, squash and melons or Researchers at Virginia Tech showed a dra-in regions with short growing seasons. matic reduction in the occurrence of stripedFloating row covers physically exclude bothcucumber beetles in a Meteor cucumbercucumber beetles and squash bugs duringcrop and similar reductions in both stripedthe seedling stage of plant growth. Provid-and spotted cucumber beetles in a Generaling a bug- and beetle-free period allows Patton squash crop by comparing alumi-the plants to thrive and develop a mass of num-coated and aluminum-striped plasticleaf and vine growth by the time row coversmulches to black plastic mulch (Caldwellare removed at bloom. At this stage of veg-and Clarke, 1998). On various samplingetative growth, plants can withstand mod-dates, yellow sticky traps located next to theerate pest attacks. In regions with estab- aluminum-coated plastic mulches had two,lished cucumber beetle populations, rowfour and six times less cucumber beetlescovers can make the difference between a than stick traps located next to black plas-harvestable crop and crop failure. Row cov-tic mulch. Researches, after correlating theers are removed at the onset of owering tonumber of beetles found on sticky traps toallow for bee pollination and to release vinethe integrated pest management threshold,growth. Applying botanical and biorational concluded that reective mulches reducedpesticides provides season-long protection,cucumber beetle populations to below treat-depending on location and pest pressure, ment levels.after row covers are removed. The Virginia Tech research article con-Weed control is a special considerationtains a brief economic comparison betweenwhen using oating row covers over cucurbitcosts of production and prices received forwww.attra.ncat.orgATTRA Page 9 10. organic squash versus conventional squash Dietrick (Dietrick et al., 1995). Insect vacu- gown on reective mulches. Researchersuming combined with perimeter trap crops emphasized the ability of reective mulches is an appealing non-chemical control strat- to reduce bacterial wilt and virus transmis-egy. Researchers have employed this dual sion by cucumber beetles and aphids.technique in attempts to control ea bee- tles in brassica elds (Smith, 2000). This Cultivation and residue removal can help dual technique has also been suggested reduce over-wintering populations of cucum- ber beetles. Cornell University research sug- for mass trapping of cucumber beetles fol- gests deep tillage and clean cultivation fol- lowed by vacuuming as a pest reduction lowing harvest (Petzoldt, 2008). However, strategy and as an alternative to insecticide an organic farming sequence that shreds applications (Olkowski, 2000). The next crop residues, incorporates fall-appliedsection explains how pheromones attract compost or manure and establishes a win-cucumber beetles to perimeter trap crops ter cover crop will facilitate decompositionwhere beetles congregate in great numbers. of above- and below-ground residues.The efcacy of this dual technique for con- trol of cucumber beetles is not veried in Insect vacuuming is a form of pneumatic eld trials and is mentioned here as an insect control that dislodges insects fromexperimental approach that organic market plants through high-velocity air turbulence farmers may wish to explore. and suction. Large, mechanized bug vacs gained notoriety in the 1980s for control Trap crops, trap baits and sticky traps, of the lygus bug in California strawberry if positioned correctly, can intercept bee- elds. Hand-held and backpack vacuuming tles through the use of smell, color and equipment is available through integrated pheromonal attraction. pest management suppliers. Market farms Trap crops release chemicals known as use the equipment to collect beneficial kairomones, which are highly attractive to insects and control pest insects in combina-insects. Kairomones produced by cucurbits tion with perimeter trap cropping.include cucurbitacin, the characteristic bit- The D-Vac, a commercially available vac-ter substance in cucurbitacae that stimulates uum, evolved from insect sampling researchcompulsive feeding behavior in diabroticine by the biological control pioneer Everett beetles, and a mixture of oral volatiles that lure adult beetles from some distance. Cucurbit trap crops are designed to lure and concentrate cucumber beetles where control measures using insecticides or vacuuming can be focused, reducing the need for eld- scale insecticide applications. Pioneering research in the 1970s and 1980s by Robert L. Metcalf (Ferguson et al., 1979) in Illinois, as well as more recent research in Texas, Oklahoma, Maine, Connecticut and Virginia, shows that certain species and vari- eties of cucurbits can serve as trap crops next to larger elds of cucurbits (Stroup, 1998, Suzkiw, 1997, Radin and Drummond, 1994, Boucher and Durgy, 2004 and Caldwell and Stockton, 1998). Diabroticine beetles prefer- entially congregate, feed and mate on theseEntomologist Sam Pair inspects squash plants for cucumber beetles and squash kairomone-effusive trap crops. Table 1 ranksbugs lured to this trap crop and away from developing melons.the feeding preference of cucumber beetlePhoto by Scott Bauer, USDA-ARS 2008. on different varieties of cucurbits.Page 10 ATTRACucumber Beetles: Organic and Biorational IPM 11. Researchers at Cornell University found where border rows encompass all four sidescucumber beetles highly prefer the fol- of the eld, is a pragmatic and an effectivelowing varieties of Cucurbita maxima andapproach (Boucher and Durgy, 2004 andCucurbita pepo squash and pumpkin types Boucher and Durgy, 2005).(Grubinger, 2001):To deter entry into the eld by cucumber bee-Black Jack zucchini tles and minimize the spread of bacterial wilt:Big Max pumpkin Plant trap crops on the perimeter ofCocozelle summer squashthe eld as border strips. Plant multi-Green Eclipse zucchiniple rows if beetle pressure is extreme.Seneca zucchiniSenator zucchini Plant trap crops a week or twoBaby Boo pumpkinearlier than the primary cucurbitSuper Select zucchini acreage since insects migrate to theAmbercup buttercup squash earliest emerging cucurbit plants inDark Green zucchini the eld.Embassy Dark Green zucchini In organic production, apply botan-Caserta summer squash ical and biorational insecticidesClassic melon to the trap crop before the beetlesResearchers elsewhere used Lemondropmigrate into the cucurbit patch. Insummer squash, Peto 391 summer squash,integrated pest management produc-NK530 squash, Blue Hubbard squash and tion, several synthetic insecticidesTurks Turban squash. However, experi-can be applied to the trap crop forence shows that cucurbit varieties highly beetle control. Vacuuming is a novelsusceptible to bacterial wilt, such as Turks approach to controlling beetles thatTurban, should be avoided as a trap cropcongregate on the trap crop.(UMass Extension, 2002). Use yellow sticky ribbons in com-bination with trap crops to enhanceEarly research in Maine examined the per- the attractant effect and performcentage of land devoted to the trap crop. mass trapping.When researchers grew NK530 squash asa trap crop on 15 percent and 50 percent of Remove and destroy diseasedthe cucumber crop acreage, the trap cropplants from border strips and theattracted 90 percent of the cucumber bee- main eld.tles (Radin and Drummond, 1994). TheTrap baits for cucumber beetles containresearchers concluded that strategicallyinsect-attracting kairomones, oral volatiles,placed strips of squash plants could be buffalo gourd root powder, eugenol, cinna-more advantageous.maldehyde and cinnamyl alcohol mixedwith small amounts of insecticides. MetcalfIn Oklahoma, Lemondrop and Blue Hub-and coworkers pioneered the identicationbard squash planted as trap crops andof cucurbitacin analogs used in attracticidaloccupying just 1 percent of the total cropbaits (Metcalf and Lampman, 1991).area highly attracted cucumber beetles incantaloupe, squash and watermelon crops Trap baits on eld borders intercept beetles(Pair, 1997). The Oklahoma researchersas beetles migrate into cucurbit elds earlyalso showed that small squash plants in the in the season. Great numbers of beetlesfour- to six-leaf stage are vastly more effective die when they are lured into these attrac-as trap crops than large squash plants in the ticidal baits in a feeding frenzy. Cidetrakmore-than-six- to 12-leaf stage, which cor- CRW is a commercially available gustatoryroborates ndings that cucurbitacin occursstimulant for diabrotica that growers canin higher concentrations in young leaves. mix with synthetic or biorational insecti-Recent integrated pest management field cides in a trap bait. It is available throughtrials suggest that perimeter trap cropping,Trece, Inc., a company that specializes inwww.attra.ncat.orgATTRA Page 11 12. pheromone traps. See the Products sectionto 12 inches wide by several hundred feetlisted under Resources for Trece, Inc. con-in length. In cucurbits, yellow sticky ribbontact information. While most of the eld tri-can be used for mass trapping of cucum-als and commercial applications with attrac- ber beetles when placed with cucurbit trapticidal baits employed systemic insecticides,crops. Kairomone lures, available throughMichael P. Hoffman at Cornell University commercial integrated pest managementinvestigated the use of trap baits in combi- suppliers, can enhance the trapping effect.nation with botanical and biorational insec- William Olkowski, co-founder of the Bio-ticides and cultural controls (1998). Integral Resource Center, conducted anHoffmanns eld trials in New York wereOrganic Farming Research Foundation-part of a USDA Sustainable Agriculture funded study on mass trapping of cucum-Research and Education research projectber beetles using six different framed andto reduce insecticide use in cucurbit crop strip traps.production (Hoffman, 1998). Employing a The Bio-Integral Resource Center Trap, amass-trapping technique, Cornell research- wooden-legged trap that held upper anders reduced cucumber beetle populations lower strips of yellow sticky ribbon 10 feetRby 65 percent in pumpkin elds using trap esearcherslong and oriented parallel to the ground,baits containing a mixture of cucurbit blos- found posi- was highly effective in trapping cucumbersom volatiles and very small amounts of beetles. The 6-inch wide yellow sticky rib- tioning trap insecticide. Researchers found positioning bon is mounted on a spool and requiresbaits with a highly trap baits with a highly preferred Seneca periodic uptake to expose fresh stickypreferred Senecazucchini squash trap crop enhanced trap tape. Since the upper strip, located 20 tobaits, achieving 75 percent control with thiszucchini squash trap 26 inches above the ground, captured fardual method.crop enhanced trap more cucumber beetles than the lower strip,baits, achieving 75 In support of organic production, the proj-located 12 to 18 inches above the ground,percent control withect examined the effectiveness of botanicalresearchers discontinued the lower strip inand biorational pesticides. The researcherslater trials. The trap is mobile and can bethis dual method.used buffalo gourd root powder as a feedingplaced in cucurbit trap crops.stimulant in trap baits laced with neem and The OFRF Information Bulletin No. 8, pub-full or half rates of rotenone (botanical) and lished in the summer of 2000, is availablecryolite (sodium aluminoouride). Neem as a Web download and is useful to develophad little effect on beetle survival or mor- an understanding of how to design and usetality, but its antifeedant trait signicantly the trap (Olkowski, 2000).reduced plant damage caused by beetles.Rotenone and cryolite were both effective. Predators and parasites that prey on cucumber beetles include hunting spiders,Overall, researchers favored the half-rate web-weaving spiders, soldier beetles, cara-of rotenone mixed with buffalo gourd root bid ground beetles, tachinid ies, braconidpowder treatment. However, in the interim wasps, bats and entomopathogenic fungiperiod since Hoffmanns research in 1999, and nematodes. Braconid wasps (Centisusboth of these biorational products were pro- diabrotica, Syrrhizus diabroticae) and tach-hibited in organic production under the inid ies (Celatoria diabroticae, C. setosa)National Organic Program. Neither is listed are important natural enemies of cucumberwith the Organic Materials Review Institute. beetles, with parasitism rates reaching 22It seems reasonable that other biorationals percent and 40 percent, respectively (Cap-approved for organic production might be inera, 2001 and Kuhlmann and van dereffectively used in a trap bait. Burgt, 1998). Carabid beetles (Scarites spp.Yellow sticky traps are commonly used to and Evarthrus sodalis) consumed all threemonitor insect pests. Yellow sticky ribbon islife stages (larvae, pupae, adults) of spottedavailable from commercial integrated pestcucumber beetle, striped cucumber beetlemanagement suppliers in dimensions of 2and squash bugs in a laboratory feedingPage 12ATTRA Cucumber Beetles: Organic and Biorational IPM 13. trial (Snyder and Wise, 1999). Biologicalcontrol from natural enemies varies widelybetween locations and is not dependableas the only control strategy in commercialcucurbit production. Providing benecialinsect habitat can enhance cumulative bio-control results in organic farming systems.David H. Wise and co-workers in thedepartment of entomology at the Universityof Kentucky thoroughly investigated spi-der predation of cucumber beetles (Snyderand Wise, 2000, Williams et al., 2001 and Male wolf spider. Photo by Patrick Edwin Moran,Williams and Wise, 2003). Wise found that Courtesy of Creative Commons.both striped and spotted cucumber beetlesreduce their feeding rate and emigrate from stinkbugs in one season. Assuming that halfcucurbit plants in the presence of the largeof the cucumber beetles were female, andwolf spiders Hogna helluo and Rabidosausing a value of 110 eggs per female, thisrabida. Spider presence reduced plant occu- means the potential destruction of 33 mil-pancy of diabroticine beetles by 50 percent.lion diabrotica larvae (Whitaker, 1995).Curiously, adult female beetles are far moreAn April-June 2006 article in Californiaresponsive to the presence of wolf spidersAgriculture evaluated the best way to attractand alter their behavior to avoid capture.bats to farms through the placement, shape,Consequently, males were 16 times moresize and color of bat houses (Long et al.,likely than females to be killed by R. rabida 2006). For more information about creatingin one experiment; only 5 percent of maleson-farm bat habitat and the use of insec-survived a two-day exposure to H. helluotary plantings to attract benecial insects,in a second experiment. In general, popu- see the ATTRA publication Farmscaping tolations of predaceous spiders and groundEnhance Biological Control.beetles can be enhanced through habitatmodication using straw mulch (Snyder and Entomopathogenic fungi, commonly groupedWise, 1999), straw shelters (Halaj et al.,among biopesticides, produce infective2000) and beetle banks (Master, 2003).spores that attach to the larval host and thengerminate and penetrate. The fungi multiplyBats are voracious eaters of insects andinside the host, acquiring nutrient resourcesmore farmers are erecting bat houses to and producing conidial spores. This causesenhance biological control of crop pests. the infected larvae to reduce their feedingJohn O. Whitaker, Jr., a vertebrate ecolo-and die, releasing fungal spores into thegist at Indiana State University, used data soil environment and further distributes thepartly derived from studies on the eve- entomopathogen.ning bat (Nycticeius humeralis) to estimatethat a typical Midwestern colony of 150 big The two fungal organisms most widely usedbrown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) might consume as biopesticides, Beauveria bassiana and38,000 cucumber beetles, 16,000 JuneMetarhizium anisopliae, have been evaluatedbugs, 19,000 stink bugs and 50,000 leaf-for suppression of diabroticine larvae withhoppers in one season (Whitaker, 1993). varying levels of biocontrol. Mycotrol-O is acommercially available, Organic MaterialsIn a detailed follow-up study where he dis- Review Institute-approved biopesticide con-sected fecal pellets of big brown bats from taining Beauveria bassiana and cucumberIndiana and Illinois, Whitaker calculated beetle is listed as a target pest on the label.that a colony of 150 bats might consume See the section on botanical insecticides600,000 cucumber beetles, 194,000 scar- below with notes from Reggie Destree forabaeids, 158,000 leafhoppers and 335,000foliar mixtures containing Mycotrol-O.www.attra.ncat.orgATTRA Page 13 14. Entomopathogenic nematodes, commonlyBotanical and biorational insecticidesknown as parasitic nematodes, actively ndlike azadarachtin, an extract from the neemand penetrate soil-dwelling larvae of insecttree, have anti-feedant and insecticidalpests. The nematodes release toxins and properties. Alone, azadarachtin is not effec-transmit bacteria that is lethal to the larvaltive against adult cucumber beetles. How-host. Both species of commercially availableever, recent studies by Reggie Destree, aparasitic nematodes, Steinernema spp. and crop consultant, indicate that a mixture ofHeterorhabditis spp., are effective in biologi- neem with karanja oil derived from the treecal control of diabroticine beetle larvae.Pongamia glabra, which grows in India,can reduce cucumber beetle populationsResearchers in Pennsylvania obtained aby 50 to 70 percent overnight (personal50-percent reduction in striped cucumbercommunication). Alone, neem oil appliedbeetle larvae using Steinernema riobravis inas a soil drench acts as an ovicide and isorganic and conventionally managed plotseffective against larval damage (Destree,of cucumbers under eld conditions (Ellers-2006). Please see the Products section inKirk et al., 2000). The decrease in cucum-Resources below for sources of commer-ber beetle larval populations resulted incial neem and karanja products.N ematodes superior root growth under both soil man-agement systems.Destree recommends a three-part manage- releasement regime for cucumber beetles: toxins and The researchers suggested delivery of para-transmit bacteria sitic nematodes through drip irrigation in The neem blend described abovecombination with plastic mulch, since ear-has a dual mode of action. It is athat are lethallier studies showed that plasticulture pro- systemic product that will suppressto insect pestsvides an environment conducive to nema- insects that feed on the plant and itlarvae. tode survival while increasing effectivehas fungicidal properties.control of cucumber beetle larvae. Use 1 pint Cedar ACT cedar oil toThe Insect Parasitic Nematode Web site, 10 gallons water as a repellent ordeveloped and maintained by the departmentpheromone disruptor during the rstof entomology at The Ohio State University, ight of the cucumber beetle in Maycontains information on the biology and ecol- and the second ight in September.ogy of nematodes and how to use them for pest Exact dates depend on location.control in different crops (Grewal, 2007).Destree advises applying the mix-It features an extensive list of commercial ture every ve to seven days whensuppliers of parasitic nematodes. the elds are square or short rect-angles. Pheromone disruption doesBased on results from seven publishednot work well for long, narrow elds.studies, Dr. David Shapiro-Ilan, a researchAdding Cedar ACT to the weeklyentomologist with the USDA Agriculturalfoliar program works well.Research Service in Georgia, found thatparasitic nematodes provide approximately Mycotrol-O is a commercially avail-60 percent control of diabrotica larvae (Sha- able mycoinsecticide formulationpiro-Ilan, 2006 and Grewal et al., 2005). containing spores of the entomo-Ilan added that it is important to put ento-pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassi-mopathogens, whether fungi or nematodes,ana GHA strain. Use Mycotrol toin perspective. Since diabroticine beetlessuppress future populations. Destreemigrate in from surrounding borders, thesefound this program works well forbiological control measures have little effectall overwintering insects. A fall soilon adult beetle feeding and disease trans-treatment of the Mycotrol-O addedmission. However, decreasing larval popu- to a fall residue program will insurelations through the use of entomopathogensthat the active ingredient, Beauvar-can have a cumulative biocontrol effect inria bassiana, will be reproducing inorganic farming systems.the soil and will eventually infectPage 14 ATTRA Cucumber Beetles: Organic and Biorational IPM 15. overwintering beetles in the soil former product representative for Surround(Destree, 2006).WP, John Mosko of the Engelhard Corpora-ATTRA note: Reggie Destree is a crop con- tion, kaolin clay provides good suppressionsultant and distributes the above products. of cucumber beetles. He recommends:This information has not been validated by Using an air blast sprayer to achieveuniversity-based research.good coverageThe botanical pesticides sabadilla, rotenone Applying the product under the leavesor pyrethrum have moderate effectivenesswhere cucumber beetles congregatein controlling cucumber beetles (Caldwell Applying Surround WP early in theet al., 2005). Sabadilla is toxic to bugs andgrowing season before cucumberhoney bees, and sabadilla should not bebeetle populations increase. Sur-applied when bees are present. Pyrethrumround can provide remedial controlis also toxic to all insects, including bene-of cucumber beetles, but eld trialscial species. These botanical pesticides arealso highly toxic to sh until degraded (King show early applications deter bee-County Hazardous Waste Program, 1997).tles from initially entering the eldand are more effectiveOne way to enhance the effectiveness of these For more information Reapplying after a heavy rainmaterials while reducing overall manage-on biorational insecti-ment costs is to combine the materials with Continually agitating the solutioncides, or formulationsperimeter trap cropping so that sprays canwhile applying it with little or no long-be concentrated on the border. See the abovelasting environmental Cleaning harvested fruits with aimpact, see ATTRAssection on trap cropping for more on this moist cloth or a post-harvest rinse toonline Biorationals:topic. Some growers use pyrethrum or rote-remove any lm residue of the kaolinEcological Pest Man-none in combination with the commercially clay left on the crop after harvest agement Database,available particle lm barrier Surround WPhttp://attra.ncat.org/Crop Protectant (Grubinger, 2001). Note thatRuth Hazzard with the University of Massa-index.html.rotenone is currently not approved by the chusetts Extension recommends using Sur-National Organic Program. round WP Crop Protectant in combinationwith other tactics like rotation, row cover,Results of a two-year study comparing the using transplants so plants are bigger wheneffectiveness of insecticides on management beetles arrive, and delaying planting untilof striped cucumber beetles and bacterial late June to avoid beetles. Surround can bewilt in direct seeded and transplanted pump-applied to transplants before setting themkin showed the need for long-distance cropin the eld (Andenmatten et al., 2002). Seerotation for insecticides to be most effec- the Products section of Resources below fortive. When the rotation was to an adjacentinformation on how to obtain this product.eld in different land, but close to the previ-ous years cucurbits, it did not reduce beetleThe timing and usage of either botanicalnumbers and insecticide effectiveness tendedor chemical insecticides should be basedto decline (Andenmatten et al., 2002).on observed population thresholds or mea-sured risks of population build-up. Deter-Particle lm barriers provide a promisingmining when spring ight begins forecastsnew approach to insect control for organicthe arrival of cucumber beetles in each geo-producers. Surround WP acts as a repellent, graphical region.mechanical barrier and irritant, and disruptsthe beetles host-nding abilities. The activeOnly treat hot spots or areas of high infes-ingredient in this product is specially pro-tations if possible. Insecticide applicationscessed kaolin clay, an edible mineral used as made between dawn and dusk, when thean anti-caking agent in processed foods and striped cucumber beetle is most active, mayproducts like toothpaste. According to thebe more effective.www.attra.ncat.orgATTRA Page 15 16. Resources Certis USA L.L.C.9145 Guilford RoadInformation:Suite 175Columbia, MD 21046Bio-Integral Resource Center (BIRC) 800-847-5620For a publications catalogue, contact:www.certisusa.comP.O. Box 7414 Organic pest management products including neem,Berkeley, CA 94707parasitic nematodes and pheromones510-524-2567510-524-1758 faxGolden Harvest Organics, LLCbirc@igc.apc.org404 N. Impala Drivewww.birc.orgFort Collins, CO 80521The Bio-Integral Resource Center is a leader in the 970-224-4679eld of integrated pest management. BIRC publishesFax: 413-383-2836the IPM Practitioner and Common Sense Pest Quar-info@ghorganics.comterly. They also publish a directory of IPM productswww.ghorganics.comand benecial insects and offer booklets and reprints Organic pest management products, organic fertilizerson least-toxic controls for selected pests. and heirloom seedsInsect Parasitic NematodesHome Harvest Garden Supply, Inc.Sponsored by SARE and the Lindberg Foundation.3807 Bank StreetDepartment of Entomology, The Ohio State University.Baltimore, MD 21224www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/nematodes/default.htm410-327-8403This Web site provides information on the biology and 410-327-8411ecology of parasitic nematodes, how to use nematodesugrow@homeharvest.comto control plant diseases and a comprehensive listing http://homeharvest.comof companies that sell nematodes. Sabadilla and Safer soapHunter, C.D. 1997. Suppliers of Benecial Organisms ISCA Technologies, Inc.in North America. California EnvironmentalP.O. Box 5266Protection Agency. Department of PesticideRiverside, CA 92517Regulations Environmental Monitoring and Pest 951-686-5008Management Branch 815-346-1722 Fax1020 N Street, Room 161 info@iscatech.comSacramento, CA 95814-5624 www.iscatech.com916-324-4100www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/ipminov/bensup.pdf Neem Resource.ComContact: Usha Rao952-943-9449Products: www.neemresource.comAdvanced Pheromone Technologies, Inc. Sources of karanja oil and neemP.O. Box 417Marylhurst, OR 97036-0417 Olson Products, Inc.315-299-2598P.O. Box 1043815-425-6149 faxMedina, OH 44258aptsales@advancedpheromonetech.com330-723-3210http://advancedpheromonetech.comwww.olsonproducts.comBioWorks, Inc.Peaceful Valley Farm Supply345 Woodcliff Dr.; First FloorP.O. Box 2209Fairport, NY 14450125 Springhill Blvd.800-877-9443Grass Valley, CA 95945Mycotrol is available through Bioworks. Orders: 888-784-1722.www.bioworksinc.com/mycotrol/mycotrol.htmlQuestions: 530-272-4769Page 16 ATTRACucumber Beetles: Organic and Biorational IPM 17. contact@groworganic.com Caldwell, J. S. and P. Clarke. 1998. Aluminum-coatedwww.groworganic.com/default.htmlplastic for repulsion of cucumber beetles. CommercialSabadilla and Safer soap and Eugenol, a pheromone Horticulture Newsletter, JanuaryFebruary 1998.attractant for northern corn rootworm Virginina Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech.www.ext.vt.edu/news/periodicals/commhort/Surround WP 1998-02/1998-02-01.htmlNova Source, a division of Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc.Phone: 800-525-2803 Caldwell, J. S. and S. Stockton. 1998. Trap CroppingEmail: novasource@tkinet.com. in Management of Cucumber Beetles. Commercialwww.novasource.com/products Horticulture Newsletter, Virginia Tech, July-AugustNovaSource is now the distributor of the kaolin clay- 1998.based products Surround WP and Surround CF. www.ext.vt.edu/news/periodicals/commhort/1998-08/1998-08-04.htmlTrece, Inc.P.O. Box 129Capinera, J. L. 1999. Banded Cucumber Beetle.Adair, OK 74330 Featured Creatures. University of Florida, Department918-785-3061of Entomology and Nematology.918-785-3063 Faxhttp://creatures.ifas.u.edu/veg/bean/banded_cucumber_custserv@trece.combeetle.htmwww.trece.com Capinera, J. 2001. Handbook of Vegetable Pests.Also Source of CideTrak CRW Academic Press, New York.Cranshaw, W. 1998. Pests of the West. Revised:References: Prevention and Control for Todays Garden andAndenmatten, Hazzard, R, Howell, J. Wick, R. 2002.Small Farm. Fulcrum Publishing, Golden, CO.Management strategies for Striped Cucumber Beetle Davis, R.M. et al. 1999. Squash mosaic virus. In:and Bacterial Wilt in Pumpkin, 2001 & 2002. UMass M.L. Flint (ed.) U.C. IPM Pest Management Guide-Extension Vegetable Program.lines: Cucurbits. University of California, Division ofwww.umassvegetable.org/soil_crop_pest_mgt/pdf _ les/ Agriculture and Natural Resources, Oakland.management_strategies_ for_striped_cucumber_beetle_and_bacterial_wilt_in_pumpkin_2001_2002.pdf Destree, R. 2006. Organic Marketing by Reggie.E-mail Communication August 2006.Boucher, T. J. and R. Durgy. 2004a. Demonstrating aPerimeter Trap Crop Approach to Pest Management onDietrick, E. J., J. M. Phillips, and J. Grossman.Summer Squash in New England. Journal of1995. Biological Control of Insect Pests Using PestExtension, October 2004, Volume 42 Number 5.Break Strips, A New Dimension to Integrated Pestwww.joe.org/joe/2004october/rb2.shtml Management. California Energy Commission andthe Nature Farming Research and DevelopmentBoucher, T. J. and R. Durgy, 2004b. Perimeter TrapFoundation, Lompoc, California. 39 p.Cropping for Yellow and Green Summer Squash. Uni-versity of Connecticut, Integrated Pest Management. Ellers-Kirk, C.D., S.J. Fleischer, R.H. Snyder andwww.hort.uconn.edu/Ipm/veg/htms/sumsqshptc.htmJ.P. Lynch. 2000. Potential of entomopathogenicnematodes for biological control of AcalymmaBoucher, T. J. and R. Durgy 2005. Directions forvittatum (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in cucumbersUsing a Perimeter Trap Crop Strategy to Protect grown in conventional and organic soil managementCucurbit Crops. University of Connecticut, Integrated systems. Journal of Economic Entomology. Vol. 93,Pest Management. www.hort.uconn.edu/ipm/veg/No. 3. p. 605612.htms/directptc.htmEnvironmental Protection Agency. 2007. FloralCaldwell, B. et al. 2005. Resource Guide for OrganicAttractants, Repellents, and Insecticides Fact Sheet.Insect and Disease Management. New York State www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides/ingredients/Agricultural Experiment Station.factsheets/factsheet_ orals.htmwww.attra.ncat.orgATTRAPage 17 18. EPPO. 2003. Diabrotica undecimpunctata. EPPOKuepper, George. 2002. Organic Farm CerticationData Sheets on Quarantine Pests, European and and the National Organic Program. ATTRA/ NCATMediterranean Plant Protection Organization.Publication #IP222. National Center for Appropriatewww.eppo.org/QUARANTINE/insects/Diabrotica_ Technology.undecimpunctata/DIABUN_ds.pdf Kuhlmann, U. and W. A.C.M. van der Burgt. 1998.Ferguson, J. E., Metcalf, R. L., Metcalf, E. R.,Possibilities for biological control of the western cornrootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, inRhodes, A.M. 1979. Bitter cucurbita spp. asCentral Europe. Biocontrol News and Information.attractants for diabroticite beetles. CucurbitVol. 19, No. 2. p. 59N68N. www.pestscience.com/Genetics Cooperative Report. Volume 2.PDF/KUHLM.PDFhttp://cuke.hort.ncsu.edu/cgc/cgc02/cgc2-23.htmlLam, W. and Foster, R. 2005. An Integrated PestFoster, R., G. Brust, and B. Barrett. 1995. Management Program for Cucumber Beetles onWatermelons, Muskmelons, and Cucumbers. In: Muskmelons. Purdue University. DepartmentRick Foster and Brian Flood (eds.) Vegetable Insect of Entomology.Management with Emphasis on the Midwest.Latin, R. X. 2000. Bacterial Wilt. APSnet FeatureMeister Publishing Company, Willoughby, OH.Story. October 5 through October 31, 2000. Contrib-Grewal, P.S., R.U. Ehlers, and D.I. Shapiro-Ilanuted by R. X. Latin, Purdue University. www.apsnet.(Editors). 2005. Nematodes as Biocontrol Agents,org/online/feature/pumpkin/bacterial.htmlCABI Publishing, Wallingford, UK. 528 p.Levine, E. and R. Metcalf. 1988. Sticky attractanttraps for monitoring corn rootworm beetles. TheGrewal, P. 2007 (updated). Insect ParasiticIllinois Natural History Survey Reports, No. 279.Nematodes. Department of Entomology, Ohio StateUniversity. www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/nematodesLong, R. F., W. M. Kiser, and S. B. Kiser. 2006. Well-placed bat houses can attract bats to Central ValleyGrubinger, V. 2001. Reports from the Field. farms. California Agriculture. April-June. p. 9194.Vermont Vegetable and Berry News, July 1, 2001. http://californiaagriculture.ucop.edu/0602AMJ/pdfs/University of Vermont 7_BatHouses.pdfwww.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/newsletter/07012001.htmlMaster, S. D. 2003. Evaluation of Conservation StripsHalaj, J., A.B. Cady, and G.W. Uetz. 2000. Modularas a Conservation Biological Control Technique in Golfhabitat refugia enhance generalist predators andCourses. M.S. Thesis, University of Maryland. 131 p.lower plant damage in soybeans. Environmental Metcalf, R.L. and R.L. Lampman. 1991. EvolutionEntomology. Vol. 29, No. 2. p. 383393. of Diabroticite rootworm beetle (Chrysomelidae)receptors for cucurbita blossom Volatiles. Proc. Nat.Hoffman, M. P. 1998. Developing SustainableAcad. Sci. Vol 88. p. 18691872.Management Tactics for Cucumber Beetles inCucurbits. Northeast Regional SARE, ANE95-022.Necibi, S.B., A. Barrett, and J. W. Johnson. 1992.www.sare.org/reporting/report_viewer.asp?pn=ANE95-Effects of a black plastic mulch on the soil and plant022&ry=1999&rf=1dispersal of cucumber beetles, Acalymma vittatum(F.) and Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi BarberJarvis, W.R. 1994. Bacterial wilt. In: Ronald J.(Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), on melons. J. Agric.Howard, J. Allan Garland, and W. Lloyd Seaman Entomol. Vol. 9. p. 129135.(eds.) Diseases and Pests of Vegetable Crops inOlkowski, W. 2000. Mass trapping western spottedCanada. The Canadian Phytopathological Society andcucumber beetles. OFRF Information Bulletin No. 8the Entomological Society of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario. (Summer). Organic Farming Research Foundation,King County Hazardous Waste Program, WA. 1997.Santa Cruz, CA. p. 1722. http://ofrf.org/publications/Pyrethrum. Local hazardous waste management news/IB8.PDFprogram in King County. www.govlink.org/hazwaste/ Pair, S.D. 1997. Evaluation of systemically treatedhouse/yard/problems/chemical.cfm?entityID=123&Modesquash trap plants and attracticidal baits for early-sea-ID=631&grp=chemremson control of striped and spotted cucumber beetlesPage 18 ATTRA Cucumber Beetles: Organic and Biorational IPM 19. (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae) and squash bug (Hemip- Snyder, W.E., and D.H. Wise. 1999. Predatortera:Coreidae) in cucurbit crops. Journal of Economic interference and the establishment of generalistEntomology. Vol. 90, No. 5. p.13071314.predator populations for biocontrol. Biological Control.Vol. 15. p. 283292.Peet, M. 2001. Insect pests of vegetable crops inthe Southern United States: Striped and Spotted Snyder, W.E. and D.H. Wise. 2000. AntipredatorCucumber Beetle. Sustainable Practices for Vegetablebehavior of spotted cucumber beetles (Coleoptera:Production in the South. www.cals.ncsu.edu/ Chrysomelidae) in response to predators that posesustainable/peet/IPM/insects/pests.html varying risks. 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Vol. 32. p. 633640.www.attra.ncat.org ATTRAPage 19 20. Cucumber Beetles: Organic and BiorationalIntegrated Pest ManagementUpdated by Tammy HinmanNCAT Agriculture Specialist 2008 NCATHolly Michels and Karen Van Epen, EditorsAmy Smith, ProductionThis publication is available on the Web at:www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/cucumberbeetle.htmlorwww.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/cucumberbeetle.pdfIP212Slot 217Version 082808Page 20 ATTRA