As most of you are aware, the USEPA is planning to issue an order this week addressing the extent to which they will allow the use of existing stocks of Movento by growers after February 16th. While it seems logical that the EPA will allow growers to use existing stocks of Movento on leafy vegetables (much like they have in the past with other products following cancellations), they may choose not to. It would be unfortunate as foxglove aphids are beginning to show up in the Yuma Valley. Foxglove and Lettuce aphids typically begin colonizing lettuce in February, particularly in wet winters. Research has shown that Movento is clearly the most cost-effective insecticide for control of foxglove and lettuce aphids in desert lettuce crops. However, there are other insecticide alternatives that should be considered in your management programs, particularly given the uncertain status of Movento. This link will connect you to a chart of labeled insecticides and their relative efficacy against aphid species based on research conducted at the Yuma Ag Center over the past 10 years. Note: always consult the label before applying any insecticide.
To contact John Palumbo go to: jpalumbo@ag.arizona.edu

For questions or comments on any of the topics please contact Marco Pena at the Yuma Agricultural Center.
College of Agriculture, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ.