Overnight temperatures have been unusually warm during the past several weeks and appear to have provided good conditions for adult moth and egg laying activity. We have observed a noticeable increase in beet armyworm and cabbage looper eggs and larvae on lettuce at the Yuma Ag Center in the past week. We have also had reports of increased worm activity in the Yuma and Gila Valley as well. Although diamondback moth has been light at the Ag Center this year, they are typically very active this time of the season. A number of options are available that provide selective and broad spectrum activity against Lep larvae and other pest species. This link will connect you to a chart of labeled insecticides and their relative efficacy against the key Lep species based on research conducted at the Yuma Ag Center over the past 15 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.