We assumed it was only a matter of time before we spotted Bagrada bugs again. Last week we found our first adult Bagrada bugs of 2010 on late cabbage plants being grown at the Yuma Agricultural Center. This is not surprising with the weather finally warming up and considering the numbers we observed on cole crops at the Ag Center last fall. In a related report, I received a call last week from a PCA who observed more than 30 Bagrada bug adults on a single London rocket plant found in the middle of a watermelon field in the Coachella Valley. Did not appear to be on or damaging the watermelons, but PCAs should be extra observant when scouting melons, cotton and alfalfa for the presence of Bagrada bugs and any damage they may be causing. We have studies set up to monitor bug activity on a number of crops this summer. There is a lot we don’t know about the ecology of this pest in the desert, or even if it will be a problem again this fall. One last note, since Bagrada bugs are known to be a major pest of canola and brassica seed crops in Pakistan and India, PCAs and growers should monitor seed crops closely as the crops begin to mature. If you are interested in more information on the Bagrada bug, please visit this paper.

Adult Female Bagrada Bug on sticky trap

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.