Be on the Lookout for Cucumber Beetles!
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Cucumber beetles will soon be active in the region, so make sure to scout and appropriately protect cucurbits. Young transplants and direct seeded cucurbits are a priority to protect because cucumber beetle feeding early on can vector bacterial wilt, a disease which can kill plants during hot, dry weather and/or heavy fruit set. Many conventional growers choose to treat either seed or transplants with a systemic insecticide which will protect them for a few weeks, after which point additional sprays will be needed to control new adults which fly in. Organic growers can either use row cover or a coating of Surround (kaolin clay) to protect transplants, followed by insecticide sprays later in the season. Both organic and conventional growers should time any insecticide applications to avoid harming the bees. This generally means spraying in the late afternoon/evening.
If scouting for cucumber beetles, check the flowers of older cucurbits first, as this is a very favored location. However, all stages of cucurbit will be fed on.
This article was printed in the May 24th, 2018 issue of ENYCHP Veg News. To view the full newsletter, click here.
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Upcoming Events
2026 Champlain Valley Summer Orchard Field Tour
July 15, 2026 : 2026 Champlain Valley Summer Orchard Field Tour
Keeseville, NY
Join the ENYCHP and Cornell scientists on July 15 for our annual Champlain Valley Summer Orchard Meeting! This year we will be meeting at Hart Apple Farm to learn about the varieties they are growing in one of their newer plantings, hear updates from faculty and extension agents on their current research projects, and view a few of Mike's local thinning projects firsthand.
DEC credits in categories 22, 1A, and 10 will be available. Refreshments will be provided.
Free to attend, however we do ask that you register ahead so we know how many people to expect. Rain date is July 16.
2026 Hudson Valley Berry Field Day
July 15, 2026 : 2026 Hudson Valley Berry Field Day
Kinderhook, NY
Join specialists Heather Kase, Scott Cosseboom, Nathaniel Westrick, and Anna Wallis for updates and a review of berry phenology and pest management. Presentations will be given on berry horticultural and pest management considerations for strawberries, blueberries, brambles, and minor fruit crops. Light refreshment & snacks will be provided. Registration is encouraged but there is no fee for attendance. 1.00 DEC credit will be available in categories 10, 1a, and 22
Field Day at Philia Farm
August 6, 2026
Johnstown, NY
Visit organic seed production trials and tour the farm to see small-scale production systems at work, including tarping, cover cropping, and the use of assorted mulches and covers to modify the growing environment.