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
Rulfs Orchard Vegetable and Berry Field Meeting
August 4, 2026
Peru, NY
Join CCE vegetable specialists Elisabeth Hodgdon and Chuck Bornt for a vegetable and berry field meeting at Rulfs Orchard, in Peru, NY. We'll tour the farm's fields and talk about integrated pest management of sweet corn and cucurbit crops. Then, we'll view a drone demonstration and discuss new technologies for pesticide application and spotted wing drosophila management in berries. Light refreshments will be provided. A rain date will be announced if adverse weather is predicted.
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.
Capital Region Orchard Twilight Meeting
August 11, 2026
Rexford, NY
Join the ENYCHP and Cornell scientists on August 11 for the Capital Region Orchard Twilight meeting in Saratoga! We will be touring Bowman Orchards and reviewing seasonal recommendations for pests and diseases for apples, plums, and berries, as well discussing crop insurance.
NYSDEC Pesticide Applicator Recertification Credits: 1.25 in categories 22, 1A, & 10. Refreshments will be provided.
Free to attend, however we do ask that you register ahead so we know how many people to expect.