Organic Controls For Insects
Organic Controls For Insects
Organic Controls For Insects
tant to read the label and follow all precautions regarding protective clothing, mixing, and labeled plants. Just because they
are derived from plants doesn’t mean that safety can be disregarded. Biological control is in two major forms. Microbial,
which is a formulation containing a microorganism such as Bacillus thuringiensis, or the other form, which involves the
release of predatory insects or mites, such as lady beetles. Use caution with insecticides when a release of predators is
planned. Also see the Organic and Biological Control section of the Insect Identification Laboratory homepage on the World
Wide Web: http://www.ento.vt.edu/bughunt
Vegetable Diseases
Steven L. Rideout, Vegetable Plant Pathologist, Eastern Shore AREC
Christine Waldenmaier, Plant Pathology Research Specialist Senior, Eastern Shore AREC
Elizabeth Bush, Research Associate, Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science
Overview
Home gardeners can avoid many disease problems in their vegetable gardens by practicing cultural and other preventative
tactics. If a disorder is found, the first step in controlling the disease is to accurately identify the pathogen. Often abiotic (non-
living) problems or insect problems are mistaken for plant diseases and pesticides are used needlessly. Accurate identification
of the pathogen ensures that pesticides are used appropriately and only when other control tactics can’t control the problem.
Accurate identification of the pathogen also allows formulation of an integrated pest management approach to control the dis-
ease based on the pathogen’s life cycle. Use pesticides in conjunction with cultural and other control tactics.
• Soil amendments: Adding compost or other organic matter to garden soil may increase populations of beneficial microbes
in the soil. Some of these microbes may be antagonistic, predatory, or may simply out-compete pathogens, and reduce the
likelihood of disease.
• Biological pesticides: Biological pesticides are formulated from living organisms, such as fungi, bacteria, and nematodes
that may be antagonistic, predatory, parasitic or may simply out-compete pathogens. The number of biological control prod-
ucts available to homeowners for disease control is growing. These products are safer to handle, break down quickly, and are
considered to be environmentally friendly compared to other pesticides. Some biological pesticides are ineffective or less
effective compared to other pesticide products for controlling certain plant diseases. However, when biological pesticides are
used in conjunction with cultural and other control tactics, or when disease pressure is low, disease may be controlled to an
acceptable level with these pesticides.
• Naturally-occurring organisms: Using broad-spectrum pesticides may reduce populations of naturally occurring organisms
that are beneficial to crops or have an adverse effect on plant pathogens and other pests. Use these pesticides only when
necessary.
Precautions
• Humans: Protect yourself when applying chemicals: read the product label to determine the proper PPE and accessories
you need before using any chemicals. Do not assume that because a product is labeled “organic” it is non-toxic to humans.
Products vary in human toxicity and each pesticide product must be assessed according to its product label.
• Bees: In general broad-spectrum insecticides are toxic to bees. Read each product label and determine what precautions to
take to protect bees and other beneficial insects when applying pesticides.
• Animals (pets, birds, etc.) and water: Read the specific product label to determine what precautions to take to protect the
health of other animals and aquatic invertebrates when applying pesticides.
• Pesticide resistance: Over-using pesticides may make pests resistant to the pesticide. Pesticides containing thiophanate-
methyl, for example, often develop resistance. Broad-spectrum pesticides have a low risk of developing resistance. Read the
pesticide product label to determine if a pesticide is at risk of developing pesticide resistance. To avoid pesticide resistance:
- Limit applications of the pesticides (the number of allowed applications is usually specified on the label for at-risk
pesticides),
- Use pesticide products with different modes of action or use a mix of pesticides with different modes of action
- Use the recommended rate as specified on the product label. For further information refer to the “Pesticide Resistance”
and “Pesticide Related Links” section of the Virginia IPM website (www.vaipm.org).
Table 2.3 - Disease Management Tools for Specific Crops and Diseases
Rate/Gal. (Unless
Crop Disease Treatment (PHI)1 otherwise Stated) Remarks
Asparagus Maneb or Mancozeb 2.0 tbsp Use resistant varieties or apply 3-4 post-harvest
Rust sprays at 7- to 10-day intervals beginning in late
June.
Beans (Snaps or chlorothalonil 12.5% (7) 2.0 tbsp Begin early bloom – reapply every 7 to 10 days.
Lima) For use only on beans to be harvested dry with
Anthracnose (Lima pods removed.
bean only)
Bacterial Blights copper 1.5 tbsp powder Use certified western-grown seed. Begin with
4.0 tsp liquid at tri-foliage and reapply every 7
to 10 days.
Botrytis Blight (Gray chlorothalonil 12.5% (7) 4.0 tbsp Begin at early bloom; apply after extended wet
mold) chlorothalonil 30% (7) 1.0 tbsp periods.
Downy mildew (Lima chlorothalonil 12.5% (7) 2.0 tsp Begin early bloom – reapply every 7 to 10 days.
beans only) For use only on beans to be harvested dry with
pods removed.
Powdery mildew Neem oil 2.0 tbsp Spray or dust at first sign and reapply every 7
Wettable Sulfur or 2.5 tbsp or days. Sulfur may injure blossoms and some
Sulfur dust 6.0 tbsp dust varieties of beans.
Rhizoctonia root and PCNB 4.0 tbsp/gal Apply at planting only. Direct spray in the seed
stem rot for 1000 ft row furrow or over the planted row.
Rust chlorothalonil 12.5% (7) 2.0-4.0 tbsp Spray or dust at first sign and reapply every 7
chlorothalonil 30% (7) 1.0 tbsp days. Sulfur may injure blossoms and some
Wettable Sulfur or 2.5 tbsp varieties of beans.
Sulfur dust 6.0 tbsp dust
Seed rot and damp- Captan 0.5 tsp/1lb seed Mix thoroughly in paper bag or glass jar.
ing off
Viruses No chemicals registered Clover control around edge of garden areas is
important to reduce spread of virus from clover
to beans. Some bean varieties are resistant.
Aluminum foil mulch may prevent aphid feeding.
Beets copper 2.0 tbsp Spray at 7- to 10-day intervals beginning when
Cercospora leaf spot disease first appears.
Seed rot and damp- Captan 2.5 tsp/1 lb seed Mix thoroughly in paper bag or glass jar.
ing off
Cabbage, Broccoli, copper 2.0 tbsp Use western-grown, hot-water treated seed.
Brussels Sprout, Use resistant varieties for black rot control.
Cauliflower, Turnips, Apply copper at 7- to 10-day intervals. Copper
Kale, Collards sprays may reduce spread of blackrot.
Black leg, Black rot
Club root PCNB 1.0 tbsp Apply in transplant water. Use 0.5 pt per plant.
Thoroughly mix with the soil.
Downy mildew, chlorothalonil 12.5% 2.5 tbsp Begin when disease threatens and reapply
Alternaria leaf spot chlorothalonil 30% 1.0 tbsp every 7 days. Do not spray copper when plants
copper 1.0 tsp are stressed.
maneb (7) 1.0 tbsp
Seed rot and damp- Captan 0.5 tsp/1 lb seed Mix thoroughly in paper bag or glass jar.
ing off
1
PHI = post-harvest interval and indicates the number of days before harvest that the last fungicide application can be made.
Table 2.3 - Disease Management Tools for Specific Crops and Diseases (cont.)
Rate/Gal. (Unless
Crop Disease Treatment (PHI)1 otherwise Stated) Remarks
Carrots chlorothalonil 12.5% 2.5 tbsp Start applications when disease threatens and
Leaf Blight chlorothalonil 30% 1.0 tbsp reapply every 7 to 10 days if needed.
copper 2.0 tbsp
Celery copper 2.0 tbsp Apply at first sign of disease; reapply every 7 to
Bacterial Blight 10 days.
Cercospora chlorothalonil 12.5% (7) 3.0-4.0 tbsp Apply at first sign of disease; reapply every 7
(Early Blight) chlorothalonil 30% (7) 1.0 tbsp days.
copper 2.0 tbsp
Septoria (Late chlorothalonil 12.5% (7) 3.0 tbsp Apply at first sign of disease; reapply every 7
blight) or Stalk rot chlorothalonil 30% (7) 1.0 tbsp days.
(Rhizoctonia)
Cucurbits chlorothalonil 12.5% 2.0-3.0 tbsp Apply at first sign of disease or after runners are
(Cucumbers, Summer chlorothalonil 30% 1.0 tbsp formed and reapply every 7 days. Shorten the
Squash, Cantalopes, mancozeb (5) 2.0 tbsp spray interval to 5 days if disease pressure is
Pumpkins) maneb (5) 1.0 tbsp high. Some melon varieties may be sensitive to
Alternaria leaf spot; copper 2.0 tbsp maneb.
Anthracnose; Downy
mildew; Gummy stem
blight
Angular leaf spot copper 1.0-2.0 tbsp Apply at first sign of disease and reapply every
(cucumbers only) 7 days. Copper may injure some young plants.
Belly rot (Rhizoctonia)- chlorothalonil 30% 1.0 tbsp Use mulch to keep fruit off soil surface. For
suppression only plants in bare soil, begin when plants are in first
true leaf stage. Apply during wet soil conditions.
Powdery mildew chlorothalonil 12.5% 3.0 tbsp Begin at first sign of disease. Reapply every 7
chlorothalonil 30% 1.0 tbsp days. Shorten interval if disease is severe.
copper 2.0 tbsp
Neem oil 2.0 tbsp
potassium bicarbonate 2.0 tbsp
Seed rot and damp- Captan 0.5 tsp/1 lb seed Mix thoroughly in paper bag or glass jar.
ing off (melons and
squash)
Eggplant maneb (5) 1.0 tbsp Begin at fruit set. Reapply every 7 days.
Anthracnose; fruit rot
Irish Potatoes chlorothalonil 12.5% 2.0 tbsp Apply at first sign of disease and reapply every
Early blight, late blight, chlorothalonil 30% 1.5 tbsp 7 days.
and Botrytis vine rot mancozeb (14) 2.0 tbsp
maneb (14) 1.0 tbsp
copper 2.5 tbsp
Onion copper 2.0 tbsp Apply during extended periods of wet soil.
Bacterial Soft rot Reapply every 7 days up to harvest.
Onion (dry bulb) chlorothalonil 12.5% (7) 2.0 tbsp Apply at first sign of disease and reapply every
Botrytis leaf blight, chlorothalonil 30% (7) 1.0 tbsp 7 days. Do not apply to exposed bulbs.
Downy mildew, Purple maneb (7) 2.0 tbsp
blotch
Onion (green bunch- chlorothalonil 12.5% (14) 2.0-4.0 tbsp See above. Do not apply chlorothalonil more
ing), leeks, shallots chlorothalonil 30% (14) 1.0 tbsp than 3 times per season and maneb more than
maneb (7) 2.0 tbsp 7 times per season.
copper 2.0 tbsp
1
PHI = post-harvest interval and indicates the number of days before harvest that the last fungicide application can be made.
Table 2.3 - Disease Management Tools for Specific Crops and Diseases (cont.)
Rate/Gal. (Unless
Crop Disease Treatment (PHI)* otherwise Stated) Remarks
Peas copper 2.0 tbsp Apply at first sign of disease and reapply every
Powdery mildew and Neem oil 2.0 tbsp 7 days up to harvest.
Bacterial blight
Seed rot and damp- captan 0.5 tsp/1 lb seed Mix thoroughly in paper bag or glass jar.
ing off
Peppers maneb (7) 2.0 tbsp Begin when fruit are half size. Spray on a 7- to
Anthracnose, fruit rot 10-day interval.
Bacterial spot and copper 2.0 tbsp Apply at first sign of disease and reapply every
Cercospora leaf spot 7 days up to harvest.
Phytophthora blight No chemicals registered Avoid planting in low land. Grow resistant vari-
eties, ‘Paladin’ or ‘Aristotle’.
Southern Blight PCNB 1.0 tbsp Apply at transplant. Apply 0.5 pt/plant.
Sweet Corn No chemicals registered Plant resistant varieties. Spray with approved
Bacterial wilt insecticide to control flea beetles.
Leaf blight, Rust chlorothalonil 12.5% (14) 1.0-2.5 tbsp Apply after observing disease and reapply
chlorothalonil 30% (14) 1.0 tbsp every 7 days.
mancozeb (7) 1.5 tbsp
Tomatoes chlorothalonil 12.5% 3.0-4.0 tbsp Repeat at 7- to 10-day intervals throughout the
Early blight, late blight, chlorothalonil 30% 1.0 tbsp season. Under severe conditions shorten spray
Septoria leaf spot, gray mancozeb (5) 3.0 tbsp intervals.
mold, Anthracnose and maneb (5) 2.0 tbsp
Rhizoctonia fruit rot copper 2.0 tbsp
Bacterial spot and copper plus 2.0 tbsp Apply after observing disease and reapply
speck maneb (5) 2.0 tbsp every 7 days.
Fusarium wilt and Use resistant varieties. Maintain soil pH from
Verticillium wilt 6.5-7.0. Rotate out of area.
Southern Blight PCNB 1.0 tbsp Apply at transplanting. Apply 0.5 pt/plant
Watermelon chlorothalonil 12.5% 3.0-4.0 tbsp Apply at first sign of disease or when runners
Anthracnose, gummy chlorothalonil 30% 1.0 tbsp meet within the row and reapply every 7 days.
stem blight, Alternaria mancozeb (5) 2.0 tbsp Shorten interval under severe conditions.
leaf blight, downy maneb (5) 2.0 tbsp
mildew and powdery copper 2.0 tbsp
mildew Neem oil (powdery mildew) 2.0 tbsp
1
PHI = post-harvest interval and indicates the number of days before harvest that the last fungicide application can be made.
Insects
Eric R. Day, Extension Entomologist, Virginia Tech
Overview
Weed management is necessary in vegetable gardens. Weeds compete with vegetable crops for water, nutrients, and light, and
can harbor insect and disease pests. Start a weed control program before planting and then continue weeding throughout the
growing season. Keeping weeds down early in the season, when they are small, reduces the amount of hand weeding required
later in the summer when higher temperatures and humidity make this task more difficult. Weeds are difficult to eradicate. Their
seeds can remain dormant but viable for five, 10, 20, or more years in the soil, depending on species. Control weeds in areas
near the garden to limit the movement of weed seed or weed propagules into the garden. Prevent weeds from flowering, as this
helps reduce the amount of weed seed in the soil over time.
Cultural control of weeds in vegetable gardens is preferred because there are few chemical control options. Not many herbi-
cides can be applied to a wide range of vegetables. For information related to larger areas planted with an individual vegetable
species, such as a planting of an acre or more, consult the Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations guide (Va.
Coop Ext. Pub. 456-420).
Conventional
After final harvest in fall or prior to planting: Glyphosate (Roundup and other trade names). Apply at least one week before
planting. Rinse glyphosate off plastic prior to transplanting vegetables through the black plastic or do not use glyphosate at all
when using plastic groundcover. Use glyphosate to control perennial weeds like bermudagrass, quackgrass, and horsenettle.
Apply to weed foliage before frost, when the weeds are still actively growing.
At planting: Trifluralin (Preen Garden Weed Preventer, Miracle-Gro Garden Weed Preventer, or other labeled formulation).
Apply at seeding of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, collards, black-eyed peas, field peas, gar-
den peas, lima beans, mustard greens, snap beans, and turnip greens. Apply before transplanting celery, broccoli, Brussels
sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Apply to established cantaloupe, cucumber, and water-
melon that have at least four true leaves. Apply to established asparagus prior to spear emergence. Apply after planting potatoes.
Trifluralin will not control existing weeds. It does provide pre-emergence control of annual grasses like crabgrass, foxtail, and
goosegrass, and small-seeded broadleaf weeds like purslane and pigweed.
Perennial weeds
Perennial vines and weeds (bermudagrass, poison ivy, dock, honeysuckle, etc.) around the garden borders or in the tilled area
may be controlled with a postemergence application of glyphosate (Roundup or other labeled formulations) after completion
of the summer vegetable harvest. For small areas or individual weed treatments, the Roundup formulation is packaged in small
quantities suitable for home use and does not require special sprayers. Many of the perennial weeds are more effectively con-
trolled when treated in late summer or fall before frost causes the leaves to drop. Since glyphosate is not biologically active in
the soil, it cannot result in residue problems.
Do not spray vegetables with a sprayer that has been used to apply 2,4-D.
Index
Leaf blight............................................................... 2-8, 2-9
A
Phytophthora blight........................................................ 2-9
Alternaria leaf spot...................................................... 2-7, 2-8
Southern blight............................................................... 2-9
Angular leaf spot................................................................ 2-8 Tomato blight................................................................. 2-6
Anthracnose.........................................................2-7, 2-8, 2-9 Blister beetles................................................................... 2-24
Aphid........2-1, 2-7, 2-11, 2-13, 2-14, 2-15, 2-17, 2-18, 2-19, Botanical insecticide.......................................................... 2-1
2-20, 2-22
Botrytis vine rot................................................................. 2-8
Aphidlions.......................................................................... 2-1
Broadleaf weeds...................................................... 2-27, 2-28
Asparagus.................................................................. 2-7, 2-11
Broccoli............................................................................ 2-28
Asparagus Beetle..............................................................2-11
Brussels sprout.................................................2-7, 2-13, 2-14
B
Bacterial blight.....................................................2-7, 2-8, 2-9
C
Cabbage............................................................2-7, 2-13, 2-14
Bacterial spot..................................................................... 2-9
Cabbage looper................................................................. 2-13
Bacterial wilt...................................................................... 2-9
Cabbage root maggot....................................................... 2-14
Bagworms.......................................................................... 2-1
Cantaloupe.....................................................2-15, 2-16, 2-28
Bean beetle parasite (Pediobius foveolatus)...................... 2-1
Captan..................................................................2-6, 2-7, 2-8
Beans
Carrots..............................................................2-8, 2-14, 2-28
Lima beans............................................................ 2-7, 2-28
Snap beans.................................................................... 2-28 Caterpillar looper............................................................. 2-17
D Insecticide.......................................................................... 2-9
Insects......................................................................... 2-1, 2-4
Diamond-back moth larvae..................................... 2-13, 2-17
Diatomaceous earth............................................................ 2-1
J
Diseases........................................................ 2-3, 2-7, 2-8, 2-9
Japanese beetle................................................................. 2-23
Dock................................................................................. 2-28
Downy mildew............................................................ 2-7, 2-8 K
Kale.................................................................................... 2-7
E
Early blight......................................................................... 2-8 L
Earworm.................................................................. 2-11, 2-19
Lacewings.......................................................................... 2-1
Eggplant.................................................................... 2-8, 2-16
Larvae................................................................................ 2-1
Encarsia formosa................................................................ 2-1
Late blight.......................................................................... 2-8
European corn borer............................. 2-20, 2-21, 2-23, 2-24
Leaf blight................................................................... 2-8, 2-9
Leaf crops................................................................ 2-17, 2-18
F
Leafhopper....................................................................... 2-15
Fall armyworm................................................................. 2-24
Leafminer......................................................................... 2-15
Field peas......................................................................... 2-28
Leafroller................................................................. 2-22, 2-23
Fireants............................................................................... 2-1
Leaf spot...............................................................2-7, 2-8, 2-9
Flea beetles......... 2-1, 2-9, 2-13, 2-14, 2-16, 2-17, 2-18, 2-24,
2-25 Alternaria leaf spot.................................................. 2-7, 2-8
Angular leaf spot............................................................ 2-8
Fruit rot....................................................................... 2-8, 2-9
Septoria leaf spot............................................................ 2-9
Fruitworm........................................................................ 2-25
Leeks.................................................................................. 2-8
G Lettuce.............................................................................. 2-18
Grasshopper........................2-11, 2-12, 2-18, 2-19, 2-21, 2-25 Lima beans................................................................ 2-7, 2-28
U
V
Vegetables.......................................................................... 2-9
Verticillium wilt................................................................. 2-9
Viruses................................................................................ 2-9
W
Wasps................................................................................. 2-1
Watermelon......................................................2-9, 2-15, 2-16
Weeds........................................................................ 2-3, 2-27
Weevils............................................................................... 2-1
Wettable sulfur................................................................... 2-7
Whiteflies............................................... 2-1, 2-16, 2-22, 2-26
Worm
Bagworm........................................................................ 2-1
Y
Yellow nutsedge............................................................... 2-27