Cucumber Beetles: Organic and Biorational Integrated Pest Management

1. Cucumber Beetles:
Organic and Biorational
Integrated Pest Management
A Publication of ATTRA—National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service • 1-800-346-9140 • www.attra.ncat.org
Updated by Cucumber beetles are present throughout the United States and cause serious damage to cucurbit
Steve Diver and crops. Overwintering adult insects cause feeding damage on young plants, larvae in the soil feed on
Tammy Hinman plant roots and second-generation adults cause feeding damage on plant leaves, blossoms and fruits.
NCAT Agriculture Adult insects transmit bacterial wilt and squash mosaic virus. Organic and biorational integrated pest
Specialists management measures include delayed planting, trap crops, floating row covers, parasitic organisms
© 2008 NCAT and botanical pesticides. Field scouting or yellow sticky traps can monitor insect populations.
Contents Introduction corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera)
and northern corn rootworm (Diabrotica
C
Introduction ..................... 1
ucumber beetles are pests of cucur- barberi), have similar yet distinct ecological
Species of cucumber bits in most areas of the United States. and behavioral characteristics. Correctly
beetles................................ 1
Cucumber beetles transmit bacterial identifying the pest that occurs in each
Life cycle of the
cucumber beetle ............ 3 wilt, squash mosaic virus and can increase geographical region is the fi rst step toward
Damage to plants by
the incidence of powdery mildew, black rot devising a pest management strategy.
cucumber beetles .......... 4 and fusarium wilt. They also damage plants
Organic control directly by feeding on roots, stems, leaves
The striped cucumber beetle is about 1/5
measures ........................... 7 and fruits.
Population inch long and yellowish-green with a black
monitoring .................... 7 This publication will focus on organic and head and yellow thorax. It has three par-
Cultural practices ........ 8 biorational control methods that fit into allel and longitudinal black stripes along
Trap crops, trap baits an integrated pest management approach. the length of its wing covers. The east-
and sticky traps .......... 10
Organic control measures include delayed ern striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma
Predators and
parasites ....................... 12 planting, floating row covers, trap crops and vittatum) is found mostly east of the Mis-
Botanical using predatory organisms and botanical or sissippi River and the western striped
and biorational biorational insecticides. cucumber beetle (Acalymma trivittatum)
insecticides .................. 14
is found mostly west of the Mississippi.
Resources ........................ 16
Biorational pest controls are commonly known
References ...................... 17 as least-toxic pest controls or soft pesticides.
Biorational pest controls are preferred in bioin-
tensive integrated pest management because
they usually target the pest and spare beneficial
organisms, are relatively non-toxic to humans
and have few environmental side effects.
ATTRA – National Sustainable
Agriculture Information Service
(www.ncat.attra.org) is managed
Species of cucumber beetles
by the National Center for Appro- There are six species of cucumber beetle in
priate Technology (NCAT) and is
funded under a grant from the the United States. Striped cucumber beetles
United States Department of in the Acalymma genus and spotted cucum-
Agriculture’s Rural Business-
Cooperative Service. Visit the ber beetles in the Diabrotica genus are col-
NCAT Web site (www.ncat.org/ lectively known as diabroticine or diabrotic-
sarc_current.php) for Striped cucumber beetle. Photo by Ken Gray,
more information on ite beetles. The diabroticines, which include courtesy of Oregon State University.
our sustainable agri- the closely related species known as western
culture projects.

2. The spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica running horizontally across its back
undecimpunctata howardi) is about 1/3 inch and a thin green band along the center of
long and greenish-yellow with a black head its back.
and lime-green thorax. It has 12 black
spots on its wing covers. The larval stage is
known as the southern corn rootworm.
Related ATTRA
publications
Banded cucumber beetle. Photo by Kim Davis and
Biointensive Spotted cucumber beetle. Photo by Charles Schurch Mike Stangeland, www.texasento.net/beetles.htm.
Integrated Pest Lewallen.
Management Adult western corn rootworms (Diabroctica
The western spotted cucumber beetle
virgifera virgifera) can be found crawling on
Farmscaping to (Diabrotica undecimpunctata undecim-
cucurbit plants, but the rootworms cause
Enhance Biological punctata) is similar in appearance to the
Control little feeding injury to cucurbits and do not
spotted cucumber beetle, but is slightly
transmit bacterial wilt or virus diseases.
Organic IPM Field smaller. It is found in Arizona, California,
The female adult looks very similar to a
Guide Colorado and Oregon, though it is more
striped cucumber beetle, so it is impor-
prolific and destructive in the southern
Organic Pumpkin tant to distinguish which insect is present.
and Winter Squash part of its range (EPPO, 2003).
Striped cucumber beetles have black abdo-
Production
mens underneath the wing cover, while
Biorationals: western corn rootworms have yellow abdo-
Ecological Pest mens. In addition, the center stripe on the
Management striped cucumber beetle extends to the tip
Database of the abdomen, while the center stripe on
the western corn rootworm extends about
three-quarters of the way. Finally, striped
cucumber beetles have faint yellow mark-
ings on their legs while the western corn
rootworm has solid black legs.
Western spotted cucumber beetle. Photo by
Jack Kelly Clark, courtesy of UC Statewide IPM Project,
© 2000 Regents, University of California.
The banded cucumber beetle (Diabrotica
balteata) is found throughout the south-
ern United States from North Carolina
to southern California (Capinera, 1999).
It is about 1/5 inch long and green-
ish-yellow with a red head and black Adult western corn rootworm. Photo by Jim Kalisch,
thorax. It has three greenish-blue bands CropWatch, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.
Page 2 ATTRA Cucumber Beetles: Organic and Biorational IPM

3. Notes on terms used in organic production
Organic production of crops and live- organic certification should check with stimulation, as well as for weed, insect
stock in the United States is regulated an accredited certifying agent before and disease control. Manufacturers sub-
by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s using any pest control material men- mit product data, ingredients and related
National Organic Program. The program tioned in this publication, whether it is proprietary information to the institute
is an organic certification and market- described as organic or biorational, to for evaluation of suitable materials
ing program that ensures food and verify approved status. according to standards established by
food products labeled as organic meet the USDA National Organic Program.
standard guidelines. Land must be free Biorational products include botani-
of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers cals, horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, The OMRI Products List is a directory
for three years before it can be certifiedbiopesticides (biofungicides and micro- of products reviewed and approved by
organic. After that, producers can only bial antagonists), mineral-based prod- the institute for use in organic crop pro-
use approved organic pest control strat- ucts, parasitic nematodes, anti-feedants, duction. These products may display the
egies and fertilizers. plant extracts and pheromones. Organic OMRI Listed seal on labels and in adver-
farmers commonly use biorational prod- tising literature. The OMRI Products List is
Producers who want to label or market uct formulations of natural origin. a convenient way for farmers to identify
their produce as organic need to gain which biorational pest control products are
certification through a USDA-accredited Biorational pest controls also include approved for use in organic production.
certifying agent. This process involves reduced-risk pesticides and insect growth
the development of an organic sys- regulators that are not allowed in organic Resources:
tem plan describing details about soil production. In addition, organic farmers
fertility planning, seeds and seedlings, are not allowed to use certain botanical The National Organic Program
weed and pest management practices insecticides like nicotine and rotenone or USDA – Agricultural Marketing Service
including materials the grower plans to specific formulations of biorational pes- www.ams.usda.gov/nop/indexNet.htm
use, and storage and handling routines ticides. For example, the commercially The OMRI Products List
(Kuepper, 2002). A recordkeeping sys- available Entrust formulation of spinosad Organic Materials Review Institute
tem and an annual farm inspection are is allowed, but many other spinosad for- www.omri.org
also required. mulations are not.
Organic regulation, certification,
For more information, see the ATTRA The Organic Materials Review Institute transition and history
publication Organic Farm Certifica- is a nonprofit organization that reviews ATTRA – National Sustainable
tion and the National Organic Program. products used in organic crop produc- Agriculture Information Service
Please note that farmers involved with tion for the purpose of fertility and plant www.attra.ncat.org/organic.html
Life cycle of the cucumber Applications of biorational insecticides are
most effective and least costly when based
beetle on knowledge of:
Understanding the life cycle of an insect
pest is critical to using control measures • The pest’s life cycle
effectively. Integrated pest management • The life stage(s) of the pest that will
pest-control strategies require knowledge of
damage the crop plant
the pest’s life cycle to:
• The life stage(s) of the crop plant
• Adjust planting times so crops are
not in a susceptible growth stage most susceptible to the pest
when the pest is most active • The life stage of the pest that is
• Distract insects from susceptible crops easiest to control
by using pheromones or trap crops • Local climate and ecological con-
• Disrupt the pest’s ability to repro- ditions and how they affect plant
duce or grow growth and insect movement
Refer to the ATTRA publication Biointensive Integrated Pest Management for an
introduction to integrated pest management concepts and practices.
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 3

4. Cucumber beetles overwinter as unmated on a wide range of plants in the cucurbit,
adults in bordering vegetation, plant debris, rose, legume and mustard families. Banded
woodlots and fence rows. Cucumber bee- cucumber beetles can produce up to seven
tles are active in spring when temperatures generations per year in the Deep South.
reach 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and feed
After feeding and mating on cucurbit seed-
on alternate host plants until cucurbit plants
lings, female cucumber beetles oviposit eggs
appear in vegetable fields. in the soil near the base of plants. Egg produc-
Striped cucumber beetles are monophagous tion ranges from 200 to 300 eggs per female,
during the larval stage, meaning the bee- laid in clusters over the course of several
tles only feed on roots of cucurbit plants. weeks, for the spotted cucumber beetle and
Overwintering adults feed on the pollen, up to 1,500 eggs per female for the striped
petals and leaves of early blooming plants, cucumber beetle. Eggs usually hatch in five
especially flowering plants in the rose fam- to 10 days with larval development from 11
ily, in spring before migrating to cucurbit to 45 days. Pupae reside in the soil for four
fields. Adults also feed on the leaves and to seven days and then emerge as adults.
flowers of corn, beans and peas during the Depending on weather and temperature, peak
H
growing season and on goldenrods, sunflow- activity can spike every 30 to 60 days as new
igh-
ers and asters later in the season. However, generations emerge. Adults can live up to 60
altitude days or more (Capinera, 2001).
both species of striped cucumber beetles
currents are known as specialist feeders because
can carry striped the beetles highly prefer cucurbit plants Damage to plants by
cucumber beetles up and fruits. The beetles produce one or two
generations per growing season in north-
cucumber beetles
to 500 miles in three Cucumber beetles injure cucurbit crops
ern regions and two or three generations in
to four days.
southern regions. directly and indirectly. Direct feeding by
larvae can injure crop roots and disrupt
Spotted cucumber beetles are polyphagous plant growth. Direct feeding by adults can
during the larval stage, meaning the beetles stunt seedlings and damage maturing fruits.
feed on the roots of multiple host plants. The Cucumber beetles transmit bacterial wilt,
larvae are commonly known as rootworms which causes plants to quickly wilt and die.
because they are injurious feeders on roots Bacterial wilt is a major problem for many
of corn, peanuts, small grains and grasses. vegetable growers.
Adult spotted cucumber beetles feed on
the pollen, petals and leaves of more than Feeding damage
200 alternate host plants. Adult spotted
Cucumber beetles infl ict feeding damage
cucumber beetles overwinter in southern
three times during their life cycle:
states and migrate into northern states in
June and July, appearing two to four weeks • Overwintering adults feed on emerg-
later than striped cucumber beetles. Adults ing cucurbit plants in the spring.
are strong fl iers and disperse rapidly from These adults can kill or severely stunt
field to field during summer. High-altitude young plants by feeding on stems and
currents can also carry striped cucumber cotyledons. Adult cucumber beetles
beetles up to 500 miles in three to four also transmit bacterial wilt.
days. (EPPO, 2003). Spotted cucumber • Larvae from eggs laid by overwin-
beetles produce two or three generations in tering adults feed on plant roots.
a growing season. Larval tunneling can stunt crop
The banded cucumber beetle is polyph- plants, especially seedlings, and
agous during the larval stage and can be predispose the plant to soilborne
an injurious feeder on roots of soybeans diseases such as fusarium wilt.
and sweet potatoes in addition to cucur- • Second- and third-generation adults
bits. Adult banded cucumber beetles feed emerging from pupae during the
Page 4 ATTRA Cucumber Beetles: Organic and Biorational IPM

5. growing season or migrating into
the area at mid-season feed on foli- Some varieties of a cucurbit species are more attractive to
age, flowers, stems and fruit. These cucumber beetles than others. For example, cucumber beetles
preferentially feed on muskmelon varieties in the following
adults damage maturing fruits order, from greatest to least (Foster et al., 1995):
and transmit bacterial wilt. Feed-
ing damage is less serious to plants 1. Makdimon 6. Galia
that are already leafed out. Dam- 2. Rocky Sweet 7. Pulsar
age to fruits results in scarring and
3. Cordele 8. Passport
decreases the marketability and
storage life of the crop. 4. Legend 9. Super Star
Cucumber beetles preferentially feed on 5. Caravelle 10. Rising Star
different cucurbit species. The approximate See Table 1, "Ranking of cucurbits by cucumber beetle feeding preference,"
order of susceptibility to feeding damage for susceptibility ratings of other cucurbit species.
may vary with geographical regions.
Vegetable Insect Management with Jude Boucher from the University of Connecticut ranks
Emphasis on the Midwest (Foster et al., susceptibility in the northeast from greatest to least as:
1995) lists susceptibility, from greatest
to least as: 1. Bitter gourds
2. Winter squash (C. maxima) such as Turk’s Turban, Blue
1. Cucumber Hubbard, etc.
2. Cantaloupe 3. Cucumbers
3. Honeydew 4. Summer squash
4. Casaba melon 5. Cantaloupe
5. Winter squash 6. Honeydew
6. Pumpkins 7. Butternut winter squash
7. Summer squash 8. Casaba melon
8. Watermelon 9. Watermelon
Table 1. Ranking of cucurbits by cucumber beetle feeding preference (Jarvis, 1994).
Higher ranking numbers indicate more preferred varieties by cucumber beetles. Rankings: 1 to 14 means not
preferred, greater than 45 means highly preferred.
Summer squash Winter squash
Variety Ranking Variety Ranking
Yellow Acorn
Sunbar 1 Table Ace 6
Slender Gold 2 Carnival 7
Early Prolific Staightneck 20 Table King (bush) 12
Goldie Hybrid 32 Tay Belle (bush) 14
Sundance 33 Butternut
Straightneck Zenith 13
Seneca Prolific 4 Butternut Supreme 16
Goldbar 5 Early Butternut 25
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 5

6. Table 1. Continued
Higher ranking numbers indicate more preferred varieties by cucumber beetles. Rankings: 1 to 14 means not
preferred, greater than 45 means highly preferred.
Summer squash Winter squash
Multipik 37 Waltham 28
Crookneck Buttercup
Yellow Crookneck 8 Honey Delight 43
Sundance 34 Buttercup Burgess 44
Scallop Ambercup 55
Peter Pan 9 Pumpkins
Zucchini Baby Pam 10
Gold Rush 39 Munchkin 11
Zucchini Select 40 Seneca Harvest Moon 15
Ambassador 41 Jack-Be-Little 17
President 45 Jackpot 18
Black Jack 46 Tom Fox 19
Green Eclipse 50 Baby Bear 21
Seneca Zucchini 51 Howden 22
Senator 52 Spirit 23
Super Select 54 Wizard 24
Dark Green Zucchini 56 Ghost Rider 26
Embassy Dark Green Zucchini 57 Big Autumn 27
Other summer squash Autumn Gold 29
Scallop 3 Jack-of-All Trades 30
Cocozelle 48 Rocket 31
Caserta 58 Frosty 35
Melon Spookie 36
Classic 59 Connecticut Field 38
Happy Jack 42
Big Max 47
Baby Boo 53
Bacterial wilt While horticultural literature commonly
In addition to direct feeding on plants, explains that bacterial wilt overwinters in
cucumber beetles are vectors for bacte- the intestinal tract of adult cucumber bee-
rial wilt caused by the bacterium Erwinia tles, plant pathologists now believe the
tracheiphila. While foliage-feeding adult Erwinia bacterium overwinters in the sap of
cucumber beetles can injure crops, espe- alternate host plants. These plants remain
cially seedlings, the transmission of bacte- asymptomatic, or do not exhibit symptoms
rial wilt disease is a more serious concern of the disease (Latin, 2000). Adult cucum-
because the disease causes rapid wilting ber beetles feed on these alternative host
and death of cucurbit plants. crops, become infected with bacterial wilt
Page 6 ATTRA Cucumber Beetles: Organic and Biorational IPM

7. and then transmit the disease to squash, Squash mosaic virus
melons or cucumbers by feeding on the
The western striped cucumber beetle and the
crop plants or through fecal contamination
spotted cucumber beetle are alternate vectors
of wounded leaves and stems.
for another disease: squash mosaic virus.
Following infection, the Erwinia bacterium Aphid insects are the primary vector. While
spreads throughout the vascular system of the virus is seed-borne, the incidence of this
the plant, causing blockage of xylem ves- disease is enhanced through cucumber bee-
sels. The formation of bacterial-exuded tle feeding and transmission. Squashes and
gums and resins results in restricted move- melons are particularly susceptible to this
ment of water and nutrients and the plant disease because of a greater occurrence of
starts to wilt. The incubation period from infected seeds in these species.
time of infection to expression of wilting The symptoms of squash mosaic virus vary
symptoms ranges from several days to sev- according to host species and cultivar, but
eral weeks. Young, succulent plants are include mosaic patterns, leaf mottling,
more susceptible to cucumber beetle feed- ring spots, blisters and fruit deformation
ing and disease transmission than older, (Provvidenti and Haudenshield, 1996).
B
mature plants. Besides the use of certified virus-free acterial
To determine if a plant is infected with seeds, control measures are aimed at min- wilt is most
bacterial wilt, use the following diagnos- imizing the presence of cucumber beetles. severe on
tic tests: (Provvidenti and Haudenshield, 1996 and
cantaloupe and
Davis et al., 1999).
• Squeeze sap from a wilted stem cut cucumber, less dam-
near its base. Press a knife against
the stem and slowly pull it away
Organic control measures aging on squash and
about a centimeter. The appearance Organic control measures for cucumber pumpkin and rarely
of fine, shiny threads indicates bac- beetles fall into five categories, each dis- affects established
terial wilt (Snover, 1999). cussed in detail in the following sections: watermelon plants.
• Population monitoring
• Immerse a newly cut stem in a glass • Cultural practices
of water. If the plant has bacterial
• Trap crops, trap baits and sticky
wilt, milky strands of bacterial ooze
traps
will leak from the stem in five to 10
minutes. • Predators and parasites
• Botanical and biorational insecticides
• Cut the stem with a knife and then Population monitoring methods like crop
push the cut ends together and scouting and sticky traps are commonly
slowly pull them apart. Sticky, vis- used as monitoring tools to help growers
cous strands of bacterial slime indi- detect insect pest populations and make
cate bacterial wilt (Latin, 2000). informed and timely pest management deci-
The sap of a healthy plant is watery and will sions. Growers can use threshold data estab-
not exhibit stringing and bacterial oozing lished by university Extension entomologists
(Snover, 1999). to determine when control measures, like a
knock-down insecticide, prevent crop dam-
Bacterial wilt is most severe on cantaloupe
age and disease transmission.
and cucumber, less damaging on squash
and pumpkin and rarely affects established Cornell University recommends crop
watermelon plants. Wilt-resistant varieties scouting twice a week, with emphasis on
are available for some cucurbits, but still the inspection of young cucurbit plants
lacking for others. For example, County with fewer than fi ve leaves. Monitoring
Fair 83 and Saladin are resistant variet- should involve thorough inspection of five
ies of cucumber, but resistant varieties of plants at each of five locations in a field.
muskmelon are not developed. Pay special attention to the undersides
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 7

8. of leaves and plants at field edges. These Pheromone Technologies, Inc., the ISCA
population counts are used to calculate yellow sticky card from ISCA Technolo-
the average number of beetles per plant gies, Inc. and the Olson yellow sticky card
(Petzoldt, 2008). from Olson Products, Inc. These products
are listed under the Products section of
Economic thresholds for cucumber bee-
Resources at the end of this publication.
tle control depend on the type of cucur-
bit, age of plants and susceptibility to Researchers at Southwest-Purdue Agricul-
bacterial wilt. Once cucurbit vines are well- tural Center in Vincennes, Ind., determined
established, plants can tolerate a 25 to 50 that 20 striped or spotted cucumber bee-
percent loss of foliage without a reduction in tles per trap during a 48-hour period cor-
yield. However, seedling cucurbits can be respond to one beetle per plant. That is the
seriously injured or killed by heavy feed- threshold for treating cucurbits in the Mid-
ing from cucumber beetles. When bacterial west, especially with melons and cucum-
wilt is present, risk is greater among cucur- bers, to prevent excessive loss from bacte-
bit varieties that are most susceptible. Ento- rial wilt (Lam and Foster, 2005). If fewer
mologists in the Midwest use a threshold of than 20 beetles are found on the traps, it
one beetle per plant for insecticidal control means that beetle populations are not at an
when bacterial wilt disease is present. economic threshold and treatment is not
Growers can use homemade yellow sticky warranted. Growers should repeat this mon-
traps or purchase commercial yellow sticky itoring procedure through critical parts of
cards for detection of cucumber beetles. the growing season.
Homemade and commercial insect attrac- Volatile chemicals known as kairomones
tants can enhance the trapping effect. attract diabroticine beetles. Kairomones
Cucumber beetles and most insets are include cucurbatacins, indoles and floral
attracted to the color yellow. volatiles as well as specific kairomonal ana-
To make a simple sticky trap, coat an 8- logs like 2,3-benzopyrrole and 1,2,4-trime-
ounce yellow plastic cup with insect glue, thoxybenzene. Since each species of cucum-
like commercially available Stickum Special ber beetle responds to unique kairomones,
or Tangle-Trap. Invert the cup and secure it separate commercial lures are available
on a 2-foot wooden stake (Levine and Met- for each type of cucumber beetle. There
calf, 1988). Eugenol, a naturally occurring are two manufacturers of kairomone lures:
insect attractant found in clove oil (82 to Trece, Inc., which sells the Pherocon CRW
87 percent eugenol), allspice oil (65 to 75 series, and Advanced Pheromone Technolo-
percent eugenol) and bay oil (40 to 45 per- gies, Inc., which sells the APTLure series.
cent eugenol), lures diabroticine beetles Cultural practices are land and crop
(Peet, 2001 and The Scientific Commu- management practices that affect the repro-
nity on Cosmetic and Non-food Products, duction of pests or the time and level of
2000). Cinnamaldehyde, found in cassia exposure crops have to pests. Cultural prac-
oil and cinnamon bark oil, functions as an tices that can protect against cucumber
insect attractant and natural cucumber bee- beetles include:
tle bait (Environmental Protection Agency,
• Delayed planting
2007). Attach a cotton swab soaked in these
aromatic oils to increase the sticky trap’s • Floating row covers
trapping effect. • Mulching
• Cultivation and residue removal
Integrated pest management suppliers sell
rectangular yellow sticky cards imprinted • Insect vacuuming
with grid patterns for detection of diabroti- Crop rotation within a field, a well-known
cine beetles. These include the Phero- pest management tool for disease control,
con AM trap card from Trece, Inc., the is ineffective to control cucumber bee-
Intercept AM trap card from Advanced tles since the beetles migrate from areas
Page 8 ATTRA Cucumber Beetles: Organic and Biorational IPM

9. surrounding the fields. Since these insects seedlings in bare, moist soil. Row covers
survive on a number of wild hosts, the create a favorable environment for the ger-
removal of alternative hosts from the farm mination and growth of weeds. Periodic
would be difficult and ineffective because of removal of row covers for mechanical cul-
immigration. A two-year study in Massachu- tivation to stir the soil and disrupt weed
setts compared the effectiveness of synthetic seedlings is not very practical. Row cov-
and biorational insecticides on the control ers are normally used for the fi rst 30 to 40
of striped cucumber beetles and the occur- days of vine growth until the onset of flow-
rence of bacterial wilt in direct-seeded and ering. This corresponds to the critical weed-
transplanted pumpkin using the susceptible free period for cucurbit plant growth, when
Merlin variety. Results of the trial indicate weeds should be controlled and excluded
the need for long-distance crop rotation for as much as possible. In organic production,
insecticides to be most effective. Rotation to row covers are commonly used in combi-
an adjacent field close to the pervious year’s nation with weed-suppressive mulches like
cucurbits did not reduce beetle numbers plastic mulch, geotextile weed barriers,
(Andenmatten et al., 2002). straw, hay and paper.
I
Delayed planting is an effective pest man- Mulching can deter cucumber beetles from n regions with
agement strategy in some regions and crop- laying eggs in the ground near plant stems. established
ping systems. Growers can avoid the fi rst Mulches can also function as a barrier
cucumber beetle
generation of cucumber beetles by keeping to larval migration and feeding on fruits
fields cucurbit-free until the establishment (Cranshaw, 1998 and Olkowski, 2000). populations, row
of summer cucurbits like cucumbers, pump- Tunneling larvae need moist soil to damage covers can make the
kins and squash intended for fall harvest. ripening fruit. Limiting irrigation at this difference between
Delayed planting is an especially useful cul- time can minimize damage (Cranshaw, a harvestable crop
tural strategy in cucurbits because this tech- 1998). Mulches are known to harbor squash and crop failure.
nique also bypasses fi rst-generation squash bugs, however, and mulches do not deter
bugs. However, this method is not relevant beetles from feeding on leaves, flowers and
for plantings of early-market spring cucur- fruits of cucurbits.
bits like cucumbers, squash and melons or
Researchers at Virginia Tech showed a dra-
in regions with short growing seasons.
matic reduction in the occurrence of striped
Floating row covers physically exclude both cucumber beetles in a Meteor cucumber
cucumber beetles and squash bugs during crop and similar reductions in both striped
the seedling stage of plant growth. Provid- and spotted cucumber beetles in a General
ing a bug- and beetle-free period allows Patton squash crop by comparing alumi-
the plants to thrive and develop a mass of num-coated and aluminum-striped plastic
leaf and vine growth by the time row covers mulches to black plastic mulch (Caldwell
are removed at bloom. At this stage of veg- and Clarke, 1998). On various sampling
etative growth, plants can withstand mod- dates, yellow sticky traps located next to the
erate pest attacks. In regions with estab- aluminum-coated plastic mulches had two,
lished cucumber beetle populations, row four and six times less cucumber beetles
covers can make the difference between a than stick traps located next to black plas-
harvestable crop and crop failure. Row cov- tic mulch. Researches, after correlating the
ers are removed at the onset of flowering to number of beetles found on sticky traps to
allow for bee pollination and to release vine the integrated pest management threshold,
growth. Applying botanical and biorational concluded that reflective mulches reduced
pesticides provides season-long protection, cucumber beetle populations to below treat-
depending on location and pest pressure, ment levels.
after row covers are removed.
The Virginia Tech research article con-
Weed control is a special consideration tains a brief economic comparison between
when using floating row covers over cucurbit costs of production and prices received for
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 9

10. organic squash versus conventional squash Dietrick (Dietrick et al., 1995). Insect vacu-
gown on reflective mulches. Researchers uming combined with perimeter trap crops
emphasized the ability of reflective mulches is an appealing non-chemical control strat-
to reduce bacterial wilt and virus transmis- egy. Researchers have employed this dual
sion by cucumber beetles and aphids. technique in attempts to control flea bee-
tles in brassica fields (Smith, 2000). This
Cultivation and residue removal can help
dual technique has also been suggested
reduce over-wintering populations of cucum-
ber beetles. Cornell University research sug- for mass trapping of cucumber beetles fol-
gests deep tillage and clean cultivation fol- lowed by vacuuming as a pest reduction
lowing harvest (Petzoldt, 2008). However, strategy and as an alternative to insecticide
an organic farming sequence that shreds applications (Olkowski, 2000). The next
crop residues, incorporates fall-applied section explains how pheromones attract
compost or manure and establishes a win- cucumber beetles to perimeter trap crops
ter cover crop will facilitate decomposition where beetles congregate in great numbers.
of above- and below-ground residues. The efficacy of this dual technique for con-
trol of cucumber beetles is not verified in
Insect vacuuming is a form of pneumatic field trials and is mentioned here as an
insect control that dislodges insects from experimental approach that organic market
plants through high-velocity air turbulence farmers may wish to explore.
and suction. Large, mechanized bug vacs
gained notoriety in the 1980s for control Trap crops, trap baits and sticky traps,
of the lygus bug in California strawberry if positioned correctly, can intercept bee-
fields. Hand-held and backpack vacuuming tles through the use of smell, color and
equipment is available through integrated pheromonal attraction.
pest management suppliers. Market farms Trap crops release chemicals known as
use the equipment to collect beneficial kairomones, which are highly attractive to
insects and control pest insects in combina- insects. Kairomones produced by cucurbits
tion with perimeter trap cropping. include cucurbitacin, the characteristic bit-
The D-Vac, a commercially available vac- ter substance in cucurbitacae that stimulates
uum, evolved from insect sampling research compulsive feeding behavior in diabroticine
by the biological control pioneer Everett beetles, and a mixture of floral volatiles that
lure adult beetles from some distance.
Cucurbit trap crops are designed to lure and
concentrate cucumber beetles where control
measures using insecticides or vacuuming
can be focused, reducing the need for field-
scale insecticide applications.
Pioneering research in the 1970s and 1980s
by Robert L. Metcalf (Ferguson et al., 1979)
in Illinois, as well as more recent research
in Texas, Oklahoma, Maine, Connecticut and
Virginia, shows that certain species and vari-
eties of cucurbits can serve as trap crops next
to larger fields of cucurbits (Stroup, 1998,
Suzkiw, 1997, Radin and Drummond, 1994,
Boucher and Durgy, 2004 and Caldwell and
Stockton, 1998). Diabroticine beetles prefer-
entially congregate, feed and mate on these
Entomologist Sam Pair inspects squash plants for cucumber beetles and squash
kairomone-effusive trap crops. Table 1 ranks
bugs lured to this trap crop and away from developing melons. the feeding preference of cucumber beetle
Photo by Scott Bauer, USDA-ARS 2008. on different varieties of cucurbits.
Page 10 ATTRA Cucumber Beetles: Organic and Biorational IPM

11. Researchers at Cornell University found where border rows encompass all four sides
cucumber beetles highly prefer the fol- of the field, is a pragmatic and an effective
lowing varieties of Cucurbita maxima and approach (Boucher and Durgy, 2004 and
Cucurbita pepo squash and pumpkin types Boucher and Durgy, 2005).
(Grubinger, 2001):
To deter entry into the field by cucumber bee-
Black Jack zucchini tles and minimize the spread of bacterial wilt:
Big Max pumpkin
• Plant trap crops on the perimeter of
Cocozelle summer squash
the field as border strips. Plant multi-
Green Eclipse zucchini
ple rows if beetle pressure is extreme.
Seneca zucchini
Senator zucchini • Plant trap crops a week or two
Baby Boo pumpkin earlier than the primary cucurbit
Super Select zucchini acreage since insects migrate to the
Ambercup buttercup squash earliest emerging cucurbit plants in
Dark Green zucchini the field.
Embassy Dark Green zucchini • In organic production, apply botan-
Caserta summer squash ical and biorational insecticides
Classic melon to the trap crop before the beetles
Researchers elsewhere used Lemondrop migrate into the cucurbit patch. In
summer squash, Peto 391 summer squash, integrated pest management produc-
NK530 squash, Blue Hubbard squash and tion, several synthetic insecticides
Turk's Turban squash. However, experi- can be applied to the trap crop for
ence shows that cucurbit varieties highly beetle control. Vacuuming is a novel
susceptible to bacterial wilt, such as Turk's approach to controlling beetles that
Turban, should be avoided as a trap crop congregate on the trap crop.
(UMass Extension, 2002). • Use yellow sticky ribbons in com-
bination with trap crops to enhance
Early research in Maine examined the per- the attractant effect and perform
centage of land devoted to the trap crop. mass trapping.
When researchers grew NK530 squash as
a trap crop on 15 percent and 50 percent of • Remove and destroy diseased
the cucumber crop acreage, the trap crop plants from border strips and the
attracted 90 percent of the cucumber bee- main field.
tles (Radin and Drummond, 1994). The Trap baits for cucumber beetles contain
researchers concluded that strategically insect-attracting kairomones, floral volatiles,
placed strips of squash plants could be buffalo gourd root powder, eugenol, cinna-
more advantageous. maldehyde and cinnamyl alcohol mixed
with small amounts of insecticides. Metcalf
In Oklahoma, Lemondrop and Blue Hub-
and coworkers pioneered the identification
bard squash planted as trap crops and
of cucurbitacin analogs used in attracticidal
occupying just 1 percent of the total crop
baits (Metcalf and Lampman, 1991).
area highly attracted cucumber beetles in
cantaloupe, squash and watermelon crops Trap baits on field borders intercept beetles
(Pair, 1997). The Oklahoma researchers as beetles migrate into cucurbit fields early
also showed that small squash plants in the in the season. Great numbers of beetles
four- to six-leaf stage are vastly more effective die when they are lured into these attrac-
as trap crops than large squash plants in the ticidal baits in a feeding frenzy. Cidetrak
more-than-six- to 12-leaf stage, which cor- CRW is a commercially available gustatory
roborates findings that cucurbitacin occurs stimulant for diabrotica that growers can
in higher concentrations in young leaves. mix with synthetic or biorational insecti-
Recent integrated pest management field cides in a trap bait. It is available through
trials suggest that perimeter trap cropping, Trece, Inc., a company that specializes in
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 11

12. pheromone traps. See the Products section to 12 inches wide by several hundred feet
listed under Resources for Trece, Inc. con- in length. In cucurbits, yellow sticky ribbon
tact information. While most of the field tri- can be used for mass trapping of cucum-
als and commercial applications with attrac- ber beetles when placed with cucurbit trap
ticidal baits employed systemic insecticides, crops. Kairomone lures, available through
Michael P. Hoffman at Cornell University commercial integrated pest management
investigated the use of trap baits in combi- suppliers, can enhance the trapping effect.
nation with botanical and biorational insec-
William Olkowski, co-founder of the Bio-
ticides and cultural controls (1998).
Integral Resource Center, conducted an
Hoffmann's field trials in New York were Organic Farming Research Foundation-
part of a USDA Sustainable Agriculture funded study on mass trapping of cucum-
Research and Education research project ber beetles using six different framed and
to reduce insecticide use in cucurbit crop strip traps.
production (Hoffman, 1998). Employing a
The Bio-Integral Resource Center Trap, a
mass-trapping technique, Cornell research-
wooden-legged trap that held upper and
ers reduced cucumber beetle populations
lower strips of yellow sticky ribbon 10 feet
R
by 65 percent in pumpkin fields using trap
esearchers long and oriented parallel to the ground,
baits containing a mixture of cucurbit blos-
found posi- was highly effective in trapping cucumber
som volatiles and very small amounts of
beetles. The 6-inch wide yellow sticky rib-
tioning trap insecticide. Researchers found positioning
bon is mounted on a spool and requires
baits with a highly trap baits with a highly preferred Seneca
periodic uptake to expose fresh sticky
preferred Seneca zucchini squash trap crop enhanced trap
tape. Since the upper strip, located 20 to
baits, achieving 75 percent control with this
zucchini squash trap 26 inches above the ground, captured far
dual method.
crop enhanced trap more cucumber beetles than the lower strip,
baits, achieving 75 In support of organic production, the proj- located 12 to 18 inches above the ground,
percent control with ect examined the effectiveness of botanical researchers discontinued the lower strip in
and biorational pesticides. The researchers later trials. The trap is mobile and can be
this dual method.
used buffalo gourd root powder as a feeding placed in cucurbit trap crops.
stimulant in trap baits laced with neem and
The OFRF Information Bulletin No. 8, pub-
full or half rates of rotenone (botanical) and
lished in the summer of 2000, is available
cryolite (sodium aluminoflouride). Neem
as a Web download and is useful to develop
had little effect on beetle survival or mor-
an understanding of how to design and use
tality, but its antifeedant trait significantly
the trap (Olkowski, 2000).
reduced plant damage caused by beetles.
Rotenone and cryolite were both effective. Predators and parasites that prey on
cucumber beetles include hunting spiders,
Overall, researchers favored the half-rate
web-weaving spiders, soldier beetles, cara-
of rotenone mixed with buffalo gourd root
bid ground beetles, tachinid fl ies, braconid
powder treatment. However, in the interim
wasps, bats and entomopathogenic fungi
period since Hoffmann's research in 1999,
and nematodes. Braconid wasps (Centisus
both of these biorational products were pro-
diabrotica, Syrrhizus diabroticae) and tach-
hibited in organic production under the
inid fl ies (Celatoria diabroticae, C. setosa)
National Organic Program. Neither is listed
are important natural enemies of cucumber
with the Organic Materials Review Institute.
beetles, with parasitism rates reaching 22
It seems reasonable that other biorationals
percent and 40 percent, respectively (Cap-
approved for organic production might be
inera, 2001 and Kuhlmann and van der
effectively used in a trap bait.
Burgt, 1998). Carabid beetles (Scarites spp.
Yellow sticky traps are commonly used to and Evarthrus sodalis) consumed all three
monitor insect pests. Yellow sticky ribbon is life stages (larvae, pupae, adults) of spotted
available from commercial integrated pest cucumber beetle, striped cucumber beetle
management suppliers in dimensions of 2 and squash bugs in a laboratory feeding
Page 12 ATTRA Cucumber Beetles: Organic and Biorational IPM

13. trial (Snyder and Wise, 1999). Biological
control from natural enemies varies widely
between locations and is not dependable
as the only control strategy in commercial
cucurbit production. Providing beneficial
insect habitat can enhance cumulative bio-
control results in organic farming systems.
David H. Wise and co-workers in the
department of entomology at the University
of Kentucky thoroughly investigated spi-
der predation of cucumber beetles (Snyder
and Wise, 2000, Williams et al., 2001 and Male wolf spider. Photo by Patrick Edwin Moran,
Williams and Wise, 2003). Wise found that Courtesy of Creative Commons.
both striped and spotted cucumber beetles
reduce their feeding rate and emigrate from stinkbugs in one season. Assuming that half
cucurbit plants in the presence of the large of the cucumber beetles were female, and
wolf spiders Hogna helluo and Rabidosa using a value of 110 eggs per female, this
rabida. Spider presence reduced plant occu- means the potential destruction of 33 mil-
pancy of diabroticine beetles by 50 percent. lion diabrotica larvae (Whitaker, 1995).
Curiously, adult female beetles are far more An April-June 2006 article in California
responsive to the presence of wolf spiders Agriculture evaluated the best way to attract
and alter their behavior to avoid capture. bats to farms through the placement, shape,
Consequently, males were 16 times more size and color of bat houses (Long et al.,
likely than females to be killed by R. rabida 2006). For more information about creating
in one experiment; only 5 percent of males on-farm bat habitat and the use of insec-
survived a two-day exposure to H. helluo tary plantings to attract beneficial insects,
in a second experiment. In general, popu- see the ATTRA publication Farmscaping to
lations of predaceous spiders and ground Enhance Biological Control.
beetles can be enhanced through habitat
modification using straw mulch (Snyder and Entomopathogenic fungi, commonly grouped
Wise, 1999), straw shelters (Halaj et al., among biopesticides, produce infective
2000) and beetle banks (Master, 2003). spores that attach to the larval host and then
germinate and penetrate. The fungi multiply
Bats are voracious eaters of insects and inside the host, acquiring nutrient resources
more farmers are erecting bat houses to and producing conidial spores. This causes
enhance biological control of crop pests. the infected larvae to reduce their feeding
John O. Whitaker, Jr., a vertebrate ecolo- and die, releasing fungal spores into the
gist at Indiana State University, used data soil environment and further distributes the
partly derived from studies on the eve- entomopathogen.
ning bat (Nycticeius humeralis) to estimate
that a typical Midwestern colony of 150 big The two fungal organisms most widely used
brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) might consume as biopesticides, Beauveria bassiana and
38,000 cucumber beetles, 16,000 June Metarhizium anisopliae, have been evaluated
bugs, 19,000 stink bugs and 50,000 leaf- for suppression of diabroticine larvae with
hoppers in one season (Whitaker, 1993). varying levels of biocontrol. Mycotrol-O is a
commercially available, Organic Materials
In a detailed follow-up study where he dis- Review Institute-approved biopesticide con-
sected fecal pellets of big brown bats from taining Beauveria bassiana and cucumber
Indiana and Illinois, Whitaker calculated beetle is listed as a target pest on the label.
that a colony of 150 bats might consume See the section on botanical insecticides
600,000 cucumber beetles, 194,000 scar- below with notes from Reggie Destree for
abaeids, 158,000 leafhoppers and 335,000 foliar mixtures containing Mycotrol-O.
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 13

14. Entomopathogenic nematodes, commonly Botanical and biorational insecticides
known as parasitic nematodes, actively find like azadarachtin, an extract from the neem
and penetrate soil-dwelling larvae of insect tree, have anti-feedant and insecticidal
pests. The nematodes release toxins and properties. Alone, azadarachtin is not effec-
transmit bacteria that is lethal to the larval tive against adult cucumber beetles. How-
host. Both species of commercially available ever, recent studies by Reggie Destree, a
parasitic nematodes, Steinernema spp. and crop consultant, indicate that a mixture of
Heterorhabditis spp., are effective in biologi- neem with karanja oil derived from the tree
cal control of diabroticine beetle larvae. Pongamia glabra, which grows in India,
can reduce cucumber beetle populations
Researchers in Pennsylvania obtained a
by 50 to 70 percent overnight (personal
50-percent reduction in striped cucumber
communication). Alone, neem oil applied
beetle larvae using Steinernema riobravis in
as a soil drench acts as an ovicide and is
organic and conventionally managed plots
effective against larval damage (Destree,
of cucumbers under field conditions (Ellers-
2006). Please see the Products section in
Kirk et al., 2000). The decrease in cucum-
Resources below for sources of commer-
ber beetle larval populations resulted in
cial neem and karanja products.
N
ematodes superior root growth under both soil man-
agement systems. Destree recommends a three-part manage-
release
ment regime for cucumber beetles:
toxins and The researchers suggested delivery of para-
transmit bacteria sitic nematodes through drip irrigation in • The neem blend described above
combination with plastic mulch, since ear- has a dual mode of action. It is a
that are lethal
lier studies showed that plasticulture pro- systemic product that will suppress
to insect pests’ vides an environment conducive to nema- insects that feed on the plant and it
larvae. tode survival while increasing effective has fungicidal properties.
control of cucumber beetle larvae. • Use 1 pint Cedar ACT cedar oil to
The Insect Parasitic Nematode Web site, 10 gallons water as a repellent or
developed and maintained by the department pheromone disruptor during the first
of entomology at The Ohio State University, fl ight of the cucumber beetle in May
contains information on the biology and ecol- and the second fl ight in September.
ogy of nematodes and how to use them for pest Exact dates depend on location.
control in different crops (Grewal, 2007). Destree advises applying the mix-
It features an extensive list of commercial ture every five to seven days when
suppliers of parasitic nematodes. the fields are square or short rect-
angles. Pheromone disruption does
Based on results from seven published
not work well for long, narrow fields.
studies, Dr. David Shapiro-Ilan, a research
Adding Cedar ACT to the weekly
entomologist with the USDA Agricultural
foliar program works well.
Research Service in Georgia, found that
parasitic nematodes provide approximately • Mycotrol-O is a commercially avail-
60 percent control of diabrotica larvae (Sha- able mycoinsecticide formulation
piro-Ilan, 2006 and Grewal et al., 2005). containing spores of the entomo-
Ilan added that it is important to put ento- pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassi-
mopathogens, whether fungi or nematodes, ana GHA strain. Use Mycotrol to
in perspective. Since diabroticine beetles suppress future populations. Destree
migrate in from surrounding borders, these found this program works well for
biological control measures have little effect all overwintering insects. A fall soil
on adult beetle feeding and disease trans- treatment of the Mycotrol-O added
mission. However, decreasing larval popu- to a fall residue program will insure
lations through the use of entomopathogens that the active ingredient, Beauvar-
can have a cumulative biocontrol effect in ria bassiana, will be reproducing in
organic farming systems. the soil and will eventually infect
Page 14 ATTRA Cucumber Beetles: Organic and Biorational IPM

15. overwintering beetles in the soil former product representative for Surround
(Destree, 2006). WP, John Mosko of the Engelhard Corpora-
ATTRA note: Reggie Destree is a crop con- tion, kaolin clay provides good suppression
sultant and distributes the above products. of cucumber beetles. He recommends:
This information has not been validated by • Using an air blast sprayer to achieve
university-based research. good coverage
The botanical pesticides sabadilla, rotenone • Applying the product under the leaves
or pyrethrum have moderate effectiveness where cucumber beetles congregate
in controlling cucumber beetles (Caldwell
• Applying Surround WP early in the
et al., 2005). Sabadilla is toxic to bugs and
growing season before cucumber
honey bees, and sabadilla should not be
beetle populations increase. Sur-
applied when bees are present. Pyrethrum
round can provide remedial control
is also toxic to all insects, including benefi-
of cucumber beetles, but field trials
cial species. These botanical pesticides are
also highly toxic to fish until degraded (King show early applications deter bee-
County Hazardous Waste Program, 1997). tles from initially entering the field
and are more effective
One way to enhance the effectiveness of these For more information
• Reapplying after a heavy rain
materials while reducing overall manage- on biorational insecti-
ment costs is to combine the materials with • Continually agitating the solution cides, or formulations
perimeter trap cropping so that sprays can while applying it with little or no long-
be concentrated on the border. See the above lasting environmental
• Cleaning harvested fruits with a impact, see ATTRA's
section on trap cropping for more on this moist cloth or a post-harvest rinse to online Biorationals:
topic. Some growers use pyrethrum or rote- remove any film residue of the kaolin Ecological Pest Man-
none in combination with the commercially clay left on the crop after harvest agement Database,
available particle film barrier Surround WP http://attra.ncat.org/
Crop Protectant (Grubinger, 2001). Note that Ruth Hazzard with the University of Massa- index.html.
rotenone is currently not approved by the chusetts Extension recommends using Sur-
National Organic Program. round WP Crop Protectant in combination
with other tactics like rotation, row cover,
Results of a two-year study comparing the using transplants so plants are bigger when
effectiveness of insecticides on management beetles arrive, and delaying planting until
of striped cucumber beetles and bacterial late June to avoid beetles. Surround can be
wilt in direct seeded and transplanted pump- applied to transplants before setting them
kin showed the need for long-distance crop in the field (Andenmatten et al., 2002). See
rotation for insecticides to be most effec- the Products section of Resources below for
tive. When the rotation was to an adjacent information on how to obtain this product.
field in different land, but close to the previ-
ous year’s cucurbits, it did not reduce beetle The timing and usage of either botanical
numbers and insecticide effectiveness tended or chemical insecticides should be based
to decline (Andenmatten et al., 2002). on observed population thresholds or mea-
sured risks of population build-up. Deter-
Particle fi lm barriers provide a promising mining when spring fl ight begins forecasts
new approach to insect control for organic the arrival of cucumber beetles in each geo-
producers. Surround WP acts as a repellent, graphical region.
mechanical barrier and irritant, and disrupts
the beetles’ host-finding abilities. The active Only treat hot spots or areas of high infes-
ingredient in this product is specially pro- tations if possible. Insecticide applications
cessed kaolin clay, an edible mineral used as made between dawn and dusk, when the
an anti-caking agent in processed foods and striped cucumber beetle is most active, may
products like toothpaste. According to the be more effective.
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 15

16. Resources Certis USA L.L.C.
9145 Guilford Road
Information: Suite 175
Columbia, MD 21046
Bio-Integral Resource Center (BIRC) 800-847-5620
For a publications catalogue, contact: www.certisusa.com
P.O. Box 7414 Organic pest management products including neem,
Berkeley, CA 94707 parasitic nematodes and pheromones
510-524-2567
510-524-1758 fax Golden Harvest Organics, LLC
birc@igc.apc.org 404 N. Impala Drive
www.birc.org Fort Collins, CO 80521
The Bio-Integral Resource Center is a leader in the 970-224-4679
field of integrated pest management. BIRC publishes Fax: 413-383-2836
the IPM Practitioner and Common Sense Pest Quar- info@ghorganics.com
terly. They also publish a directory of IPM products www.ghorganics.com
and beneficial insects and offer booklets and reprints Organic pest management products, organic fertilizers
on least-toxic controls for selected pests. and heirloom seeds
Insect Parasitic Nematodes Home Harvest Garden Supply, Inc.
Sponsored by SARE and the Lindberg Foundation. 3807 Bank Street
Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University. Baltimore, MD 21224
www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/nematodes/default.htm 410-327-8403
This Web site provides information on the biology and 410-327-8411
ecology of parasitic nematodes, how to use nematodes ugrow@homeharvest.com
to control plant diseases and a comprehensive listing http://homeharvest.com
of companies that sell nematodes. Sabadilla and Safer soap
Hunter, C.D. 1997. Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms ISCA Technologies, Inc.
in North America. California Environmental P.O. Box 5266
Protection Agency. Department of Pesticide Riverside, CA 92517
Regulations Environmental Monitoring and Pest 951-686-5008
Management Branch 815-346-1722 Fax
1020 N Street, Room 161 info@iscatech.com
Sacramento, CA 95814-5624 www.iscatech.com
916-324-4100
www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/ipminov/bensup.pdf Neem Resource.Com
Contact: Usha Rao
952-943-9449
Products: www.neemresource.com
Advanced Pheromone Technologies, Inc. Sources of karanja oil and neem
P.O. Box 417
Marylhurst, OR 97036-0417 Olson Products, Inc.
315-299-2598 P.O. Box 1043
815-425-6149 fax Medina, OH 44258
aptsales@advancedpheromonetech.com 330-723-3210
http://advancedpheromonetech.com www.olsonproducts.com
BioWorks, Inc. Peaceful Valley Farm Supply
345 Woodcliff Dr.; First Floor P.O. Box 2209
Fairport, NY 14450 125 Springhill Blvd.
800-877-9443 Grass Valley, CA 95945
Mycotrol is available through Bioworks. Orders: 888-784-1722.
www.bioworksinc.com/mycotrol/mycotrol.html Questions: 530-272-4769
Page 16 ATTRA Cucumber Beetles: Organic and Biorational IPM

17. contact@groworganic.com Caldwell, J. S. and P. Clarke. 1998. Aluminum-coated
www.groworganic.com/default.html plastic for repulsion of cucumber beetles. Commercial
Sabadilla and Safer soap and Eugenol, a pheromone Horticulture Newsletter, January–February 1998.
attractant for northern corn rootworm Virginina Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech.
www.ext.vt.edu/news/periodicals/commhort/
Surround WP 1998-02/1998-02-01.html
Nova Source, a division of Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc.
Phone: 800-525-2803 Caldwell, J. S. and S. Stockton. 1998. Trap Cropping
Email: novasource@tkinet.com. in Management of Cucumber Beetles. Commercial
www.novasource.com/products Horticulture Newsletter, Virginia Tech, July-August
NovaSource is now the distributor of the kaolin clay- 1998.
based products Surround WP and Surround CF. www.ext.vt.edu/news/periodicals/commhort/
1998-08/1998-08-04.html
Trece, Inc.
P.O. Box 129 Capinera, J. L. 1999. Banded Cucumber Beetle.
Adair, OK 74330 Featured Creatures. University of Florida, Department
918-785-3061 of Entomology and Nematology.
918-785-3063 Fax http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/veg/bean/banded_cucumber_
custserv@trece.com beetle.htm
www.trece.com Capinera, J. 2001. Handbook of Vegetable Pests.
Also Source of CideTrak CRW Academic Press, New York.
Cranshaw, W. 1998. Pests of the West. Revised:
References: Prevention and Control for Today’s Garden and
Andenmatten, Hazzard, R, Howell, J. Wick, R. 2002. Small Farm. Fulcrum Publishing, Golden, CO.
Management strategies for Striped Cucumber Beetle Davis, R.M. et al. 1999. Squash mosaic virus. In:
and Bacterial Wilt in Pumpkin, 2001 & 2002. UMass M.L. Flint (ed.) U.C. IPM Pest Management Guide-
Extension Vegetable Program. lines: Cucurbits. University of California, Division of
www.umassvegetable.org/soil_crop_pest_mgt/pdf _ files/ Agriculture and Natural Resources, Oakland.
management_strategies_ for_striped_cucumber_beetle_
and_bacterial_wilt_in_pumpkin_2001_2002.pdf Destree, R. 2006. Organic Marketing by Reggie.
E-mail Communication August 2006.
Boucher, T. J. and R. Durgy. 2004a. Demonstrating a
Perimeter Trap Crop Approach to Pest Management on Dietrick, E. J., J. M. Phillips, and J. Grossman.
Summer Squash in New England. Journal of 1995. Biological Control of Insect Pests Using Pest
Extension, October 2004, Volume 42 Number 5. Break Strips, A New Dimension to Integrated Pest
www.joe.org/joe/2004october/rb2.shtml Management. California Energy Commission and
the Nature Farming Research and Development
Boucher, T. J. and R. Durgy, 2004b. Perimeter Trap Foundation, Lompoc, California. 39 p.
Cropping for Yellow and Green Summer Squash. Uni-
versity of Connecticut, Integrated Pest Management. Ellers-Kirk, C.D., S.J. Fleischer, R.H. Snyder and
www.hort.uconn.edu/Ipm/veg/htms/sumsqshptc.htm J.P. Lynch. 2000. Potential of entomopathogenic
nematodes for biological control of Acalymma
Boucher, T. J. and R. Durgy 2005. Directions for vittatum (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in cucumbers
Using a Perimeter Trap Crop Strategy to Protect grown in conventional and organic soil management
Cucurbit Crops. University of Connecticut, Integrated systems. Journal of Economic Entomology. Vol. 93,
Pest Management. www.hort.uconn.edu/ipm/veg/ No. 3. p. 605–612.
htms/directptc.htm
Environmental Protection Agency. 2007. Floral
Caldwell, B. et al. 2005. Resource Guide for Organic Attractants, Repellents, and Insecticides Fact Sheet.
Insect and Disease Management. New York State www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides/ingredients/
Agricultural Experiment Station. factsheets/factsheet_ florals.htm
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 17

18. EPPO. 2003. Diabrotica undecimpunctata. EPPO Kuepper, George. 2002. Organic Farm Certification
Data Sheets on Quarantine Pests, European and and the National Organic Program. ATTRA/ NCAT
Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization. Publication #IP222. National Center for Appropriate
www.eppo.org/QUARANTINE/insects/Diabrotica_ Technology.
undecimpunctata/DIABUN_ds.pdf Kuhlmann, U. and W. A.C.M. van der Burgt. 1998.
Ferguson, J. E., Metcalf, R. L., Metcalf, E. R., Possibilities for biological control of the western corn
rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, in
Rhodes, A.M. 1979. Bitter cucurbita spp. as
Central Europe. Biocontrol News and Information.
attractants for diabroticite beetles. Cucurbit
Vol. 19, No. 2. p. 59N–68N. www.pestscience.com/
Genetics Cooperative Report. Volume 2.
PDF/KUHLM.PDF
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