As the cucurbit growing season kicks into high-gear, so does the pressure from pests and diseases. A key to effectively minimizing disease pressure in melons and squash is to knock it out at the source.

Whiteflies are a common pest and well-known carrier of detrimental crop diseases. Since 2004, whiteflies have been spreading a number of malicious viruses, such as squash vein yellowing virus, cucurbit leaf crumple virus, and cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus, that are knocking out cucurbit crops, according to the University of Florida.

Rather than waiting until the disease has already taken hold in your fields, Syngenta suggests addressing the carriers proactively with a mixture of control practices and insecticides:

• Use proper crop rotation techniques
• Ensure proper spacing between plants and rows
• Implement insecticides with whitefly control into your IPM program

Syngenta offers the following insecticides to control whiteflies in melon and squash:

• Soil-applied Durivo® insecticide, combining the active ingredients chlorantraniliprole and thiamethoxam, provides systemic insect control with effective, long-lasting protection for 40 days or more against whiteflies on melon and squash.
• Foliar-applied Voliam Flexi® insecticide, containing chlorantraniliprole and thiamethoxam, is also an effective option for long-lasting residual control of sucking, chewing and lepidopteran pests, such as whiteflies.
• Fulfill® insecticide also provides suppression of whiteflies through translaminar and locally systemic activity.

Implementing a comprehensive whitefly management plan can ultimately help lessen the potential spread of diseases in your crops. Contact your Syngenta sales representative for more information.

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