Sizeable populations continue to be observed in several crops including leafy greens, pepper, potato and melons. Colony formation has been observed in pepper. Aphids have been implicated with virus problems in pepper and cucurbits. Broad mites are still around on pepper and eggplant in widely scattered locations and there are continuing reports of persistent flare-ups here and there. Several growers are experiencing problems with spider mites on eggplant, tomato and other crops.
Occurrence is sporadic and damage is low to moderate in most cases.
A few worms continue to be seen here and there. Most growers are reporting little or no worm pressure at this time, although there have been some reports of loopers, southern armyworms and the occasional beet armyworm on some farms. Diamondback moths are being reported in crucifers. Damage has been light. Several respondents have noted an increase in pepper weevils numbers, particularly in older plantings.