Pest Control

California settles with pest control company for work performed in seven counties

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation has reached a settlement agreement with Pestmaster Services, Inc., over multiple alleged violations of pesticide laws and regulations, including the failure to obtain proper registrations and failure to submit... more »

Integrating biological controls for root-knot nematodes, weeds in organic farming

While weeds and plant parasites are a concern for all agricultural producers, organic producers are doubly challenged to combat these problems without chemical solutions. Through a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a University... more »

It’s a good time to check vegetables for root knot nematode

As this growing season winds down, and for the next few weeks, it is a good time to examine vegetable roots for root knot nematode (RKN). I would be suspicious of having RKN if my... more »

Mastronardi completes fifth EFI certification

Mastronardi Produce (sold under the Sunset brand) has certified its fifth operation through Equitable Food Initiative. According to a news release, this certification marks a milestone for Mastronardi, making it one of just a handful of... more »

Pennsylvania agriculture finds another harmful pest in its midst

A few weeks back, you were alerted that the Swede midge was found on a Pennsylvania farm. We now warn you about another invasive pest, jumping worms. Jumping worms (Amynthas spp., also known as Asian... more »

Pennsylvania vegetable, berry crops impacted by weather, disease, pests

On Aug. 21, 2020, a drought watch was issued by the Department of Environmental Protection for 16 counties in Pennsylvania. These counties include McKean, Potter, Cameron, Clinton, Clearfield, Center, Butler, Armstrong, Indiana, Cameron, Blair, Huntingdon,... more »

Plant chemicals are a trick or treat for insects

Plants contain a mixture of hundreds of unique chemicals that can attract or repel pests like caterpillars. For the caterpillar, this means they can choose from a buffet of tasty plants with varying phytochemicals. Some... more »

Label to manage target lepidoptera larval infestations in California crops set

BT Now biological insecticide is now labeled to manage target lepidoptera larval infestations in California crops. BioSafe Systems’ BT Now controls larvae by using a novel strain of the bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki (Btk)... more »