Finding balance: squash bug thresholds, pesticide frequency, and toxicity to beneficial insects in cucurbit cropping systems

Squash bugs (Anasa tristis) pose significant threats to cucurbit cropping systems through feeding injury, transmission of cucurbit yellow vine disease (CYVD), and the consequent reduction in marketability. While action thresholds for managing squash bugs exist, they lack validation from field experiments. Our study aims to address this gap by comparing different thresholds for squash bugs at varying life stages alongside the effectiveness of two insecticide products: a neonicotinoid (Assail) and a pyrethroid (Warrior). Using a factorial design, we will assess the impact of three different squash bug thresholds, as well as a weekly application, with two chemical management products with differing toxicities to beneficial organisms. IPM strategies encompass a range of factors, including application frequency, toxicity to beneficial species, and overall success in pest control. This presentation will outline the findings of our research experiment, shedding light on how these management strategies influence squash bug control in cucurbit crops, as well as its potential implications for beneficial insects, like pollinators.