Feb 6, 2025

2025 pest survey report

Vegetable, berry and melon growers across the nation are prepared to tackle another season that may be filled with challenges from pests. A recent
survey conducted by Vegetable Growers News shed light on the most prevalent pest issues and concerns, as well as the type of support being sought to combat the hurdles caused by damaging insects.

Crop challenges

In the survey, conducted in late2024, fruit and vegetable growers listed more than 30 pests they battle, from spotted wing drosophila (SWD), a vinegar fly that can cause damage to many fruit crops, to lygus, bugs that attack many vegetable crops and often tree fruits. Polled about the most significant insect challenges they face, growers listed an array of pests.

SWD emerged as the biggest identified pest threat, with up to 21% of respondents stating the pest of East Asian origin was the most troublesome to their groves,
vineyards and fields.

A combined category of worms, including army worms, cut worms, ear worms and melon worms, constituted 17.5% of responses.

Coddling moths and stink bugs tied for third place, accounting for 13.7% of responses.

At 12.5%, Japanese beetles, thrips and aphids tied for fourth as the most troublesome insect pests.

Wildlife, of all types — birds, deer, rodents, snails/slugs, raccoons, possums and even monkeys — can cause significant damage to fruit and vegetable crops.

Growers rated wildlife pests as 9% of their surveyed pest troubles.

Also at 9% were mites. Additional challenges included plume curculio (8%), whiteflies (6%), squash bugs (5%), caterpillars (5%), maggots (5%), cucumber beetles (4%), grasshoppers (4%) and nematodes (1%).

The sucking bug complex, leaffooted bugs, lygus bug and the harlequin bug were reported by growers as persistent problems in groves, vineyards and fields.

2025 worries

As 2025 progresses, growers noted they anticipate continued challenges from pests. Growers listed SWD at 18%; wildlife 14%; codling moth 11%, stink bugs, Japanese beetles, thrips and maggots respectively 8%; and
aphids and worms each at 5%.

Other insect pests growers expressed concerns about harming their groves, vineyards and fields included mites, plum curculio, whiteflies, squash bugs, nematodes and moths/leaf roller moths, each at 4%, caterpillars, cucumber beetles and lanternflies (3% each) and grasshoppers (1%).

To help better manage pest control, growers ranked where they prefer to receive updated pest management practices information.

On a scale of 1 being the most important and 5 being least, growers rated university Extension personnel at the top (34%). Other sources of pest information included industry magazines (19%), crop protection companies/field reps (15%), other growers (14%), social media (11%), government resources (5%), and trade shows and conventions (1%).

When queried about information publications could provide them that would be helpful in addressing the pest issues they face, growers listed these topics:

• Inexpensive management/ treatment options
• Cost-effective organic solutions
• Better OMRI-approved chemicals and soaps
• Control of hopper populations
• New control chemistries and horticultural practices for psylla, mites and aphids
• SWD trials using predators, organic farm techniques and new SWD research
• A list of fungicides with efficacy against fruit rots
• Bio control management plan in everbearing strawberries
• New products available and how to use them
• Natural predators information

Grower needs

In grower comments, interest in corralling the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) remained high. “Anything on BMSB. There is very little information on when to start trapping and when to spray,” one grower responded.

Some resistance is being seen in the orchards, with one respondent writing: “Cherry fruit fly is becoming resistant to some sprays, but it
seems no one wants to hear it.”

Changing climate patterns produced this response: “Any new or effective soaps that work on leeks or the organic onion family, as the weather is shifting. Our dry and hot summers are a great breeding ground for thrips in
many crops, cabbage, peppers, etc.”

Beetle management was a top concern for one grower: “What products effectively control beetles in crops? It’s gotten to a point where the preventative measures don’t work.” Increased pest reportage was encouraged.

“Continue reporting research about pests and least invasive ways of dealing with them,” one grower responded.

Tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, pumpkins, peppers, leafy greens, potatoes, cabbage, strawberries, sweet corn, broccoli, onions and melons are among the primary crops grown by respondents. However, a notable diversity in crops was also observed among survey participants, with some growers also cultivating asparagus, cauliflower, celery, sweet potatoes, eggplant, beets, leeks, peas, rhubarb, green and string beans, garlic, amaranthus, herbs
and other varieties.

Of those surveyed, an overwhelming majority of growers — 73% — grew less than 100 acres, with 19% growing 100 to 499 acres. 98% of survey respondents stated they grow in fields with 19% in high tunnels/hoop houses and 15% controlled environment/ greenhouse/hydroponics.

— Doug Ohlemeier, Assistant Editor