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Vegetable IPM Publications

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Jan 2025

Keys to Effective Aphid Management in Leafy Vegetables (2025)

Publication (PDF, 180kb)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

For vegetable growers to successfully compete in the fresh market, they must be able to produce high quality, insect-free crops. This is particularly challenging for growers of leafy vegetables where damage by aphids can seriously reduce yield and quality. In many areas that produce lettuce, aphids are considered the most economically important insect pest found on the crop
Apr 2019

Lettuce Aphid on Late Season Produce - 2019

Publication (PDF, 1.1MB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

This article describes the Lettuce Aphid. It covers it's physical description, economic damage, insecticidal control, and methods for identifying this insect. Very little has been reported about Lettuce Aphids under desert conditions.
Mar 2019

Aphid Management in Desert Produce Crops - 2019

Publication (PDF, 153KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

A chart detailing various insecticides and the efficacy against different species of Aphids. Each insecticide is rated at Good, Fair, and Poor, and is shown for each listed Aphid species. There is also a brief note for each of the insecticides.
Mar 2019

Foxglove Aphids on Desert Produce 2019

Publication (PDF, 371KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

This article describes the Lettuce Aphid. It covers it's physical description, economic damage, insecticidal control, and methods for identifying this insect.
Jan 2019

Keys to Effective Aphid Management in Leafy Vegetables

Publication (PDF, 152KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

Aphids can significantly reduce the yield and quality of leafy vegetables. This article outlines some key ways to manage Aphid population on leafy vegetables.
Oct 2018

Insect Trapping Trends

Publication (PDF, 170KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

This document contains charts derived from six years of insect trapping, with the intent of helping illustrate any trends. Insects included in this publication include: Whiteflies, Beet Armyworm, Cabbage looper, Corn Earworm, Thrips, and Aphids.
May 2018

Interactions Between Insects & Weeds in Desert Crops - May 2018

Publication (PDF, 354KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

There is a positive correlation between weeds and insects. This article describes the relationship between weed management and insects. It details how weeds can be a refuge for beneficial insects and how they can also act as a reservoir for insect pests. The impact that weeds have on insecticide application is also discussed.
Feb 2018

Aphid Management in Desert Produce Crops ‐ February 2018

Publication (PDF, 162KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

A chart detailing various insecticides and the efficacy against different species of Aphids. Each insecticide is rated at Good, Fair, and Poor, and is shown for each listed Aphid species. There is also a brief note for each of the insecticides.
Feb 2018

Foxglove Aphids on Desert Produce 2018

Publication (PDF, 360KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

This article describes the Lettuce Aphid. It covers it's physical description, economic damage, insecticidal control, and methods for identifying this insect.
Jan 2018

Aphid Management in Desert Produce Crops ‐ January 2018

Publication (PDF, 152KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

A chart detailing various insecticides and the efficacy against different species of Aphids. Each insecticide is rated at Good, Fair, and Poor, and is shown for each listed Aphid species. There is also a brief note for each of the insecticides.
Nov 2017

Aphid Management on Head Lettuce Using Imidacloprid and Foliar Insecticides 2017

Publication (PDF, 191KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

The objective of these studies was to evaluate control of aphids on head lettuce using either foliar-applied insecticides, soil-applied insecticides or a combination of both. The conclusion was: depending on aphid pressure during the spring growing season, imidacloprid soil applications may or may not provide season long control of aphids.
Oct 2017

Aphid Identification on Desert Lettuce

Publication (PDF, 1.68MB)

This documents contains an in depth guide to identifying Aphids most commonly found in Arizona produce. There are many images present to aid in identification. Aphid types include: Lettuce Aphid, Foxglove Aphid, Green peach Aphid, and Potato Aphid.
Aug 2017

Weather Can Have Major Impact on Insects 2017

Publication (PDF, 143KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

Local weather patterns have a significant impact on insect abundance in our cropping system. Components of weather, mainly temperature and moisture, can either promote insect population growth or cause populations to decline. This article explains some of these patterns.
Jul 2017

Interactions Between Insects & Weeds in Desert Crops - 2017

Publication (PDF, 354KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

There is a positive correlation between weeds and insects. This article describes the relationship between weed management and insects. It details how weeds can be a refuge for beneficial insects and how they can also act as a reservoir for insect pests. The impact that weeds have on insecticide application is also discussed.
Mar 2017

Aphid Management in Desert Produce Crops - 2017

Publication (PDF, 152KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

A chart detailing various insecticides and the efficacy against different species of Aphids. Each insecticide is rated at Good, Fair, and Poor, and is shown for each listed Aphid species. There is also a brief note for each of the insecticides.
Jan 2017

Aphid Management in Desert Produce Crops - January 2017

Publication (PDF, 152KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

A chart detailing various insecticides and the efficacy against different species of Aphids. Each insecticide is rated at Good, Fair, and Poor, and is shown for each listed Aphid species. There is also a brief note for each of the insecticides.
Jan 2017

Foxglove Aphids on Desert Produce 2017

Publication (PDF, 536KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

This article describes the Lettuce Aphid. It covers it's physical description, economic damage, insecticidal control, and methods for identifying this insect.
Nov 2016

Aphid Identification on Desert Lettuce 2016

Publication (PDF, 1.68MB)

This documents contains an in depth guide to identifying Aphids most commonly found in Arizona produce. There are many images present to aid in identification. Aphid types include: Lettuce Aphid, Foxglove Aphid, Green peach Aphid, and Potato Aphid.
May 2016

Interactions Between Insects & Weeds in Desert Crops - 2016

Publication (PDF, 354KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

There is a positive correlation between weeds and insects. This article describes the relationship between weed management and insects. It details how weeds can be a refuge for beneficial insects and how they can also act as a reservoir for insect pests. The impact that weeds have on insecticide application is also discussed.
Jan 2016

Aphid Management in Desert Produce Crops - January 2016

Publication (PDF, 151KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

A chart detailing various insecticides and the efficacy against different species of Aphids. Each insecticide is rated at Good, Fair, and Poor, and is shown for each listed Aphid species. There is also a brief note for each of the insecticides.
Nov 2015

Impact of Planting Date on Aphid Infestations and Contamination in Head Lettuce

Publication (PDF, 382KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

A five year study was conducted with the goal of identifying planting windows during the season when lettuce is at risk from aphid infestations. The studies indicate that planting date and temperature likely have a strong influence on seasonal abundance of aphids.
Nov 2015

Aphid Identification on Desert Lettuce 2015

Publication (PDF, 1.68MB)

This documents contains an in depth guide to identifying Aphids most commonly found in Arizona produce. There are many images present to aid in identification. Aphid types include: Lettuce Aphid, Foxglove Aphid, Green peach Aphid, and Potato Aphid.
Feb 2015

Foxglove Aphids on Desert Produce 2015

Publication (PDF, 1.07MB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

This article describes the Lettuce Aphid. It covers it's physical description, economic damage, insecticidal control, and methods for identifying this insect.
Jan 2015

Aphid Management in Desert Produce Crops - 2015

Publication (PDF, 151KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

A chart detailing various insecticides and the efficacy against different species of Aphids. Each insecticide is rated at Good, Fair, and Poor, and is shown for each listed Aphid species. There is also a brief note for each of the insecticides.
Dec 2014

New Insecticides for Desert Produce and Melons 2014

Publication (PDF, 162KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

This document outlines some of the new insecticides for desert produce and melons around 2014. Sequoia (Sulfoxaflor), Torac (tolfenpyrad), Exirel/Verimark (Cyazypyr), and Sivanto (flupyradifurone) are listed. Their relative efficacy against whiteflies aphids, bagrada bugs, and other insects are compared to the respective IPM standard.
Nov 2014

Aphid Identification in Produce

Publication (PDF, 1.0MB)

This documents contains an in depth guide to identifying Aphids most commonly found in Arizona produce. There are many images present to aid in identification. Aphid types include: Lettuce Aphid, Foxglove Aphid, Green peach Aphid, and Potato Aphid.
Feb 2014

Aphid Management in Desert Leafy Vegetables and Cole Crops 2014

Publication (PDF, 134KB)

Authors: John .C. Palumbo

A chart detailing various insecticides and the efficacy against different species of Aphids. Each insecticide is rated at Good, Fair, and Poor, and is shown for each listed Aphid species. There is also a brief note for each of the insecticides.
Feb 2014

Foxglove Aphid on Desert Lettuce Crops

Publication (PDF, 218KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

The foxglove aphid has been infesting desert commercial crops since 2002. This article discusses the description, damages, and methods of control for the foxglove aphid in lettuce crops.
Dec 2013

New Insecticides for Desert Produce and Melons 2013

Publication (PDF, 166KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

This document outlines some of the new insecticides for desert produce and melons around 2014. Sequoia (Sulfoxaflor), Torac (tolfenpyrad), Exirel/Verimark (Cyazypyr), and Sivanto (flupyradifurone) are listed. Their relative eficacy against whiteflies aphids, bagrada bugs, and other insects are compared to the respective IPM standard.
Oct 2013

Aphid Identification on Desert Lettuce 2013

Publication (PDF, 221KB)

This documents contains an in depth guide to identifying Aphids most commonly found in Arizona produce. There are many images present to aid in identification. Aphid types include: Lettuce Aphid, Foxglove Aphid, Green peach Aphid, and Potato Aphid.
Jun 2013

Insect * Weed Interactions in Vegetable Crops

Publication (PDF, 77KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

There is a positive correlation between weeds and insects. This article describes the relationship between weed management and insects. It details how weeds can be a refuge for beneficial insects and how they can also act as a reservoir for insect pests. The impact that weeds have on insecticide application is also discussed.
Mar 2013

Insect Pests of Desert-Grown Alfalfa: Alfalfa Aphid Complex

Publication (PDF, 2.53MB)

Authors: Lydia Brown, Ayman Mostafa, Al Fournier, and Peter Ellsworth

In Arizona alfalfa, pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum), blue alfalfa aphid (Acyrthosiphon kondoi), spotted alfalfa aphid (Therioaphis maculata), and cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora) make up a winter aphid complex. All species cause similar damage, but spotted alfalfa aphid and blue alfalfa aphids are the most damaging in our system.
Feb 2013

Aphid Management in Desert Leafy Vegetables and Cole Crops 2013

Publication (PDF, 133KB)

Authors: John .C. Palumbo

A chart detailing various insecticides and the efficacy against different species of Aphids. Each insecticide is rated at Good, Fair, and Poor, and is shown for each listed Aphid species. There is also a brief note for each of the insecticides.
Apr 2012

Interactions between Insects and Weeds in Vegetable Crops

Publication (PDF, 77KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

There is a positive correlation between weeds and insects. This article describes the relationship between weed management and insects. It details how weeds can be a refuge for beneficial insects and how they can also act as a reservoir for insect pests. The impact that weeds have on insecticide application is also discussed.
Mar 2012

Lettuce Aphid on Late Season Produce 2012

Publication (PDF, 336KB )

Authors: John C. Palumbo

This article describes the Lettuce Aphid. It covers it's physical description, economic damage, insecticidal control, and methods for identifying this insect. Very little has been reported about Lettuce Aphids under desert conditions.
Feb 2012

Aphid Management in Desert Leafy Vegetables and Cole Crops 2012

Publication (PDF, 167KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

A chart detailing various insecticides and the efficacy against different species of Aphids. Each insecticide is rated at Good, Fair, and Poor, and is shown for each listed Aphid species. There is also a brief note for each of the insecticides.
Jan 2012

Insect Management on Desert Produce Crops: Aphids 2012

Publication (PDF, 582KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

Aphids are major pests to desert produce due to the damage they cause. This article describes their development, Economic Damage, and suggestions for their management. The Green Peach Aphid, Potato Aphid, Foxglove Aphid, Lettuce Aphid, Cabbage Aphid, and Turnip Aphid are discussed.
Jan 2012

Historical Trends in Aphid Abundance in Desert Lettuce

Publication (PDF,135KB)

Aphid abundance varies considerably from year to year. This document shows data from a span of around 14 years. Based off of this history one can deduce a few trends, such as some correlations between annual rainfall and aphid abundance.
Jul 2011

Recommendations for Management of Whiteflies, Whitefly-transmitted viruses, and Insecticide Resistance for Production of Cucurbit Crops in Florida

Publication (PDF, 661KB)

Authors: Susan E. Webb, David J. Schuster, P. A. Stansly, Jane E. Polston, Scott Adkins, Carlye Baker, Pamela Roberts, Oscar Liburd, Teresia Nyoike, Eugene McAvoy, and Alicia Whidden

Three viruses transmitted by whiteflies have been identified in watermelon, muskmelon, and squash since 2004. This article outlines some of the signs and symptoms that can be observed.
May 2010

Weather Can Have Major Impact on Insects 2010

Publication (PDF, 86KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

Local weather patterns have a significant impact on insect abundance in our cropping system. Components of weather, mainly temperature and moisture, can either promote insect population growth or cause populations to decline. This article explains some of these patterns.
Feb 2010

Aphid Management in Desert Leafy Vegetables and Cole Crops 2010

Publication (PDF, 622KB)

Authors: John .C. Palumbo

A chart detailing various insecticides and the efficacy against different species of Aphids. Each insecticide is rated at Good, Fair, and Poor, and is shown for each listed Aphid species. There is also a brief note for each of the insecticides.
Jan 2010

Aphid Identification on Desert Lettuce 2010

Publication (PDF, 10MB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo

This documents contains an in depth guide to identifying Aphids most commonly found in Arizona produce. There are many images present to aid in identification. Aphid types include: Lettuce Aphid, Foxglove Aphid, Green peach Aphid, and Potato Aphid.
May 2003

Cross-commodity Guidelines for Neonicotinoid Insecticides in Arizona

Publication (PDF, 175KB)

Authors: John C. Palumbo, Peter C. Ellsworth, Timothy J. Dennehy, Robert L. Nichols

This document outlines some of the guidlines for Neonicotinoids, which were relatively new at the time. The plans within the document aim to help keep Neonicotinoids as a cost efficient and effective form of whitefly management for the future.

Vegetable IPM Publications

ARIZONA PEST MANAGEMENT CENTER