Pest management pointers

   The best pest control program is that which takes preventive action well before problem pests actually infest the field. Knowledge of pest biology will further improve the grower's ability to design the proper pest control preventive measures. Successful growers are those which consistently pay attention to detail in all areas of the IPM program (Table 6).

     Table 6. Basic Techniques for Cucumber Pest Control and Prevention

        1. Use disease-free seed and soil.

     2. Use resistant or tolerant varieties where possible.

     3. Rotate with non-cucurbits.

     4. Early detection of insect and disease problems.

     5. Prompt removal of old crops from the field.

     6. Apply recommended irrigation and fertilizer rates.

     7. Proper weed management.

     8. Clean farm machinery and tools to prevent soil-borne pathogen spread.

     9. Apply area-wide management strategies.

    10. Properly recognize beneficial and pest organisms.

    11. Use pesticides only when necessary.

    12. Use registered pesticides with maximum effectiveness on the target pest        and with  minimum adverse effects on non-target organisms.