Insect Pest Monitoring in Arkansas
This interactive map of Arkansas shows locations of various insect trapping efforts by Extension specialists and county agents. When a location is clicked, the map will populate with insect trap data for that region to help indicate pest presence or absence. You can zoom in and out using the map features on the top left of the map. Additionally, click the >> arrows to access the map Legend. We monitor for Tomato Fruitworm Moth (Helicoverpa zea), Melonworm (Diaphania hyalinata), Squash Vine Borer (Melittia cucurbitae), Cabbage Looper (Trichoplusia ni) and many other pest species in fruit and vegetables every year.
We have paused monitoring for the winter months and these data represented on the map are from fall 2024. Check back in the spring!
Pest Alerts
Dr. Aaron Cato was recently recognized by Vegetable and Fruit Growers News with a 40 Under 40 Award by panel of industry experts.
Take a look back at the 2024 Tomato Fruitworm populations in Arkansas' specialty crops from the data we received from agents and specialists. Plans are being made for 2025 monitoring efforts.
Neopestalotiopsis in strawberries, or "Neo-P" for short, is an emerging disease that impacts strawberry production. It was observed in Arkansas in 2024. Learn more about this disease and recommendations..
Growing Degree Days (Base 50°F, beginning Jan. 1)
The GDD calendar will start over in early 2025. Data here is from 2024: With the recent warm weather we are starting to track GDDs for the emergence of squash vine borer. We expect to see adult SVB moths at 750-1000 GDD (Base 50°F). All locations are over 1000 GDD accumulation for SVB. We have stopped tracking GDD for SVB but can be requested if needed. If you're growing squash, now is a good time to scout for SVB eggs on undersides of stems, leaf stalks, and near the flowers. You may see adult moths flying around as well. For more information, visit our Managing Squash Vine Borer in Arkansas Factsheet.
GDDs as of 5/30/2024
- Kibler — 1737
- Clarksville — 1436
- Hope — 1664
- Little Rock — 1838
- Fayetteville — 1442
- Jonesboro — 1492
Insect, Disease and Irrigation Monitoring Resources
Videos:
- How-To Construct Watermark Sensors for Plasticulture Beds
- How-To Install Watermark Sensors for Plasticulture Beds
- How-To Build a Cheap and Effective Strawberry Sprayer
- How-To Build a Venturi Injector
- How-to IPM: Using Pheromone Traps in Tomato and Squash
- How-to IPM: Tomato Pests
Fact sheets:
- Monitoring for Spotted-Wing Drosphila in Blackberries in Arkansas
- Managing Broad Mite in Commercial Blackberry Production
- Using Pheromone Traps to Monitor Pests in Tomatoes and Cucurbits
- Managing Squash Vine Borer in Arkansas
- Basics of Drip Irrigation and Fertigation for Specialty Crops
- Constructing a Cheap and Effective Strawberry Sprayer
- Developing a Sustainable Fungicide Spray Program to Prevent Fruit Rot in Strawberry for the Southeast
Key Pests - Click on the image of each pest to learn more about them.
Squash Vine Borer
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Tomato Fruitworm
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Melonworm Moth
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Broadmite |
Photo: Hannah Burrack, North Carolina State University, Bugwood.org |
Greater Peachtree Borer |
Plum Curculio |
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Spotted Wing Drosophila
Contacts
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Aaron Cato Phone: 479-249-7352 University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension State Office 2301 S. University Ave, Little Rock, AR 72204 |
Ryan Keiffer Phone: 501-747-6694 University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension State Office 2301 S. University Ave, Little Rock, AR 72204 |