Vegetable Notes 2026 Vol. 38:4

Strawberries are waking up and starting to move. If you have not already, keep removing mulch and make sure crowns are not staying covered too long. I am starting to see new leaves emerge, which is a good sign that fields are coming around. 

With the wet winter, some of you may be seeing rotting straw or hay sitting on the ground. That in itself is not a big concern. As it breaks down, it won’t hurt the strawberry plants. The bigger issue is whether fields are staying too wet around the crowns and roots. So for now, focus on weak spots, poor drainage, uneven growth, and any signs that plants are struggling to come out of winter. 

This week, look for: new leaves, weak crowns, wet areas, and uneven growth. 

Blueberries 

Early season varieties are in the bud swell stage with tight cluster and green tip predicted by late next week. That means things are starting to line up for mummy berry. Infection risks can start to build once green tissue is exposed, along with moisture from rain, dew, or fog. So this week, I would be looking under bushes for apothecia. 

This is also a good time to stay on top of pre-emergent weed control. Now is a good window before weeds get too far ahead. Clean strips matter here. 

This week, look for: swelling flower buds, green tip, apothecia under bushes, and good timing for pre-emergent herbicides. 

Grapes should start moving a bit this week also. Most vineyards are still early, but with this heat I would expect some movement toward early budbreak. If you have had issues with grape flea beetle before, now is a good time to keep an eye on those blocks. Continue scouting for Spotted Lanternfly egg masses. Also, just food for thought, if wet weather follows this warm stretch, early Phomopsis risk starts becoming more relevant. 

Brambles 

Brambles are still pretty quiet, but they will respond to this warm weather too. For now, I would mostly focus on cane health, drainage, and weak rows. If soil stayed wet for too long this winter, those problem spots may start showing themselves soon. 

This week: keep it simple  

Strawberries: Focus on mulch removal, uncovering crowns, and wet or weak spots.   

Blueberries: This is a mummy berry watch week, especially in early varieties and in fields with a history of the disease. Also, it’s a good time to stay ahead of pre-emergent weed control.   

Grapes and Brambles: Keep scouting and take note of which blocks are starting to move. 

Good luck out there everyone.

- J. Galvan

Deep Snow Cover and Vole Injury in Blueberries

With the deep, long-lasting snow cover we had this winter, expect a higher risk of vole and other rodent injury in blueberry plantings this spring. Heavy snow creates the perfect protected cover for rodents to move and feed on lower stems, bush crowns, and roots without predation.  A lot of this feeding stays hidden until the snow melts, and bushes begin to break dormancy. The first signs of damage may be weak budbreak, reduced vigor, cane dieback, or bushes that fail to break dormancy normally. Damage is often worse along field edges, weedy rows, brush lines, and any area where snow cover stayed thick throughout the winter. The greatest risk is usually in fields with thick grass, mulch, brushy edges, or other sheltered cover. 

Red flags in the field (start scouting here first):

• Narrow runways or trails in the grass, small burrow holes, droppings, or clipped vegetation near the base of bushes

• Chewing injury on lower stems or at the crown near the soil line

• Bushes that are slow to leaf out, weak, or collapsing without another obvious cause

• Areas with thick grass, mulch, or nearby brush that gave rodents good winter cover

Action items that will have a high payoff this spring:

• Start scouting asap now that snow has melted, especially along edges, weedy rows, and brushy areas

• Pull mulch and vegetation away from bush crowns and keep plant bases and row middles mowed short

• Remove brush piles, tall weeds, and other shelter that allow rodents to feed unnoticed

• Flag damaged bushes now so you can track recovery, prune dead wood later, and decide if plants need replacing

• If pressure stays high, trapping or protected bait stations may help in active areas, always following label directions carefully and reducing non-target risk

Bottom line:

The best vole control starts with reducing cover. The more shelter voles have, the longer they can feed unnoticed. Early scouting, mowing, and cleaning up protected areas around bushes can go a long way in limiting further damage this spring. 

Focus on Fungicides - SDHIs (Group 7)

While new SDHI products are always coming on the market, the story of the succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides begins in the late 1960s with the introduction of carboxin. Adoption of the first generation of SDHIs was limited due to their narrow spectrum of activity: they were only effective against Basidiomycete pathogens such as rusts and Rhizoctonia and were used primarily as seed treatments. Several second generation SDHIs were released over the next 30 years, but these also had a narrow range of activity, and most (with the notable exception of flutolanil, i.e. Moncut SC) are no longer labeled for agricultural use in the US. Chemists eventually began to focus on developing SDHIs with a broader spectrum of activity and, ultimately, they were successful. The first of the third generation SDHIs, boscalid (Endura), appeared on the US market in 2002 and was approved for use on many food crops the following year. Subsequently, penthiopyrad (Fontelis), fluxapyroxad (Merivon Xemium), fluopyram (Velum Prime, Velum Rise, and one of the ingredients in all of the Luna products), pydiflumetofen (Miravis Prime), and several other active ingredients have become available. SDHIs are now among the most widely used fungicides in US agriculture, and there are currently 24 active ingredients in FRAC Group 7. All members of this group are xylem-mobile, meaning they move upward from the point of entry through the plant’s xylem. For more on fungicide mobility see this article.

SDHI fungicides work by blocking complex II of the succinate dehydrogenase enzyme in fungal mitochondria—hence the name, Succinate DeHydrogenase Inhibitors. This disrupts the electron transport chain, an essential part of the biochemical process that produces ATP, the energy carrier of all living cells. Without ATP production, fungal cells are left unable to function. The QoI fungicides (Group 11, including Quadris, Cabrio, Flint, and Reason) also work by disrupting the electron transport chain; however, the QoIs work on a different part of this biochemical process.  

SDHIs target a specific site—complex II of the succinate dehydrogenase enzyme—which usually allows fungi to develop resistance more quickly and easily than if the fungicide has multiple sites of action. Resistance to SDHIs has been observed in several pathogens, including Podosphaera xanthii and Didymella bryoniae (powdery mildew and black rot of cucurbits), Alternaria solani (early blight of potato), and Botrytis cinerea in strawberries. However, resistance development to the SDHIs is somewhat complicated. Numerous mutations in resistant fungi have been identified, and these may result in variable degrees of resistance. Furthermore, once a fungal pathogen becomes resistant to one SDHI active ingredient, it will also be resistant to other SDHI active ingredients. This is known as cross-resistance and is well-documented within Group 7. In many cases, Group 7 cross-resistance is not complete, meaning that some active ingredients may remain effective against pathogens that have developed resistance to specific SDHIs. Combined with the incomplete resistance sometimes observed, the situation in the field can be quite confusing. Without very close monitoring by plant pathologists region-wide, it is best to treat SDHIs like any other group when rotating fungicides—when rotating fungicides, switch to another FRAC group completely and don’t just switch between Group 7 active ingredients.

When applying a fungicide that contains only an SDHI, tank mixing with a compatible fungicide from another FRAC group is recommended. Many SDHIs are also available in combination products such as Switch, Priaxor Xemium, and Miravis Prime. As always, be sure to read and follow all label directions carefully.

For more information, see https://www.frac.info/frac-teams/working-groups/sdhi-fungicides/

Managing Vegetable Transplant Height

--Written by Leanne Pundt, UConn Extension, Retired. From the 2025-26 New England Vegetable Management Guide 

Compact, uniform transplants can be easily handled for planting in the field. Leggy transplants may develop with low light levels, overwatering, overfertilizing or when plants are held for longer than anticipated in the greenhouse due to unseasonable weather conditions. Since very few growth regulators are registered for vegetable transplants, plant height is often managed by increasing light levels, using mechanical stresses such as "brushing", and adjusting temperature, water, and fertilizer levels. 

Maximizing Light Levels

Maximizing the amount of light plants receive helps reduce plant stretch. Giving plants adequate space, and replacing plastic greenhouse coverings as needed helps prevent reduction in light levels.

Adjusting Temperature (DIF)

The greater the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, the more plants will "stretch" (elongate their stems). When the day temperature is very warm and the night temperature is cool or cold, plants will be taller. If the day and night temperatures are both the same, plants will be shorter. If the night temperature in the greenhouse is kept warmer than the day temperature by using heating at night and ventilation during the day, the plants will be even shorter. Keeping day temperatures cool (70ºF) will help keep transplants shorter. The difference between day minus night temperatures is known as DIF. The critical period during the day for height control using DIF is the first 2-3 hours following sunrise, starting about 30 minutes before sunrise. By lowering the temperature during this period by a few degrees, plant height in many vegetables can be managed. Vegetables vary in their response to DIF. For example, tomato, brassicas, eggplant, and melon are very responsive, while squash, cucumber, and pepper are much less responsive.

Mechanical Brushing

Mechanical stress reduces stem elongation. Wind, shaking, or brushing are all types of mechanical stress. Research has shown that mechanical stress reduces stem elongation and maintains plant height. For example, brushing transplants twice daily for 18 days using about 40 strokes back and forth with a cardboard tube suspended from an irrigation boom can result in as much as a 30% reduction in stem elongation. Growers have also successfully used a wand made of plastic plumbing pipe or a flat piece of polystyrene foam. Vegetable plants such as tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers, and some varieties of broccoli and cabbage have responded to this method of height control. Note that this technique can damage some tender plant species such as peppers. It can also enhance the spread of bacterial pathogens and cause wounds, making it easier for the bacterial pathogens to infect tender young plants. Brush plants when the foliage is dry and if you see plant damage, reduce the number of times you are brushing the plants. Brushing can improve establishment of transplants in the field. They resume their normal growth about 3 days after the brushing stops. There is little or no reported effect on yield.

Water Stress

Water stress is another tool growers can use to manage plant height. Maintaining plants on the dry side limits cell expansion and plant growth. This method requires close monitoring to avoid permanent damage such as leaf burn or even plant death. One technique is to irrigate thoroughly and then allow the growing medium to dry to the point where plants wilt before irrigating thoroughly again. Growth is restricted during the period when the growing medium is very dry. Once watered, the plants rapidly resume growth. Experienced tomato growers have successfully used this technique.

Low Phosphorus

Withholding nutrients can also be used to prevent stretching. Low phosphorus (P) fertilization is especially effective for tomatoes. If carefully managed, a mild to moderate phosphorus deficiency may result in a desirable reduction in growth with no foliar symptoms of P deficiency. If this method is used, use a starter fertilizer when transplanting into the field. 

Plant Growth Regulators

Sumagic (uniconazole) is the only plant growth regulator labeled for use on a limited group of vegetable transplants (tomato, pepper, eggplant, tomatillo, ground cherry, and pepino). Sumagic is a gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitor that suppresses plant height by inhibiting internode elongation. It is a particularly active plant growth regulator, so very small concentrations are needed. Apply Sumagic only as a foliar spray at a rate of 2-10 ppm. As with any plant growth regulator, it is recommended to test growth regulator treatments on a small number of plants with a low rate before full-scale implementation. The maximum cumulative amount of Sumagic applied must not exceed 10 ppm with coverage of 2 quarts per 100 sq ft. This means that the total amount used in sequential applications can only add up to 10 ppm (e.g., 2 applications at 5 ppm or 4 applications at 2.5 ppm). The last spray must be no later than 2 weeks after the two- to four-leaf stage of development. Experiments have shown that sequential applications produce the best results and that the earlier the plants receive the Sumagic spray, the greater effect it will have on the final height of the transplants.

Aphid Biocontrol in High Tunnels

Although chemical control options exist for managing aphids in high tunnels and greenhouses, biological control approaches are becoming more widespread due to the restrictions of spraying in tunnels, the safety of biocontrol releases for minimizing risks to farm workers and natural enemies. Chemical management also carries the risk of harming natural enemies, including wild predators and parasitoids that may be suppressing aphid populations, resulting in rapid pest resurgences and secondary outbreaks. Additionally, the controlled environment and numerous commercially available biocontrol options for aphid control make this problem especially suitable for biological control to be a reliable option. 

This article will outline the necessary steps for incorporating aphid biocontrol in high tunnels, including identifying aphid species and choosing biological control agents. However, even when incorporating biological control into your management program, there are times when an insecticide treatment is warranted, such as when treating heavy infestations or as cleanup sprays before terminating a crop. For a list of conventional and OMRI-approved insecticides for aphid control in protected culture, see Table 19: Fungicides and Bactericides Labeled for Vegetable Transplants in the New England Vegetable Management Guide. Keep in mind that many insecticides harm wild and released natural enemies along with pests, and appropriate spray timing and insecticide choice are crucial for maximizing compatibility with biological controls. 

Tips for Successful Aphid Biocontrol

While biological control has many benefits over chemical control, it also involves living organisms that can introduce complexities, leading to some common pitfalls which may lead biocontrol techniques to fail. Here are some ways to increase your chances of success: 

• Plan ahead. Biological control strategies work best as a preventative measure to avoid pest outbreaks. However, it may take several days or more to determine which biocontrols to use, then order, receive, and release them. Depending on the species and life stage of your biocontrol agents, you may also need to account for the time it takes for them hatch, emerge, or otherwise become effective. Because of this, you should plan your biocontrol approach well in advance of when you expect pest outbreaks to occur.
• Follow supplier guidelines when releasing natural enemies. Use release rates provided by your supplier based on the size of your growing space to ensure you have enough natural enemies to keep up with pest population growth rates. Follow other instructions to ensure that natural enemies are able to disperse and effectively control pests.
• Take care of your natural enemies by practicing safe transport and storage prior to release, maintaining tunnel conditions within their optimal range, and using selective insecticides and those with less residual effects when possible.
• Control ants, which feed on honeydew and will protect aphids from natural enemies. While a few individual ants spotted on plants are unavoidable, the establishment of ant colonies, especially those associated with aphid colonies in the tunnel, can significantly hamper biological control. Ant baits are typically recommended as they allow worker ants to carry insecticidal material back to their nest, managing the colony as a whole.
• Understand and follow the basic principles of biocontrol. See our article from last year for a broad overview of biological control and how to incorporate it into your vegetable IPM plan. 

Identifying Aphid Species

Many biological control agents, especially parasitoids, are only effective against certain aphid species. Correctly identifying the species of aphid affecting your crop is an important first step before selecting which biocontrol organisms will be effective. 

• Green peach aphids (Myzus persicae) can vary in color from green to pink to red. They can be distinguished from the melon/cotton aphid by the length and color of the cornicles (the pair of tube-like protrusions extending from the end of the abdomen). Green peach aphids have relatively long cornicles and only the tips are black. In addition, the tubercles (bumps at the base of the antennae) are prominent and turned inwards, appearing as a distinct indentation between the antennae (see photo). Hosts include peach, apricot, and over 200 species of herbaceous plants including vegetables and ornamentals.

• Melon/cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii): The cornicles on melon/cotton aphid are short and vary in color from light yellow to very dark green (making them appear black). The antennae are typically shorter than the body. Melon/cotton aphids do not have a distinct indentation at the base of the antennae like that of the green peach aphid. Its host range includes hundreds of species, including vegetable crops such as pepper, eggplant, spinach, asparagus, and okra, and it is particularly damaging on cucurbits.

• Foxglove aphid (Aulacorthum solani): Foxglove aphids have dark green flecks at the base of their cornicles. In addition, they have black markings on their leg joints and antennae. Foxglove aphids tend to fall off plants when disturbed. They can cause severe leaf distortion, more so than the green peach and melon/cotton aphid. This aphid has many hosts including foxglove, lettuce, tomato, potato, clover, and bulbs.

• Potato aphids (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) can be green or pink, and both colors may be found on the same plant. They are larger with a more elongate body shape and move more quickly than most other common aphids. These aphids complete 2-6 generations on their winter host of rose plants before moving on to their summer hosts, which include potato and tomato. Therefore, this aphid pest is not typically seen in tunnels until later in the season, but they have been reported as a growing problem among high tunnel tomato growers and keeping an eye out for them early is a good idea.

• Cabbage aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae) are not typically considered a tunnel pest but have been reported in tunnels with overwintered brassicas. Mature females are greyish green with dark heads and cornicles. Adults produce a powdery wax coating that makes them appear dusty. Cabbage aphids are restricted to brassica species.
• Root aphid: The primary root aphid (Pemphigus species) overwinters as eggs and infests plants in the spring and fall. Root aphids may be misidentified as mealybugs because they are covered with white wax although they are smaller than mealybugs. Root aphids have reduced cornicles that resemble rings, which are located on the end of the abdomen. These cornicles are difficult to see with the naked eye but can be seen when magnified.

In general, aphid predators are better suited for controlling high aphid populations, as they are not as efficient as parasitoids at finding low numbers of aphids within the crop. 

• Lady beetles are sold as adults and are effective at quickly controlling high aphid populations, but they are highly dispersive and will readily leave the tunnel in search of food if aphid populations are too low. They can be effective if released under row cover in winter greens. Adults and larvae are generalists, meaning they feed on a wide variety of aphid species. Adult lady beetles may be stored in a refrigerator for up to a month, ideally in a crisper drawer or with a damp paper towel to prevent desiccation, allowing for many to be ordered at one time and a portion to be released periodically to replace those that have left the tunnel. Because they are collected from wild colonies in the western U.S. whose populations can fluctuate seasonally, their availability may vary from year to year.
• Predatory midges (Aphidoletes aphidimyza) are another generalist aphid predator that can be purchased and released in your tunnel. They are active in summer months, but when day lengths shorten to less than 15 hours (September–March), they enter diapause and become inactive. Larvae feed on aphids and adults feed on pollen and aphid honeydew. Take care to follow supplier instructions when releasing midges, as it is vital that adults are given the opportunity to mate and seek out aphid colonies to lay eggs near for larvae to provide effective control. Banker plants used to support Aphidius colemani (see below) will also support Aphidoletes midges. The midges pupate in the soil, so place banker plants in a tray with moist sand to provide pupation sites if your tunnel has plastic mulch and weed mat.
• Green lacewing larvae also feed on many aphid species. Adults feed on pollen and nectar. Lacewings can be purchased in any life stage; larvae tend to survive better than eggs and are best for immediate pest control. Release far apart from each other, as larvae are cannibalistic. In summer months, if temperatures rise above 95°F, lacewings will move out of the tunnel. Lacewing activity and life cycle slows as temperature drops, but one report from Purdue University reported that adults remained active and laying eggs at 52°F.
• Brown lacewings feed on a wide range of aphid species. The brown lacewing species Micromus variegatus is a newer offering from many biocontrol suppliers and is more tolerant of cooler temperatures than green lacewings, potentially making them more effective in the early season. Because both larval and adult life stages feed on aphids, they are also more effective at cleaning up outbreaks and more likely to persist and reproduce in their introduced environment. However, it is difficult to assess their numbers in a tunnel after release as they are small, nocturnal, and well-camouflaged. 

In addition to introduced aphid predators, naturally occurring predators such as syrphid hover flies and lady beetles which make their way into tunnels and greenhouses can also contribute to control of aphid pests. Conservation biological control practices may be used to enhance the populations of these predators in a given area by providing them with resources such as food and shelter. This includes planting insectary plants such as sweet alyssum, which have been shown to attract hover flies whose larvae can provide effective control of aphids. 

Aphid parasitoids in the genera Aphidius and Aphelinus are wasps that lay their eggs in the host aphid. The resulting wasp larva develops within the aphid, eating the host from the inside. The remaining shell of the aphid becomes tan or pink and is called a “mummy”. Adult parasitoids emerge from aphid mummies and continue the cycle. Parasitoids are effective for controlling low populations of aphids and preventing outbreaks but are not effective at managing high populations. They are generally more efficient than aphid predators at seeking out the aphid hosts at low levels. Parasitoids are less effective at cold and hot temperatures and function best in the range of 65-77°F and with 70-85% relative humidity. Aphidius does not enter diapause, however, and can be used at colder temperatures.

Aphid parasitoids are host-specific in terms of the aphid species they attack—see the table below for parasitoid-host information. Currently, no parasitoids are commercially available for cabbage and root aphids. Mixtures of different parasitoid species are commercially available and should be used when multiple aphid species are present or when you cannot identify the aphid species in your tunnel. Parasitoids are shipped either as adults or aphid mummies, from which parasitoid adults soon emerge. To increase the parasitoids’ effectiveness, place small groups of the aphid mummies in cups near aphid colonies. Do not let these aphid mummies get wet. Release rates may vary depending on the parasitoid species. Containers often contain approximately 250 aphid mummies, which can treat 5,000 ft2 at the high release rate (for high aphid populations) or 25,000 ft2 at the low release rate (for less severe outbreaks).

Aphid parasitoids must be applied preventatively to suppress aphid populations. They are less effective when aphid populations are high and already causing plant damage. Release parasitoids on a regular basis to sustain their populations during the growing season. Avoid releasing parasitoids near sticky cards to prevent capturing the released parasitoids. When scouting, look for aphid mummies that have circular holes on one end. These are the exit holes created by adult parasitoids during emergence. Aphid parasitoids are sensitive to pesticides. Release parasitoids preventively on crops you know are susceptible to aphids, so that the parasitoids will be present when aphids are first noticed. 

Parasitoids are themselves susceptible to parasitism from other wasp species—these wasps that parasitize parasitoids are called hyperparasites. Hyperparasites will move into tunnels throughout the summer and lay eggs within aphids that have already been parasitized by Aphidius species. The hyperparasite larva then feeds on the Aphidius larva and an adult hyperparasite emerges from the aphid mummy. The exit holes of the aphid mummies can be used as an indicator of the hyperparasitoid population; Aphidius wasps leave a round, smooth-edged exit hole while hyperparasitoid wasps leave a slightly irregular exit hole with jagged edges. If you plan on using parasitoids for aphid control year-round in your tunnel, the wasps and/or banker plants will need to be re-introduced once the tunnel has been closed for the winter and the existing hyperparasitoid population has died. For more information on aphid hyperparasites, see the UVM fact sheet Hyperparasitoids of Aphid Predatory Wasps.

	Biocontrol Agent	Target Species	Effective Conditions	Notes
Predators	Convergent lady beetle (Hippodamia convergens)	All aphid species, in addition to other pests	Year-round	Only effective for high populations and if structure is enclosed
	Predatory midge (Aphidoletes aphidimyza)	All aphid species	Inactive September-March unless supplemental light is provided or temperatures remain above 78°F	Supplier guidelines should be followed for release
	Green lacewing (Chrysoperla rufilabris)	All aphid species	Optimal: 60-80°F. Will leave tunnel above 95°F. Lower temp limit unknown but remain active at 50°F.	Good for high populations, only larvae are predators
	Brown lacewing (Micromus variegatus)	All aphid species	59-79°F optimal, but effective between 39-88°F	Good for high populations, adults and larvae are predators
Parasitoids	Aphidius colemani (parasitic wasp)	Green peach and melon aphids	65-77°F, 70-85% relative humidity	Does not enter diapause so is effective during low winter light
	Aphidius matricariae (parasitic wasp)	Green peach and tobacco aphid	65-77°F, 70-85% relative humidity	Does not enter diapause so is effective during low winter light. Susceptible to hyperparasitoids in summer.
	Aphidius ervi (parasitic wasp)	Foxglove and potato aphid	65-77°F, 70-85% relative humidity	Does not enter diapause so is effective during low winter light. Susceptible to hyperparasitoids in summer.
	Aphelinus abdominalis (parasitic wasp)	Foxglove and potato aphid	65-77°F, 70-85% relative humidity

Banker Plant Systems

Banker plant systems are used to maintain parasitoid populations within a tunnel when host pest populations are low, so that the parasitoids do not leave the tunnel looking for hosts. The trade-off of using time and space to grow banker plants and maintain the non-pest aphid population is that you don’t need to continually order and release parasitoids in your tunnels.

In the case of aphids in high tunnel crops, banker plants are used to maintain and distribute populations of Aphidius colemani, which parasitizes green peach and melon aphids. Potted grass plants are inoculated with bird-cherry oat aphids (Rhopalosiphum padi), which feed only on grasses. A. colemani is then released onto the grass plants and parasitize the bird-cherry oat aphids. In this way, the parasitoid population is maintained and the wasps are present in the tunnel when aphids arrive in the main tunnel crop. Recent research from the University of North Carolina found that this system worked best using wheat or barley as the banker crops, compared to oats or rye. 

There has been limited research on how many banker plants are needed for a given area, but regardless, banker plants need to be distributed evenly throughout the tunnel, as A. colemani will only migrate 3-6 feet from the point of release/emergence. One rate recommendation given is one banker plant per 1000 ft2. Adjust your banker plant rates based on your experience. As with all parasitoid systems, banker plants need to be in place before the pest aphids are even noticed in order to provide sufficient control. Starter aphid banker plants are available from several biological control suppliers. One starter kit is enough to get your banker plant system started for the season, as long as you’re growing your own pots of oat, rye, or barley. 

Entomopathogenic Fungi

The entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, is commercially available as the products Mycotrol and BotaniGard. Because aphids have high reproductive rates and molt rapidly, especially during the summer, repeat applications are typically required. Beauveria bassiana is most effective when aphid populations are low. This fungus may not be compatible with the convergent ladybird beetle (Hippodamia convergens) depending on the concentration of spores applied. 

Compiled from the following resources: 

Aphids on Greenhouse Crops, by Tina Smith, UMass Extension

Managing Aphids in the Greenhouse, Aphid Banker Plants, and Biological Control of Aphids by Leanne Pundt, UConn Extension

Aphid Management in Winter Tunnel Greens, Cornell Cooperative Extension

Other helpful resources:

Aphid Banker Plant System for Greenhouse IPM: Step-by-Step, by Margaret Skinner & Cheryl Frank, UVM Entomology Research Lab and Ronald Valentin, BioBest

Scheduling Biologicals, by Linda Taranto, D&D Farms and Tina Smith, UMass Extension

-- UMass Extension Vegetable Team. Updated for 2026 by Ali Shokoohi. 

News

Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers 2025 Acreage Reporting Deadline Extended to April 24

The USDA Farm Service Agency announced the agency is reopening the 2025 crop acreage reporting period required for specialty crop producers who want to apply for the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program. Specialty crop producers now have until April 24, 2026, to report 2025 acres to FSA. ASCF payments will be based on reported 2025 planted acres. Following completion of acreage reporting, producers are encouraged to prepare for the eventual announcement of the ASCF program application period by creating a Login.gov account. Assistance will be available through local FSA county offices. Crop insurance linkage will not be required for the ASCF program. More information on ASCF is available online at https://www.fsa.usda.gov/fba. 

MDAR Grants Currently Open:

Climate Smart Agriculture Program. Provides reimbursement funding for capital improvements that increase farm sustainability, efficiency, and climate resilience through one streamlined application. Maximum funding is $30,000 for early-stage farms and $150,000 for established farms, with a 20% cash match. Project areas include food safety improvements, compost systems, soil health & water management, climate-resilient infrastructure, energy-efficient upgrades, and renewable energy. This program is best fit for farms that are planning larger infrastructure or equipment investments, want to apply for more than one project area, and can complete projects within the contract timeline. 

Applications due: May 7. Project completion: June 30 Contact: Laura Maul, Laura[dot]Maul[at]mass[dot]gov (Laura[dot]Maul[at]mass[dot]gov), 857-507-5972.

Food Security Infrastructure Grant: To increase local food production and consumption; enhance mid-supply chain capacity for processing, storage, and distribution to local markets; build a safer, more resilient, and accessible food supply—especially during periods of widespread food insecurity and supply chain disruptions; and, benefit underserved and/or under-resourced communities. Eligible projects must be equipment purchases or infrastructure improvements. Awards will range from $10,000 to $500,000. A 20% cash match is required, and all funded projects must be completed by June 30, 2027.

Applications due: Monday, April 20, 4pm. Contact: fsiggrant[at]mass[dot]gov (fsiggrant[at]mass[dot]gov)

Urban Agriculture Program: To support commercial urban food production and community-based food production in the Commonwealth. Eligible applicants include municipalities, nonprofit organizations, public or non-profit educational or public health institutions, and established urban farmers with more than 3 years of commercial urban farming experience. Examples of project priorities include soil management; land acquisition; equipment; marketing, distribution, and transportation; green infrastructure; innovative growing technology; urban to rural bridge; and organic farming support. 

Applications due: Monday, May 18, 4pm Contact: Rose[dot]Arruda[at]mass[dot]gov (Rose[dot]Arruda[at]mass[dot]gov), 617-851-3644.

Food Ventures Program: To increase access to healthy, affordable food options and improve economic opportunities for low to moderate income communities. The MFVP will provide funding through grants to support food ventures, sited primarily in or near communities of low or moderate income, including Gateway Cities and rural communities. The MFVP will help implement goals of the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan and contribute to the financing needs of local Massachusetts food enterprises.  Key areas for investment include: food processing infrastructure to meet the needs of the expanding local food system; improved distribution systems to support opportunities for equitable access to fresh local food; and retail outlet strategies that enhance access to healthy food. 

Applications due: Thursday, May 28, 4pm Contact: Rose[dot]Arruda[at]mass[dot]gov (Rose[dot]Arruda[at]mass[dot]gov), 617-851-3644.

Massachusetts Agriculture Youth Council Now Taking Applications

This opportunity is open to rising high school juniors and seniors enrolled in any public or private high school in Massachusetts. 

Participating in the Council provides students with an opportunity to learn about the varied agricultural sectors in Massachusetts, emerging trends and innovation in farming, and deepen understanding of other states’ agricultural issues through connections with youth councils across the United States. Members of the Council also have the opportunity to share ideas which may be used to help in the further development of MDAR programs and support of agriculture in Massachusetts.

This opportunity is open to rising high school juniors and seniors enrolled in any public or private high school in Massachusetts. Members will serve a 1 year term from June to May of their junior or senior year. MDAR will select 14 students to serve on the Council, with 1 student selected from each Massachusetts county. 

Click here for more information on the MA Ag Youth Council, including the application.

Applications due Monday, April 27.