This course is designed for vegetable growers producing cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, and squash who want to better understand and manage insect pests in their crops. In this course, you will learn how to identify key insect and mite pests of cucurbits, understand their life cycles and damage, and apply Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to monitor and manage them effectively. Emphasis is placed on prevention, regular scouting, and using environmentally responsible control methods.
At the end of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain IPM for cucurbit insect pests.
- Scout cucurbit fields for pests.
- Identify key cucurbit insect pests.
- Recognize pest life cycles and timing.
- Diagnose pest damage.
- Apply management strategies.
- Use thresholds for treatment decision.
Successful completion of this course will earn you 0.5 recertification credit for New York State DEC certified pesticide applicators in categories 1A and 23.
*If you are certified in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, or West Virginia, check the appropriate state-specific credit information page under the "Store Menu" to confirm approval and recertification credit values.
*Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont have approved all DLC courses and awards the same credits as New York.