Farming
Squash and various cucurbits grown in Alabama are inundated with many major chewing and sucking insect pests that are favored by the hot and humid environment. Insect pests build up over years and also within the growing season resulting in multiple overlapping generations and steep increases in crop damage. Damage from squash vine borers (SVB, Melittia cucurbitae), pickleworms (PW, Diaphania nitidalis), and melonworms (MW, Diaphania hyalinata) is particularly frustrating since proper identification can be difficult, and fruit damage is irreversible without timely intervention. In recent years, flash and prolonged droughts in Alabama increased insect activity and damage.
The following describes some crucial physical and behavioral identification tactics to distinguish these three borers that will be useful for small producers as well as home or market gardeners. Readers are encouraged to check out the squash production and IPM videos on the Farming Basics Mobile App for seeing ideas in action.
How to Identify Squash Vine Borers, Pickleworms, Melonworms
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- Figure 1. SVB adult (B. S. Richter, UF, Bugwood.org)
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- Figure 2. SVB larva
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- Figure 3. SVB larva
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- Figure 4. Pickleworm moth (Natasha Wright, Bugwood.org)
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- Figure 5. Pickleworm larva
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- Figure 6. Pickleworm hole
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- Figure 7. Pickleworm damage
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- Figure 8. Pickleworm tunnel
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- Figure 9. Melonworm moth
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- Figure 10. Melonworm leaf damage
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- Figure 11. Melonworm fruit damage
Overall Scouting Recommendations
Look for SVB eggs at the plant bases, but watch for the wasp-like moths as they hover around quickly dropping eggs. PW and MW moths rest on stems inside squash canopy during the day and may take quick flights if disturbed (they do not hover like SVB). Look for eggs masses of PW and MW under the leaves. When in doubt, take good pictures with your phone and send them to Alabama Extension commercial horticulture team for quick diagnosis.
More Information
For those in Alabama, the Farming Basics Mobile App is a great tool for looking up insect pest information and connecting with regional Extension agents. Also, subscribing to the Alabama IPM Communicator Newsletter can help you stay informed about training events, crop production, and pest alerts.
This research and educational program is funded by grants from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Specialty Crops Block Grant, USDA SARE, OREI and Beginning Farmer Programs.