Sustainable Pest Management | University of Maryland Extension

Updated: September 11, 2025

Diamondback Moth in Fall Cole Crops

Diamondback larva on cabbage showing "Windowpane" damage.

Updated: August 11, 2025

Spring-Seeded Cereal Cover Crops for Weed Management in Plasticulture Cucurbit Production (FS-2024-0736)

Authors: Kurt Vollmer - Dwayne Joseph - Alan Leslie - Cerruti RR Hooks - Thierry Besançon

This publication will help growers understand the benefits of incorporating spring-seeded cereal cover crops into plasticulture cucurbit production systems. It provides information from two years of university research trials evaluating spring-seeded cereal cover cropping systems along with post-plant control tactics for integrated weed management in cucumber and watermelon. Throughout a growing season, between row (inter-row) cereal cover crop treatments reduced weed density and provided better weed control compared to plots without cover crops. Post-plant applications of paraquat or including a residual herbicide often provided better weed control when used alongside a cover crop. Crop yields also were higher when a cover crop was planted between cucurbit rows versus no cover crop. Authors: Kurt Vollmer, Dwayne Joseph, Alan Leslie, Cerruti Hooks, and Thierry Besançon; Title: Spring-Seeded Cereal Cover Crops for Weed Management in Plasticulture Cucurbit Production (FS-2024-0736).

Updated: July 14, 2025

Scouting for Tar Spot in Corn

Updated: July 14, 2025

Mid-Summer Insect Scouting Priorities in Row Crops

Updated: July 14, 2025

Mind the Height: Postemergence Herbicide Cutoffs in Corn

Corn rows exhibit herbicide damage at the whorl stage.

Updated: June 7, 2025

Bean Leaf Beetles Showing Up In Early Snap Beans

Bean leaf beetles (BLB), C. trifucata, are showing up in snap beans in some areas of the Eastern Shore. This sporadic pest has the potential to cause serious damage to snap beans, soybeans, and other legume crops.

Bean leaf beetle feeding damage on snap bean.

Updated: June 7, 2025

Spotted Wing Drosophila Active: Consider Management in Cherries and Blueberries

We have detected spotted wing drosophila adults in our traps at the Western Maryland Research and Education Center; therefore, spotted wing drosophila are likely active around the state.

Updated: December 10, 2024

Managing Slugs in Field Crops Using IPM Principles (FS-2022-0629)

Authors: Praise-God Igwe - Maria Cramer - David Owens - Dr. Galen P. Dively II - Dr. Kelly Hamby

Slugs damage corn and soybean seedlings by rasping holes, with most problems occurring in high residue no-till fields that provide moist habitat. Slug baits are the most effective chemical control and an IPM approach helps reduce yield loss and maximize profits. Authors: Praise-God Igwe, Maria Cramer, David Owens, Galen Dively, and Dr. Kelly Hamby; Title: Managing Slugs in Field Crops Using IPM Principles" (FS-2022-0629)

Updated: October 23, 2024

What is a Maryland Pesticide Applicator's License and how do I get one?

Anyone who purchases or uses Restricted Use Pesticides must be a Certified Pesticide Applicator. A farmer who uses Restricted Use Pesticides on their own farm would need a Certified Private Pesticide Applicator License, while a professional contractor who uses pesticides on other people's farms would need a Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator License.

Updated: October 23, 2024

Appropriate and Allowable PPE for Pesticide Applicators in the Covid19 Era

Pesticide applicators may have trouble obtaining the label-listed (and thus required) PPE while safety supplies are in short supply due to new and expanded needs as individuals seek to minimize their potential exposure to sources of the Covid19 virus. In many cases, pesticide labels call for the same PPE that is currently needed to protect front-line workers such as first responders and medical professionals. It is important to understand that label-listed PPE for working with pesticides has been required because of demonstrated or scientifically-based necessity to protect the applicator’s health. It is acceptable to choose PPE that is more, but not less, protective. When possible, the best alternative is to choose a product that simply does not require the hard-to-obtain PPE.