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Cankerworms are also known as inchworms, loop worms, and spanworms - this is credited to their distinctive way of moving. In order to travel, a cankerworm must grab leaves or branches with its front legs and then pull the rest of its body forward. This causes the abdomen area to contract and gives the worm the appearance of arching its back.

Pesticides and fertilizers used in landscape management are normally applied as a liquid through spray equipment, or as a granular formulation through dry application equipment. Each method and type of equipment has advantages and disadvantages. Selection of specific application equipment depends upon economics, availability, and suitability for the intended use.

Hemp is a new crop to Virginia agriculture and available information about pest management and general crop production is lacking. This guide compiles the current known information about pest (insect and mite, disease and pathogen, and weed) management and crop production for hemp grown in Virginia. This is a first version and updates will occur in the future.

Internet websites and social media platforms often contain information that misguide the public in using homemade pesticides. The use of homemade pesticides is concerning for several reasons. Homemade pesticides do not have directions for safe handling and application, instructions on how to protect people, pets, plants, and the environment, and are often ineffective. This publication will explain what homemade pesticides are and how they differ from registered pesticides. It will also debunk several common myths about homemade pesticides.

VCE AG TODAY is a weekly webinar that provides updates on agricultural practices. If you have any questions, please reach out to your local Extension office or visit www.ext.vt.edu.

The Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Virginia Tech organized the Mid-Atlantic Spray Drone workshop on July 23-24, 2024 in Painter, VA. The workshop highlighted benefits of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), also known as aerial drones, emphasizing their role in crop protection and comparing efficacy and economics with traditional spraying methods. Over the two-day workshop, federal regulators, university researchers, industry personnel, and custom pesticide applicators (Figure 1) examined the current status of the technology, and debated drift issues, and management strategies. The workshop was attended by participants from Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York.

This fact sheet covers nozzle description, recommended use for common nozzle types, and orifice sizing for agricultural and turf sprayers. Proper selection of a nozzle type and size is essential for correct and accurate pesticide application. The nozzle is a major factor in determining the amount of spray applied to an area, uniformity of application, coverage obtained on the target surface, and amount of potential drift.

Phosphorus is a naturally occurring element that is one of 16 elements essential for plant growth and animal health. Research has documented that applying phosphorus in fertilizers or manure increases crop growth and yield on soils that are below critical agronomic levels, as measured during routine soil testing. Although the economic benefits of phosphorus fertilization on crop production are well-documented, too much of a good thing can be detrimental to the environment. Excessive soil phosphorus is a potential threat to water quality.

The Virginia Pest Management Guide (PMG) series lists options for management of major pests: diseases, insects, nematodes, and weeds. These guides are produced by Virginia Cooperative Extension and each guide is revised annually. PMG recommendations are based on research conducted by the Research and Extension Division of Virginia Tech, in cooperation with other land-grant universities, the USDA, and the pest management industry.

Herbicides that are usually associated with contamination of straw/hay, turf clippings, manure, and composts are growth regulator herbicides or synthetic auxins, a group of herbicides that mimics plant hormones and regulates growth. These herbicides are labeled for control of broadleaf weeds in grass crops, such as pastures and corn; in turfgrass, including lawns, golf courses, parks, and highway turf; and in noncrop areas. Vegetable and fruit crops, as well as broadleaf ornamentals can inadvertently be injured by these chemicals through drift of spray droplets, volatilization, and spray tank contamination or by residues in straw, manure, turf clippings, or compost. Diagnosing the specific herbicide responsible for the plant damage can be difficult. This publication focuses on damage caused by herbicide residues.

The Virginia Pest Management Guide (PMG) series lists options for management of major pests: diseases, insects, nematodes, and weeds. These guides are produced by Virginia Cooperative Extension and each guide is revised annually. PMG recommendations are based on research conducted by the Research and Extension Division of Virginia Tech, in cooperation with other land-grant universities, the USDA, and the pest management industry.

When choosing nozzles/droplet sizes for spray applications, applicators must consider both coverage needed and drift potential. As a rule, smaller droplets provide better coverage, but larger droplets are less likely to drift.

Pesticide sprays consist of at least 95% water. Water quality plays an important role in pesticide performance. The following issues may indicate a compatibility problem with pesticides and spray water quality: - Pesticide does not work at labeled rates; - Difficulty mixing sprays or clogging of nozzles; - Inconsistent pest control observed in fields or plots; - Pests seem resistant to a new pesticide active ingredient, or - Crops are lower quality or lower yielding. Understanding how water quality characteristics such as pH, water hardness, turbidity, and total suspended solids affect the adsorption and persistence (half-life, storage time) of a pesticide can help pesticide applicators reduce or eliminate compatibility issues and improve pesticide effectiveness

Mixing two or more pesticide products can allow for the treatment of several pests at the same time, improve pesticide performance, and ultimately saving time and money. However, physical and chemical tank mix incompatibilities can occur when combining two or more pesticides. Physical incompatibility is the failure of pesticide products to stay uniformly mixed and can result in layering, products settling out of solution, or clumping. A chemical incompatibility is the result of a chemical reaction between pesticide products. A chemical incompatibility is less visible and can be harder to detect. This publication focuses on basic factors that influence product compatibility (agitation speed and method, water temperature, mixing order, carrier type, and chemical formulations) and summarizes best mixing practices to address these factors.

Spray water problems may arise due to water quality and management decisions. Certain aspects of water quality can reduce the efficacy of the pesticide as well as affect how the pesticide interacts with the plant surface or targets pests. Evaluating and testing spray water chemistry can help identify water quality problems that might otherwise be overlooked. This publication will examine possible solutions to spray water problems, including the use of adjuvants and other additives to enhance pesticide performance.

Anyone working with or near pesticides should recognize the signs and symptoms of pesticide exposure. It is also important to know the signs and symptoms of heat stress because it can closely resemble pesticide poisoning. This article discusses the similarities and differences between pesticide exposure and heat stress. It also outlines first aid measures and prevention strategies for each condition.

The baldfaced aerial yellowjacket (Dolichovespula maculata), formerly called the baldfaced hornet, is a large, black insect with pale markings. The face and head are largely white. Baldfaced aerial yellowjacket queens measure up to 20 mm (0.7”) in length, while workers are smaller (about 13 mm or 0.5”). The dark wings are held neatly folded lengthwise at rest. Native to the US, it is widely distributed in Virginia.

While primarily a concern on cattle, Asian longhorned tick (ALT) feeds on a variety of hosts, including horses and other equines. ALT reproduces without mating so tick densities can build quickly, and large numbers of ALT can be found on individual animals. ALT larvae, nymphs, and adults may all be found at the same time on the same animal. Wildlife, such as deer, small mammals, and birds, serve as alternative hosts for ticks and assist their spread throughout pastures. Managing ALT can be very difficult because this tick spends most of its life off the host and on the ground. The following recommendations are suggested to help protect your animals.

Uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly used for a wide range of agricultural purposes, including pesticide application. This factsheet provides information for individuals seeking certification as a UAV pilot and/or aerial pesticide applicator. It reviews basic information on pesticide application with drones; outlines the federal, state, and local requirements to operate legally; and provides contact information and links. It also discusses the importance of staying up to date.

This extension publication discusses guidelines to quickly evaluate the performance of a sprayer. Sprayer calibration, nozzle discharge, spray pattern uniformity, speed checks, pump performance, and plumbing arrangements are evaluated with minimal calculations.

This factsheet attempts to clarify some of the information surrounding organic and synthetic pesticides. Knowing their similarities and differences will prepare you to choose the best management solution for your pest problem.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is commonly discussed and used by pest management professionals, but is not widely understood by the general public. This publication explains the fundamentals of IPM and why it is an important tool for professionals and homeowners.

This publication focuses on non-native invasive plants. It includes characteristics common to many non-native invasive plants, describes several methods of control, and provides resources for readers to learn more.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a strategy commonly used by pest management professionals but is often not widely understood by the general public. IPM provides an important framework for making practical, effective, and environmentally sound pest management decisions. This publication will identify common myths surrounding IPM and debunk these misconceptions.