Effect of plastic mulch colors on Anasa tristis (Hemiptera: coreidae) population dynamics in summer squash (Cucurbita pepo)

Authors: BOYLE, SEAN - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University; ALFORD, ADAM - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University; MCINTYRE, KELLY - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University; Weber, Donald; KUHAR, THOMAS - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University

Submitted to: Journal of Economic Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/28/2022
Publication Date: 4/6/2022
Citation: Boyle, S.M., Alford, A.M., Mcintyre, K.C., Weber, D.C., Kuhar, T.P. 2022. Effect of plastic mulch colors on Anasa tristis (Hemiptera: coreidae) population dynamics in summer squash (Cucurbita pepo). Journal of Economic Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toac036.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toac036

Interpretive Summary: Squash bugs are serious pests of squash crops across the US. Squash growers often use plastic mulch to suppress weeds and conserve moisture; however, this affects the behavior and management of squash bug. This two-year study evaluated the effects of white, black, and reflective plastic mulch colors, compared with no mulch, on the occurrence of all squash bug life stages and marketable zucchini yield in Virginia. Results suggest that reflective and other plastic mulch colors can negatively impact squash bug management by increasing squash bug numbers: adults and egg masses were more numerous on zucchini plants grown in white and reflective plastic mulch compared to bare ground crops. The results will be of interest to cucurbit growers and pest managers, when considering use of plasticulture in their growing systems.

Technical Abstract: The squash bug, Anasa tristis De Geer (Hemiptera: Coreidae), is a serious pest of cucurbit crops across the US, especially within summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) systems. Using their piercing sucking mouthparts, squash bugs feed on both leaf tissue and fruits, often leading to leaf necrosis, marketable fruit loss, and even plant death. To date, the relationship between squash bug presence and plasticulture has not been adequately investigated. This two-year study evaluated the effects of white, black, and reflective plastic mulch colors on the occurrence of all squash bug life stages and marketable zucchini yield in Virginia. In both years, A. tristis adults and egg masses were more numerous on zucchini plants grown in white and reflective plastic mulch compared to bare ground plants. Greater nymphal densities and marketable fruit yield were observed in certain plastic mulch treatments versus the bare ground treatment, yet these differences were not consistent in both years. Contrary to the repellency effects reflective mulches have on other cucurbit insect pests, our research suggests reflective and other plastic mulch colors can negatively impact squash bug management, especially in regions with high A. tristis pressure. Our study offers new insights for cucurbit growers to use when considering whether they should implement plasticulture in their growing systems.