Partitioning yield loss on yellow squash into nematode and insect components

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Entomology
• Plant Pathology
• Crop Science

Background:

• Yellow squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) is susceptible to yield losses caused by a complex of insect and nematode pests.
• Effective pest management strategies are crucial for maximizing crop yield and quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify yield losses in yellow squash attributed to specific insect and nematode pests.
• To analyze the combined and individual effects of insect and nematode control on crop yield.
• To evaluate the accuracy of multiple regression models in predicting yield loss.

Main Methods:

• Field tests were conducted in southern Florida using permethrin for insect control and oxamyl for nematode and insect control.
• Pesticides were applied alone and in combination to differentiate pest impacts.
• Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the contribution of various pests to yield loss.

Main Results:

• Combined insect and nematode pest pressure caused estimated yield losses of 23.4% and 30.4% in the two trials.
• The melonworm (Diaphania hyalinata) was a primary contributor to loss, along with nematodes (Quinisulcius acutus, Rotylenchulus reniformis) in the second trial.
• Multiple regression models showed higher accuracy in predicting yield loss when both insect and nematode populations were considered.

Conclusions:

• Integrated pest management strategies targeting both insects and nematodes are essential for yellow squash production.
• Rotylenchulus reniformis and Diaphania hyalinata represent significant threats to yellow squash yield in southern Florida.
• Accurate yield loss prediction requires considering the synergistic effects of multiple pest types.