squash bugs and peonies - Ask Extension
Hello- one of my squash plants has squash bugs. Should I remove that plant, or leave it as bait so that they leave my other squash plants alone? Also ...
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squash bugs and peonies #880089
Asked August 04, 2024, 12:55 AM EDT
Hello- one of my squash plants has squash bugs. Should I remove that plant, or leave it as bait so that they leave my other squash plants alone? Also what do you recommend I do to prevent the bugs from attacking my other plants?
Additionally- my peony leaves have some black spots on them. What do you recommend?
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Monica,
Thank you for using Ask Extension.
For the peony it is likely botrytis
Peony (Paeonia spp.)-Botrytis Blight | Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks (pnwhandbooks.org)
Cultural controls are documented in the link and there are two chemical controls marked with an H that can be used by home gardeners.
For your squash bugs, if you grow it, they will come eventually. If they prefer one plant over another, it may be the variety (you don't say if they are the same--is one plant a summer squash like zucchini or is it winter squash like delicata or pumpkin?) You may want to skip growing that squash for a couple of years (using crop rotation)
the link below is a good overall reference, but I allow for some damage as I'm a 'least toxic' gardener, but you can use covers (spun polyester) for a physical barrier, promote 'good bugs' (those that prey on the pests).
Vegetable Gardening in Oregon | OSU Extension Service (oregonstate.edu)
Thank you for using Ask Extension.
For the peony it is likely botrytis
Peony (Paeonia spp.)-Botrytis Blight | Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks (pnwhandbooks.org)
Cultural controls are documented in the link and there are two chemical controls marked with an H that can be used by home gardeners.
For your squash bugs, if you grow it, they will come eventually. If they prefer one plant over another, it may be the variety (you don't say if they are the same--is one plant a summer squash like zucchini or is it winter squash like delicata or pumpkin?) You may want to skip growing that squash for a couple of years (using crop rotation)
the link below is a good overall reference, but I allow for some damage as I'm a 'least toxic' gardener, but you can use covers (spun polyester) for a physical barrier, promote 'good bugs' (those that prey on the pests).
Vegetable Gardening in Oregon | OSU Extension Service (oregonstate.edu)
