E-Journal of Entomology and Biologicals

Integrated pest management recommends using multiple approaches such as selection of resistant varieties, manipulation of habitat and modifying cultural practices in a manner that is not beneficial to the pest, and conserving natural enemies before using pesticides.

Lygus bug on strawberry (Photo by Surendra Dara) Western tarnished plant bug (Lygus hesperus), also known as lygus bug is a major pest of strawberries. Feeding damage results in misshapen fruit which is not marketable.

Western tarnished plant bug (Lygus hesperus), also known as lygus bug, is a major pest of strawberries in California. Ideal environmental conditions and the diversity and abundance of crop and weed hosts that support the pest contributed to its increasing populations.

Strawberry field with spider mite infestation. Plants in the lower part of the photo are stunted due to twospotted spider mite damage (Photo by Surendra Dara) Multiple species of spider mites infest strawberries in California.

Bagrada bug adults on grass (Photos by Bryan Jones, San Francisco) Invasive Bagrada bug continues to spread to various counties in California. Compared to previous years, reports of Bagrada bug infestations came in quite late in 2013. They also seemed to survive cold winters.