Organic-Allowed Insecticide Options for the Management of Six Major Insect Pests in Arizona’s Vegetable Crops

Abstract

This report summarizes field trial results from the 2024–2025 growing seasons conducted at the University of Arizona Yuma Agricultural Center to evaluate organic-allowed insecticide options for managing key pests in Arizona vegetable production. Trials focused on six major pests affecting leafy greens and Brassica crops: diamondback moth, beet armyworm, pale striped flea beetle, whitefly, green peach aphid, and western flower thrips. Results showed that Entrust consistently provided high efficacy against thrips, while combinations of Bacillus thuringiensis products (XenTari and DiPel), Pyganic, and Entrust were most effective for managing diamondback moth and beet armyworm. M-Pede and Aza-Direct offered measurable control of green peach aphid and whitefly populations, with M-Pede performing best in lettuce. Pale striped flea beetle management required multiple applications, with Biolink- and Entrust-based mixes showing the most promise. These results provide updated guidance on integrating effective organic insecticides into desert vegetable IPM programs.