Muck Onion "Research Scouting" Program
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program

To keep our fingers on the pulse of insect and disease pressure in muck onion production in our supporting counties, CVP Onion Technicians scout a handful of fields weekly counting disease lesions and onion thrips. Scouting reports are sent to grower cooperators complete with Cornell recommendations. This is a way of evaluating effectiveness of pest management programs, as well as a means of helping onion growers to implement onion IPM by spraying for pests only when they need to be.
Scouting usually begins in June and finishes in mid- to late-August. For more information, contact Christy Hoepting.

Upcoming Events
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Field Meeting for Auction Growers -- Chautauqua
July 14, 2026
Panama, NY
A field walk will demonstrate pest management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. CCE Cornell Vegetable Program Specialist Judson Reid will identify weeds, insects and diseases in vegetables and will go over management options such as inter-row cover crops, grafting, and where appropriate, spray options.
DEC recertification credits will be offered.
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Field Meeting for Auction Growers -- Allegany
July 15, 2026
Fillmore, NY
A field walk will demonstrate pest management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. CCE Cornell Vegetable Program Specialist Judson Reid will identify weeds, insects and diseases in vegetables and will go over management options such as inter-row cover crops, grafting, and where appropriate, spray options.
DEC recertification credits will be offered.
Pest Management for Small-Scale Growers
July 23, 2026
Rochester, NY
Join us for a hands-on field day exploring integrated pest management tools for small-scale growing spaces and the opportunity to build community with local growers! Learn the best practices for using row covers, biocontrols, trapping, and more.