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
IPM Field Day for Urban Growers
September 10, 2026
Buffalo, NY
Join us for a hands-on field day exploring integrated pest management and season extension tools for urban growing spaces and the opportunity to build community with local growers!
This event will focus on best practices for using row covers and rat mitigation. Check out our CCE demonstration trial using insect exclusion netting to manage swede midge, an invasive fly that causes damage to brassica crops. Explore how to identify rat activity, reduce attractants, and strengthen site management. Hear from local growers on how they manage pests with a focus on organic management and how they extend the season on their farms and gardens.