Syngenta says farmers can reduce disease by controlling whiteflies

One of the best ways to stop the disease found in squashes and melons is to control the whiteflies.
One of the best ways to stop the disease found in squashes and melons is to control the whiteflies. | File photo
Syngenta suggests farmers can decrease disease in the U.S. by controlling the whiteflies on their squashes and melons.

Whiteflies, which are common pests, are known to carry several dangerous diseases, like cucurbit leaf crumple virus, squash vein yellow virus, and cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus. As the foods are ripening, pests and diseases are growing in numbers. All of these kill off the cucurbit harvest. One of the best ways to stop the disease found in squashes and melons is to control the whiteflies themselves.

According to Syngenta, farmers can fight the disease in their fields with a variety of insecticides and control approaches. The company recommends using crop rotation techniques, applying insecticides designed for whitefly control, and guaranteeing that rows and plants have proper spacing.

To further ensure that whiteflies do not infest crops, it is best to use Durivo in soil, mixing the active ingredients with thiamethoxam and chlorantraniliprole. This approach offers systemic insect control for 40 or more days.

Syngenta also recommends Fulfill insecticide (it uses translaminar and locally systemic activity to suppress whiteflies) and Voliam Flexi insecticide (with thiamethoxan and chlorantraniliprole, it provides long-term control against whiteflies).