4: Insects pests of industrial hemp in the Northeastern US

Hemp is susceptible to a variety of arthropod pests, and understanding which pests are present in our region is crucial for a successful integrated pest management approach. We scouted hemp fiber and grain crops in 2018, and hemp flower crops in 2019 to get a clearer picture of the arthropod pests on Northeastern hemp farms. In fiber and grain, aphids, potato leafhoppers, Japanese beetles, flea beetles, tarnished plant bugs, and thrips were minimal. Aphid populations grew over the season In CBD hemp flower and varied between some varieties, while European corn borers were the only other arthropod found in substantial numbers. Aphid infestations have not been shown to affect plant yields in our region, but honeydew secretions are known to promote sooty mold and decrease quality. Damage from the first flight of European corn borer can lead to lodging, and larvae from the second flight will bore into developing colas, leading to reduced quality and yields. These data represent only one growing season for each trial, and in only one location. For that reason, we are currently surveying hemp at 16 locations across CT, MA, ME, NY, and VT to better understand geographic differences of hemp pests in the Northeast.