Pest management

High tunnels are effective in reducing pest outbreaks that routinely occur in the open field environment. Growing crops earlier in the season avoids many pests, which normally become established later in the season. However, insects and diseases can enter and spread within the high tunnel. Maintaining healthy, nonstressed plants, managing the high tunnel environment properly, preserving beneficial insects and early pest detection will prevent many pests from becoming a problem within the high tunnel. The following are some pests detected on high tunnel melons and watermelons in the central Midwest.