For operations looking to diversify product offerings, pre-finished containers of fruiting vegetables and herbs are a convenient and efficient choice that can be cultivated alongside ornamental plants during the spring and summer.  However, it’s important to scout for and understand common pests to successfully produce edible crops.

Monitor key threats to vegetable and herb plants

Tomatoes, peppers, basil and rosemary are customer favorites and work well in patio containers and garden beds. The most common disease threats to these plants are leaf spots and mildews, as well as insects like two-spotted spider mites and whiteflies.

Leaf spots: Depending on the causal pathogen, fungal leaf spots can vary in shape and size, but tend to be rounded with distinct margins and a colored border.

Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew fungi form white, talcum-like spots called “colonies” on leaves, stems and flowers. If not controlled, severe infections will cause leaves to turn yellow, brown and then drop, resulting in reduced plant vigor and growth.

Downy mildew: Leaf discoloration or spotting, often within the veins, are the most common initial symptoms of downy mildew infection.

Spider mites: These insects feed mainly on the underside of the plant leaf surface, using their stylets to penetrate plant cells and suck out their contents. Damage is first observed on leaf tissue as pale green mottling due to the loss of chlorophyll from damaged cells. With continued feeding, leaves turn yellow with some brown areas.

Whiteflies: One of the most challenging insects in production areas, whiteflies insert their piercing-sucking mouthparts into the phloem and extract plant sap, affecting the overall plant vigor.

Implement solutions for comprehensive insect and disease control

Syngenta offers several products to help protect vegetable and herb plants grown for retail sales including these latest solutions:

• Mainspring^® Xtra insecticide
  • The latest insect control solution from Syngenta.
  • Powered by cyantraniliprole and thiamethoxam to deliver fast-acting and broader-spectrum insect control while improving plant quality.
  • Labeled for use on non-bearing fruit and nut trees and vegetable transplants.
• Palladium^® fungicide
  • Features two modes of action and two active ingredients for protection through systemic and contact activity.
  • Labeled for use on a variety of fruiting vegetable plants to target key diseases including leaf spots and powdery mildew.

For a full list of Syngenta solutions for vegetable crops, visit GreenCastOnline.com/Vegetables.

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© 2025 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties and/or may have state-specific use requirements. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status and proper use. GreenCast^®, Mainspring^®, Palladium^® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective third-party owners.