Wisconsin Crop Manager newsletter

Author:	WCM Staff	Created:	4/21/2006 12:13 PM
Whats bugging you. Articles concerning insects on field crops in Wisconsin

Alfalfa Weevil in Second Crop Regrowth

By WCM Staff on 5/29/2008 10:54 AM

In the southern part of Wisconsin we have reached or exceeded 300 weevil degree days and damage reports have been on the quiet side. This could be a result of low weevil populations or a weather-friendly cutting schedule. If it was the latter, it might be worth some time to spot check fields for signs of damage to second crop regrowth.

Spot Check for Early Season Armyworm Damage

By WCM Staff on 5/28/2008 3:52 PM

Now isn’t the time we normally think about widespread armyworm damage in corn. However, it is the time when migrating moths are moving into the state and may cause damage to scattered seedling corn fields when/if field conditions are favorable. This spring migration is unpredictable in terms of incidence and severity.

Preparing for Stalk Borer Migration to Corn

By WCM Staff on 5/27/2008 2:01 PM

Degree day accumulations (base 41º) in southern Wisconsin indicates stalk borer eggs are hatching and migration to corn can be expected soon. Although there hasn’t been a lot of interest in their control recently, high corn/input prices may indicate a closer look this year.

New UWEX Pub – Western bean cutworm: A pest of field and sweet corn

By WCM Staff on 5/21/2008 5:15 PM

Western bean cutworm (WBC), traditionally a pest of the western Corn Belt, is an emerging pest in Wisconsin. As this pest will likely become established after arrival in a state, it is important that growers and agricultural professionals know how to identify and manage it.

Corn Rootworm Egg Hatch Update for Wisconsin

By WCM Staff on 5/21/2008 5:08 PM

With the relatively cool spring temperatures this year, insect development degree-days have been accumulating about 1-2 weeks slower than a typical spring. Corn planting is finishing up in Wisconsin, and growers and consultants will begin to ask about corn rootworm egg hatch and expected time frame of first through third larval instar corn rootworm feeding on corn roots.

Will we have Significant Alfalfa Weevil Damage in 2008?

By WCM Staff on 5/15/2008 12:41 PM

Last year we saw a noticeable increase in weevil incidence and severity compared to previous years. That by itself doesn’t mean weevil damage will be higher this year. But it does give us a reminder that we should continue to scout alfalfa fields in a timely manner.

Cool Wet Weather May Increase Secondary Insect Injury to Corn

By WCM Staff on 5/15/2008 12:38 PM

The cool, wet weather we’ve been experiencing has the potential to increase the amount of secondary insect injury to corn seed and/or emerging seedlings. The longer it takes corn to develop the longer it will be susceptible. The end results may be reduced stands and poor seedling vigor which are often mistakenly attributed to planter problems or poor seed quality.

New pub- Moth Identification Guide for Blacklight Trap Catch in Wisconsin

By WCM Staff on 5/15/2008 12:25 PM

New UW Extension Publication A3855 -- If you are maintaining a blacklight trap, you'll appreciate being able to refer to this overview of moths you're likely to encounter. This concise guide highlights key wing markings to help you quickly identify specimens. It profiles 16 common moths.

Bt Corn Insect Resistance Management Audio/Visual Resource Online

By WCM Staff on 5/8/2008 1:58 PM

DTN and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) hosted a free web seminar last week on Bt Corn Insect Resistance (IRM) and refuges. If you missed the DTN/NCGA online event last Friday, you can now view and listen to the program on Bt Corn IRM and refuges.

Have Corn Rootworm Eggs Hatched Yet in Wisconsin? – Not yet

By WCM Staff on 5/8/2008 1:48 PM

This spring, ZedX, Inc. is providing our UW Madison Extension field crop entomology program with statewide soil temperature updates and estimated corn rootworm hatch and larval development progress.

Black Cutworms

By WCM Staff on 5/8/2008 1:36 PM

Adult black cutworm moths migrate to the Midwest from the Gulf states each spring with the heaviest migration occurring in April and May.

Insect Resistance Management and Refuge Requirements for Bt Corn

By WCM Staff on 5/1/2008 4:29 PM

Planting Bt corn hybrids this spring? If so, growers are required by law to have an insect resistance management (IRM) plan in place. An IRM plan is implemented by planting refuge corn acres on each farm where a Bt corn hybrid is planted. Refuge corn acres are hybrids that do not contain the Bt insect trait used in the Bt planting.

Stink Bugs in Corn and Soybeans

By WCM Staff on 8/23/2007 12:18 PM

Stink bugs are making an appearance in corn and soybean fields this late season, in higher numbers than usual, particularly the green stink bug.

Binodoxys communis Field Cage Releases for Control of Soybean Aphid in Wisconsin

By WCM Staff on 8/15/2007 2:04 PM

On Friday, August 10th 2007, releases of the soybean aphid parasitoid Binodoxys communis were made in field cages in southern Wisconsin.