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

Soybean Aphid Update for Late August 2008

By WCM Staff on 8/21/2008 4:38 PM

Soybean aphid populations have not yet “crashed”. As of the week of August 18th, soybean aphid populations have continued to flourish and increase beyond threshold in some areas of Wisconsin.

Western Bean Cutworm Reported - Monitor Field & Sweet Corn for Egg Masses and Small Larvae

By WCM Staff on 8/7/2008 12:41 PM

Western bean cutworm (WBC) moth flight, egg hatch and larval development underway in Wisconsin.

Section 18 for Coragen, for Corn Earworm, Sweet Corn

By WCM Staff on 7/24/2008 5:40 PM

On July 23rd, the U.S. EPA approved a Section 18 request by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection (WI DATCP) and UW Madison Entomology Department for the use of the insecticide, Coragen (DuPont), in the state of Wisconsin. Use of Coragen on sweet corn is targeted for late-planted sweet corn that is historically susceptible to migrating Corn Earworm (CEW) moths that cause considerable damage to sweet corn ears.

Soybean Aphid Increasing and Variable – Scout Fields Now

By WCM Staff on 7/24/2008 2:50 PM

This week soybean aphid populations have increased noticeably. That is a relative term in this case. In some areas such as Dodge and Sauk Counties, this increase is from near zero activity to field averages of 10 aphids/plant and 30-60 aphids/plant. In other areas however, West Central and East Central Wisconsin for example, higher populations are starting to be reported closer to Economic Threshold in a few fields.

Corn Rootworm Beetles and Silk Clipping

By WCM Staff on 7/17/2008 1:34 PM

This could be one of those years when it pays to scout corn fields for silk clipping caused by Western and Northern corn rootworm beetles. Both species are attracted to pollinating fields and are capable of clipping silks prior to fertilization resulting in poor ear fill. The concern this year would be over variable planting dates.

Alert: Corn Earworms off to an Unusually Early Start

By WCM Staff on 7/2/2008 2:16 PM

Corn earworm moth flights have been high for the past three weeks in Wisconsin, as well as IL, IN and IA. During the last week in June, WI DATCP pest survey reported high average nightly pheromone trap catches ranging from 2 to 30 moths at locations including Cashton, Janesville, Lancaster, Manitowoc, Tomah and Sparta.

Time to Work Potato Leafhopper Scouting into Hay and Forage Schedule

By WCM Staff on 7/2/2008 2:10 PM

We know the importance of scouting new seeding alfalfa which is particularly sensitive to potato leafhopper feeding damage. While corn and soybean prices are high, hay and forage values have increased in a tight supply market. This is not the year to fall behind on potato leafhopper scouting. Both new seeding and established stands should be monitored closely by regular sweep net scouting.

Slugs in Corn

By WCM Staff on 7/2/2008 2:07 PM

I received two reports of slug feeding on corn over the last week, with questions about this occasional crop pest. One report came from Ted Bay, UW-Extension Grant County in southwestern WI. Additionally, Paul Sturgis, Croptech Agronomics, reported slug damage in corn fields from his area in north central WI (northern Wood, western Marathon, northern Clark and southern Taylor counties).

Soybean Aphid update

By WCM Staff on 6/25/2008 2:32 PM

Soybean aphids made their debut in early vegetative soybeans in Wisconsin over the last two weeks. Reports in this article are from V2 to V4 soybeans. Populations are not of economic concern at this time. Weekly soybean aphid scouting should begin by late vegetative soybean growth stage and before early reproductive stage (beginning bloom). It is a good idea to monitor soybean fields for arrival of soybean aphid and colonization in your fields while checking soybean stands.

European Corn Borer update

By WCM Staff on 6/23/2008 2:54 PM

Degree Day accumulations suggest the southern ½ of Wisconsin is at, or just past peak European corn borer flight and the most opportune treatment timing (if needed) may be starting in southern Wisconsin. Spot-check earliest planted corn because it is more attractive to female first generation European corn borer moths to lay eggs.

What else is going on??

By WCM Staff on 6/19/2008 12:18 PM

There have been a few reports of armyworm damage on corn planted after a small grain cover crop or in dense weed growth. This is not out of the ordinary for this time of the year. But it does make you wonder what is happening in wheat. I’ve noticed some lodging of wheat from recent storms.

Alfalfa Weevil Development

By WCM Staff on 6/19/2008 12:15 PM

There has not been any widespread insect problems reported lately, but there have been some isolated reports of a few different problems. Alfalfa weevil is one that should be mentioned.

Seedcorn Maggot Injury to Soybean

By WCM Staff on 6/11/2008 1:31 PM

Shawn Conley and John Gaska, Dept of Agronomy, reported on the potential for reduced soybean seed quality this year and their concern for planting in cool wet soils. This article is just a quick reminder that seedcorn maggot may also be a contributing factor. Seedcorn maggot injury is often more severe during a cool/wet growing season and soybean are more susceptible to maggot injury than corn.

Diagnosing Early Season Corn Insect Damage

By WCM Staff on 6/11/2008 1:26 PM

It looks like we have finally turned the corner and are getting the warm weather we all hoped for. When the fields dry, a lot of us will be walking corn looking for early season problems. One thing is certain; you will find some insect injury.