Pest Management

The number of traits stacked into individual transgenic corn hybrids is increasing every year. With the increasing complexity comes the risk of ordering unnecessary traits. Planting the right “stack” for a particular farm with the correct insect control package is challenging. The table summarizes the current available insect packages in increasing order of “stacked” traits. 1 page.

Although there are many species from the pigweed family in Wisconsin, only some of them are of agricultural importance, and within those, there are 2 of special concern: Waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) and Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri). Waterhemp is common in Wisconsin and has documented resistance to some herbicides. Palmer is not common in Wisconsin but with increasing populations in neighboring states, it is of concern since there has been documented resistance to many herbicides.  This informative card has background information about these two species, as well as a visual guide for identifying what type of pigweed you might have.  This publication is a folded card that is 4 inches wide by 7 inches tall.  It is best viewed as a print publication.

(PDF version for printing) IPM techniques can be used to effectively manage corn rootworm populations and to reduce the potential of future resistance issues.

A handy calendar that visually shows the most common insect pests and diseases in Wisconsin alfalfa, includes brief descriptions of the pests.

Because third party, unbiased Wisconsin data did not exist to support the use of foliar fungicides in corn, staff at the University of Wisconsin initiated an effort to generate data from large and small plot replicated on-farm trials.

Evaluating Corn Roots for Corn Rootworm Damage. A 4x6 inch double sided card for handout.

Field Scouting for Corn Rootworm: An Integrated Pest Management Practice. A 4x6 inch double sided card for handout.

A 2 page flyer about Corn Rootworm Integrated Pest Management.

A handy calendar that visually shows the most common insect pests and diseases in Wisconsin corn, includes brief descriptions of the pests.

Base your decision to apply a fungicide on the presence of disease risk factors and on disease scouting observations.

Guidelines for Insect Resistance Management for Foliar, Seed and Soil-applied Insecticides

Updated for 2019!   The NPM Program and UW Agronomy Department recently updated the Wisconsin herbicide mode of action chart for 2019. This publication provides herbicide mode of action, group number, site of action, chemical family, and example trade names for herbicides currently registered in Wisconsin. The page page of the chart details registered herbicide combination products in Wisconsin including the trade name, active ingredients, trade name examples in the premix, and site of action group.

Pictures and descriptions of common weeds - PDF

(ePub version for mobile devices) IPM techniques can be used to effectively manage corn rootworm populations and to reduce the potential of future resistance issues.

Management of late-season soybean aphid (SBA) populations is complex because of the number of factors which influence population growth and potential for damage. Give careful consideration to each of these factors before deciding on a control recommendation.
• beneficial insects
• white dwarf soybean aphids
• signs of aphid diseases
• cast or “shed” skins
• temperatures within canopy
• wheel traffic yield loss, two-spotted spider mites

Nematodes might be your problem if you are noticing reduced yields in corn and soybean. This publication gives an overview of the problems associated with the soybean cyst nematode and what you can do to determine if they are present in your fields.

Pest Management Fast Facts is a information-packed quick reference that includes information about resistance management; treatment thresholds and scouting techniques for pests of alfalfa, soybean, field corn and small grains; and useful conversions for pesticide applications.

No one will argue the positive impact pollinators have on agricultural crop production. Although several factors have contributed to their decline, pesticide exposure can be a contributing factor. The risk of exposure can be reduced by implementing and understanding the following practices outlined in this publication.  4 pages

Slug Damage to Cereal Rye Seed: Tips for Wisconsin Landowners

A handy calendar that visually shows the most common insect pests and diseases in Wisconsin soybean, includes brief descriptions of the pests.

Farmers and agronomists agree that terminating cover crops with glyphosate can be challenging. When termination fails, the cover crop becomes a weed that can reduce quality and yield in the following crop. Due to these concerns, experiments were established to evaluate the termination of the most common cover crops — annual ryegrass and winter rye — using two glyphosate rates and three timings.

Updated November 2017.  Seed treatments have been used for a number of years, mostly for protection against seedling diseases. However, there are a number of new seed treatments marketed for protection against a range of pests—including seedling diseases, insects and nematodes—and even improving plant health. The purpose of this publication is to take some of the confusion of seed treatments away, giving you a better understanding of what is on your seed. The list covers seed treatments registered in the state of Wisconsin for use on corn and/or soybean seed. 8 pages.

This publication outlines the basics of fungicide resistance management in corn, soybean and wheat in Wisconsin. It introduces what "FRAC" codes are and how to use them effectively in a fungicide resistance management program.