Volume 50 No. 12 July 1, 2005
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Volume 50 Number 12 Date 07/01/2005 http://pestbulletin.wi.gov Weather and Pests Weather conditions during the last week continued to be hot and humid, with localized, heavy rain showers occurring across the state. Throughout the south, many acres of corn and soybeans continue to show stress due to inadequate moisture levels. Despite dry conditions, growth of corn, soybeans and third crop alfalfa is advancing at a remarkable rate. As of June 29, the average height of corn was 26 inches, nearly a foot taller than last year's average and the five-year average of 16 inches. Soybeans emerged at 99%, considerably higher than last year's 81% average, and the five-year average of 90%. Corn fields continue to retain a deep green hue, reflecting the abundance of sunlight received in recent weeks. Insect activity intensified only slightly under the extreme heat. High temperatures may have actually suppressed the reproduction and activity of some pest species, particularly soybean aphids. In the week ahead, we expect the emergence of corn rootworm adults, continued growth of soybean aphid populations, and increased pressure from the potato leafhopper. -- Krista Lambrecht Historical Growing Degree-Days Accumulated Since March 1, 2005 (Wisconsin Agricultural Statistics Service) Looking Ahead hay. Fields in the counties listed above are beginning to exhibit the V-shaped yellowing associated with Corn rootworm - Bursting bottle rockets, sparklers and leafhopper feeding called Roman candles signal that it's time to be on the lookout for "hopperburn." Continue to the earliest corn rootworms. Adult emergence in southern scout for leafhoppers and Wisconsin is an event that traditionally begins just after hopperburn in the week Independence Day. Look for the first corn rootworm beetles ahead. of the season to appear in fields next week. Damage caused by larvae should also soon become noticeable in heavily European corn borer - infested fields, particularly following severe thunderstorms or Although the outlook has gusty winds. been for a light first generation, this week's Soybean aphid - Expect aphid populations to approach peak survey findings demonstrate levels in the week ahead as soybean plants reach the early the potential for moderate, possibly even a few heavy corn reproductive stages of growth. DATCP's annual soybean borer infestations to develop. In Juneau, Monroe, Richland aphid survey, targeting peak aphid populations between R2- and Vernon Co. fields, larval feeding was evident on a R4 growth stages, is scheduled to get underway on Tuesday, maximum of 31% of the corn plants. On average, 14-19% of July 5. Little change in aphid densities has taken place in the the plants were infested in fields that were nearing the early past week; however, as temperatures cool off slightly over tassel stage; larvae were predominantly in the second and the weekend, as our local meteorologist foretells, conditions third instars. The second flight of moths should begin about may prove more suitable for increased aphid reproduction. July 9 near Beloit, July 10 near LaCrosse, 1400 GDD50 and July 15 near Hancock, if the heat continues. See the CORN Apple maggot - Two and a half inches of rainfall in a section for this week's survey specifics. -- Krista Lambrecht Crawford Co. orchard was enough to prompt emergence of apple maggot flies this week. Three were captured on a red ball trap near Gays Mills. Apple growers located in areas Corn where soil moisture levels are adequate or where rainfall is received in the coming week should anticipate the European corn borer - While surveys have found mostly very emergence of more apple maggot flies. light infestations of first generation corn borer this summer, a growing number of moderately infested fields were Squash vine borer - There's no time like the present to begin encountered in the past week. The detection of corn borer monitoring pumpkins and squash for squash vine borer hotspots reminds us that some localized heavy infestations infestations. DATCP's West Madison research station are going to develop, even if the overall impact of first cooperator reported a moth sighting at the station's pumpkin generation is expected to be light. Central and west central patch on Thursday. He also noted that chicory is in full bloom corn fields in Dane Co., a phenological event that is closely timed with showed light emergence of squash vine borer moths. If moths are active, it to moderate can be inferred that egg laying also is occurring. Squash vine amounts of borer larvae will feed for 14-30 days, into late July, possibly first early August. In the coming weeks, look for sawdust-like generation frass left behind as the larva feeds within the vine. See Karen corn borer Delahaut's UW-Extension publication X1024 Squash Vine feeding. An Borer at estimated 0- http://www.uwex.edu/ces/wihort/gardenfacts/X1024.pdf, for 31% of the control recommendations. plants in Juneau, Monroe, Richland and Vernon Cos. were infested with first to third instar larvae. A small number of heavy infestations have also developed in the Central Sands, where corn borer levels were high enough to justify implementing control measures. Throughout a majority of the state where 1100 GDD50 have been reached, the corn borer treatment window has closed. The window remains open for another two days in the southeast, and about another week in the north central and Potato leafhopper - Nymphs continue to grow increasingly northeast districts. Scouting for first generation larvae should abundant in alfalfa fields. Sweep net counts in Juneau, not be delayed any longer. The shot-hole feeding injury Monroe, Richland and Vernon Cos. were very near or above associated with corn borer larvae is highly conspicuous and threshold levels this week. The combination of high very easy to assess at this time (see image below). Examine temperatures and dry conditions mean there is a distinct 25 consecutive plants in five separate locations for every 80 possibility that heavy populations could build in third crop acres within a field to accurately assess corn borer levels. This week's corn borer observations were as follows: Juneau Co. fields had infestations ranging from 0-30%, averaging 16.3%; Monroe Co. fields ranged from 0-28%, averaging 14%; Richland Co. infestations ranged from 0-31% averaging 16.3%; Vernon Co. ranged from 0-19%, averaging 11%. Corn rootworm - Growers and consultants are urged to initiate scouting efforts for larval injury during the next two weeks, and to watch closely for the emerging adults at the same time. In the very near future menacing corn rootworm beetles will begin to surface from the soil to clip corn silks, feed on foliage, tassels and pollen. In some instances, beetle populations may be high enough prior to pollen shed to disrupt pollination. The yellow and black striped western corn rootworm typically emerges before the pale green northern Forages variant. Northern corn rootworms tend to be silk feeders, while western corn rootworms are more likely to feed on corn foliage. Expect peak larval feeding, and symptoms Potato leafhopper - From Lyndon Station to LaFarge, potato associated with rootworm feeding, to grow visible between leafhoppers are multiplying at an accelerated rate, thanks to 1300-1700 GDD50. hot, humid conditions. Moderate to high counts are now present in many central and west central alfalfa fields. Nymphs were far more abundant this week compared to last, and some have developed wing pads, an indication that they have reached the third of five nymphal instars. The combined action of the mature migrant leafhoppers and the spry nymph generation means hopperburn may soon become visible in fields with heavy populations. Continue scouting for leafhoppers and hopperburn in third crop hay, and in susceptible crops adjacent to harvested second crop hay fields. When sweeping for leafhoppers, be sure to check closely for the tiny, neon yellow-green nymphs that tend to collect around the rim of sweep nets. Accounting for the one or two adults that managed to escape from sweep nets during sampling, potato leafhopper counts this week were as Sandhill cranes - Another crane damage report came from a follows: Juneau Co.: 0.8-2.2 leafhoppers per sweep in 8-14 Waushara Co. this week, one in a core group of central and inch hay; Richland Co.: 0.2-1.8 leafhoppers per sweep in 6- south central counties where 60% of the Wisconsin's crane 24 inch hay; Vernon Co.: 1.0-2.1 leafhoppers per sweep in 8- population resides (the others are in Columbia, Dane, Dodge, 24 inch hay. To reiterate, a population in excess of 1.0 Green Lake, Marquette, Green Lake, Jefferson and adult/nymph per sweep in 6-12 inch hay is considered high; Winnebago Cos.). Whereas residents in other parts of the the threshold in 12-14 inch hay is 2.0 adults/nymphs per state can look to these slender, stately birds with admiration, sweep. corn and potato growers in these nine counties bear the brunt of crane damage to field crops and understandably look Pea aphid - A quick Google search to find something as at the cranes with contempt. Fields located in close proximity straightforward as the threshold for pea aphids in peas turns to emergent wetlands often sustain substantial economic loss up a host of differing action thresholds, ranging from 10 to and the expense of having to replant. Sandhill cranes 100 per sweep. In last week's issue, and in previous years, commonly pull newly emerged corn seedlings from the we have recommended a ground, and are especially fond of wheat, barley and threshold of 35 pea aphids potatoes. As long as the development of corn seeds coated per sweep in peas. Earlier with a crane deterrent is still in the works, there is little for this week, I received a call frustrated farmers to do to dissuade cranes from their fields.