Joanne Whalen, Extension IPM Specialist; jwhalen@udel.edu
Alfalfa
Be sure to check for alfalfa weevil adults and larvae within a week of cutting, especially if populations were above threshold before cutting. Feeding from both stages can hold back re-growth. After cutting, there needs to be enough “stubble” heat to control the weevils with a cutting. A stubble treatment will be needed if you find 2 or more weevils per stem and the population levels remain steady.
Field Corn
We are starting to get the first reports of cutworm damage in the earliest planted no-till and minimum till corn. In addition to black cutworm, which generally attack later planted corn, we can find a number of other cutworm species present in corn fields at planting time including the dingy cutworm, claybacked cutworm and variegated cutworm. Information from the Midwest indicates that the claybacked cutworms can cause economic loss in corn. They overwinter as half-grown larvae in the soil so they can get a “jump” on black cutworms when it comes to cutting each spring. Since they are larger in size, this species can damage very young corn plants. Scouting fields at plant emergence is important, even if at planting materials were used, to catch any potential problems. In addition, a higher rate of an insecticide will be needed to control larger cutworms. As a general guideline, a treatment is recommended if you find 10% leaf feeding or 3% cut plants.
Small Grains
The first grass sawflies and true armyworms have been found in fields in Kent and Sussex counties. In addition, cereal leaf beetle adults have been found laying eggs. Population levels remain variable throughout the state, so scouting fields will be the only way to determine if an economic level is present. Depending on the temperature, cereal leaf beetle larvae will feed for up to 3 weeks. Research from Virginia and North Carolina indicates that the greatest damage can occur between flowering and the soft dough stage .Although armyworm can attack both wheat and barley, they can quickly cause significant losses in barley.