Insects for this Week

First off, I apologize for not updating the blog for the last little while.  I’ve been busy with setting up the SouthWest Diagnostic Days and just ran out of time.  But let me catch you up on a few things that have taken place but I am also hoping that others who have been out in fields more than I this week can send their comments in on what they are seeing.

SOYBEAN APHIDS – Looks like we have a few fields out there that are reaching above the threshold of 250 aphids per plant and increasing, present on 80% of the plants as they enter the R1 stage soys, particularly in Eastern Ontario (Stomont, Dundas and Glengarry counties) and Southern Quebec.  Spraying has been taking place over the last week in Eastern Ontario.   Now that most of the soybeans are in or are about to hit R1 across the province, scouting should be done at least once a week to assess what the aphids and natural enemies are doing.  Many of the fields are in good shape with timely rains and lots of natural enemies but others are starting to feel the stress from lack of rain and fluctuating temps.

WESTERN BEAN CUTWORM – A few moths have now been found in Ontario through our trapping system.  So far moths have been caught in Essex and Chatham Kent Counties (only 1 moth in each of 4 traps).  Any trap participants out there are asked to send in their information in on a timely basis so that we can continue to report and map these captures.  We will keep you informed on any increasing levels of captures and “areas of concern” that may need to be scouted for egg masses and potential damage. 

That’s all for today!  Please send in your comments on what you are seeing out there so that we can share that information.

3 thoughts on “Insects for this Week

  1. Tracy, I noticed some feeding on my corn. Paul Robinson identified it as Salk Borer and said no treatment was necessary. Just wondered if you were seeing much of this.

    1. Hi Brent

      Did he mean Stalk Borer or is he getting that confused with European corn borer? Here is a pic of Common Stalk Borer : http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/icm/files/images/stalkborerearly-2.jpg

      If it is Stalk Borer, then yes, he is correct. Since the larvae would be in the stalk already, spray would not be effective. Plus, we tend to find this insect only at very low densities and has not reached thresholds in Ontario that I know of.

      Let me know if that is what you found. Otherwise, we can see about getting some samples to me to identify.
      Tracey

  2. Thanks Tracey.

    Yes, Paul was sure that’s what it was. It was in pretty well every stalk along the outside row but didn’t move into the field.

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