Alfalfa weevil can be an issue in Ontario, particularly in south-western parts of the province. While outbreaks tend to be isolated, they can be severe and dramatically reduce forage yield and quality. Typically, alfalfa weevil do not reach significant levels until we are ready to take first-cut. However, sometimes alfalfa weevil larvae development is advanced relative to the alfalfa crop,…
A winter wheat field near Owen Sound has 4 to 5 acres of “missing plants”, cut off at the soil level. Not many insects could do that kind of damage this time of year. It sounds like a case of winter cutworm. It was to the day, 4 years ago when I wrote a CropPest article about this pest. A…
When grubs hit hard, forage supplies dwindle fast! Stand loss in hay fields and pastures due to grub damage is becoming more common. Warm open falls and warm springs are ideal for grub feeding activity. (Figure 1) The result is a thin, weedy stand with low yields , and poor resistance to drought. Grubs prefer feeding on grass root systems…
There have been some reports of alfalfa weevil causing damage in some stands and I was out this week to have a look at some fields. The weevils are certainly out there. Considering that some alfalfa fields are hurting from frost damage, some produces may consider holding off on the first cut to let the plants build up more reserves…
Alfalfa Weevil – We are starting to see a lot more alfalfa weevil larvae in the fields we are scouting. Many fields in southwestern Ontario are ready or close to being ready to be cut. I know you are busy trying to get everything planted finally, but I encourage guys to get out and cut the hay (if field is ready) to reduce the risk of…
Just in case some of you are keen and plan to be scotuing this long weekend, there are a few critters you should be watching for. Alfalfa weevil (AW) larvae are starting in some fields. So far just the smaller 1st and 2nd instars but warmer weather will help them grow too. Stay ahead of any infestations by scouting the…
