Reports are coming in that black cutworm larvae are cutting corn and even soybeans. We don’t often see cutting in soybeans but two fields in Niagara region were reported today with significant stand loss and a variety of sizes of larvae (Figures 1 & 2). Fields not treated with an insecticide seed treatment or planted […]
The storm fronts that pushed up from the southern states over the last month not only carried rain with them but also carried in black cutworm moths. Trap catches have been higher than normal this year in neighbouring states, indicating a higher risk this spring for Ontario. Once they arrive, the adult moths look for […]
When springs are cool and wet, it results in two things. 1) Difficulty with getting good weed control in before planting and 2) Pushing planting into cooler soils that may cause the seed to sit for a while. Both of these can increase the risk for early season pest issues. Here are some of the […]
I’ve had a few calls in the past few days asking about armyworm and black cutworm damage in soybeans. I had the chance to get out to a few fields and found that the damage is being caused by the variegated cutworm (Peridroma saucia). The variegated cutworm is another migrating moth that comes into Ontario […]
Alfalfa Weevil Reports from Michigan and Iowa indicate that alfalfa weevils were activity is early this year. We’ve had some fairly warm weather earlier this spring and the weevils likely have had a bit of a head start. I was out in some fields in Oxford this week and I found some early instar larvae […]
It’s been quite a week and it’s only Tuesday. Many of you are calling about one of these pest issues so hopefully I can help answer all of your questions here. Grass Sawfly in Wheat: Once you start to see sawfly feeding (see previous blog for pics and details) the feeding damage is nearly done. […]
Lots of reports are coming in of black cutworm and armyworm damage in Ontario. Black cutworm has been found feeding in numerous corn fields and even an alfalfa field. Locations that I know of so far include fields near: Parkhill, Watford, Embro (alfalfa field), Renfrew County, and parts of West Elgin. True armyworm has also […]
States to the south of us have been reporting intense black cutworm moth captures over the last few weeks. The continuous storm fronts that keep moving across Ontario could be carrying some of these moths to us. In addition, rain has kept us from getting into the fields to manage the annual weeds (especially chickweed) […]
Calls continue to come in of feeding damage found even in corn larger than 5 leaf stage. Some of the larger plants (6-7 leaf) are being mined into at the base of the plants and smaller plants are being cut off. In most of the cases, the culprit is black cutworm. Though it is odd […]
Thanks to Nick Zwambag for commenting on here that they are seeing cabbage seedpod weevil activity in winter canola near thamesville earlier this week. But with this weather, little can be done about it and fortunately the cool temps should slow them down a bit. Scout once this front goes through and see what infestations […]
What a spring so far. Things are happening fast. Given the warm start to the season, we should expect an early start for many of our early season insect pests too. Consider scouting at least 2 weeks earlier than norm. Alfalfa weevils should be active shortly if they are not already (anyone find any yet?). […]
Thanks for the Heads-up Bob Buis! Bob reports that he has seen a field with 5% of the plants cut by cutworm in the Lighthouse Cove (Tilbury) area. Cutting indicates that the cutworm larvae are bigger and more mature and may be difficult to control. Now that corn fields are emerging, they need to be scouted every […]
