2012: The Year of The Bug

It's starting to look like the predictions for an increase in insect activity due to the mild winter are correct. 

Army Worm

I think I can say on behalf of all in the area ag industry ENOUGH WITH THE ARMY WORM! 

Winter wheat fields have matured to a safe stage to withstand feeding.  Actually, the worms have left most fields as the leaves are not pallatable.  The only reason to keep an eye on the field is if there is still a very large population of worms present and head clipping is happening but it is very rare.

Still keep an eye on spring grains, pastures, and corn fields for Army Worm.  In most cases in the area, the only damage to corn fields were the outside rounds close to hay fields and wheat fields with high worm populations. 

Aphids

There are scattered reports through Ontario that Aphids are being found on Soy Beans.  Numbers I have heard are up to 25 per plant.  Threshold is 250 per plant and INCREASING.  With aphids, it is important to keep an eye on how the benificial insects are handling the population.  If you spray too early for the aphids, you will wipe the benificial population out and the aphids will quickly ramp up again without the competion from the benificials.  This year, there were already quite a few benficials in the wheat that will hopefully move on to the soybeans.

Leaf Hoppers

It's been a few years since Leaf Hoppers have beem a big problem in the area.  With Cruiser Max seed treatment, leaf hoppers are kept at bay for 5-6 weeks after planting edibles.  By then, hopefully the plants are big enough to withstand some feeding.  Populations are higher this year, so keep an eye on any untreated seed fields and fields that are just at that 5-6 week mark.

Western Bean Cutworm

The first moth was captured a few weeks ago near Alymer.  You can keep an eye on the weekly trap maps here : http://www.cornpest.ca/index.cfm/wbc-trap-network/weekly-maps-of-wbc-trap-catches/southern-ontario/

Well, I hope that is all but am sure it won't be.  I won't rule out spider mites if this weather stays hot and dry. And don't forget about the odd Bean Leaf Beetle and Stink bug!  OMAFRA's bug Blog can be found here : http://fieldcropnews.com/category/bautebugblog/

A little over due (sorry)

Wow, it has been a busy last few weeks! Sorry I haven't updated more. I'll get to some findings in the field but first I wanted to prove to you that I have been working, not laying on a beach somewhere.

As you can see, you don't have to go too far to find some very dry fields. I have also learned that sunscreen loves dust.

This ones just for fun, never thought I would get such a funny tan line in my hands but I guess having your hand curled around the handle bars over a few acres will do this.

So as you saw, I have been out in the fields.

Lots of checking on army worm. Fields in the area are just on the cusp of being mature enough to handle the damage. Also watch your days till harvest interval if you are spraying. Keep an eye on corn, spring grains and pastures adjacent to hay fields and heavily infected wheat fields as the worms are marching.

You may have noticed some yellowish,burnt soybean fields in the last week, especially on the overlaps. The picture below doesn't show much of the burning but the cotyledons are quite speckled.  With the much needed rain, soil applied chemicals have temporarily overwhelmed the soybean plant. Most of the time the plant will grow out of it. Expect more yellow soy fields in the next week or so as rescue post chemicals are being applied and will give a burn. I call these sprays "vacation sprays" because you should go on a vacation for two weeks and then look at the field again. The burn does not usually do harm, in some cases it is thought that it gives the soys a yield bump as it kick starts the plants reproductive growth.

And finally, will the corn be waist high by the first of July? Is it out of the question this year? I don't think so in some fields. With maximum light interception by the longest day of the year and a nice deep root system from the dry spring, things are looking good for the fall!

If it's not one thing, it's another....

Looks like the Army Worms are here a little early.  At the moment, they are being found anywhere it seems from Highway 8 south.  We'll see where they march to.

I would advise you to get out and scout your wheat fields as soon as possible.  First look for feeding on the leaves.  Big bites out of the leaves are a sign that there is army worms in the field.

The best time to scout for the worms is at dusk, when they more up the plant to feed.  On a bright sunny day, the army worms will be curled up on the ground, under some trash.  On an overcast day, grab a handful of plants at the top and shake the stems, see what falls down to the ground. 

Threshold is reached when there are more than 5 army worms per square foot or 19" of row.  Most of the army worms that I saw today were very small, under 1 cm long.  It is important that if your field is over threshold that you apply an insecticide now because as these guys grow, they are going to continue to eat!  Insecticides that work include Matador, Sevin and Lannate.  Talk to your retail for more info on them.  High water volume, high pressure and medium droplets are important for best coverage.

You can see below, fields are getting applications of insecticides now.  This was outside Exeter today.

Bent out of Shape

Finally, a good rain! We were all hoping for it but it has caused some problems too.

Below is a picture I took today. This field received about two inches of rain in the last week and experienced the winds on Friday. Due to a combination of rapid growth from the much needed rain and strong winds at the start of elongation, some plants have a good twist or bend to them. The new leaves are also a lighter shade of green, a result of the plant growing so fast.

It seems a little varietal specific. In the past when I have seen this, the corn usually grows out of it in a few days. Keep an eye on your field and let me know if it doesn't straighten out.