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/