Category Archives: Insects

07 Jul 2017

Moth traps and southwestern corn borers

07 Jul 2017
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As always, moth trapping data for the season can be found on the quick links menu (http://www.utcrops.com/BlogStuff/2017MothTrappingData.pdf). We are now catching a few more corn earworm (bollworm) moths, but nothing too startling. However, it is clear that the second generation moth flight for southwestern corn borer is underway, and we will catch even more moths next week. Keep in mind that there is a lot of variation among locations. It can be a waste of money to treat for southwestern corn borers based on trap catches that are not near your fields. You should be running a few Continue reading →

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23 Jun 2017

Kudzu Bug Migration into Soybean

23 Jun 2017
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I’ve been watching kudzu bug populations on kudzu, and I am now seeing late-instar immature stages and next-generation adults. This means we will start seeing adults migrating into some soybean fields. With the mild winter and early spring, this migration will be sooner than we’ve seen in the past. We might have expected it to be larger also, but populations on kudzu do not seem especially high. A fungus (Beauveria bassiana) has helped considerably at reducing populations of kudzu bug , and I’m hoping we again see the benefits this year. You will notice a fuzzy white fungus growing on dead nymphs and adults when they are filled by Beauveria. Continue reading →

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21 Jun 2017

2017 Soybean Scout Schools in July (Final Details)

21 Jun 2017
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Looper (2 pair of prolegs)

The 2017 Soybean Scout Schools have been scheduled for three locations. Scout schools are sponsored by the Tennessee Promotion Board. They typically last 2-2.5 hours and provide hands-on training on the basics of soybean growth and the scouting and management of weeds, insects, and diseases. Participants will receive a scouting notebook and complimentary sweep net while supplies last. Pesticide recertification points and CCA CEU points are offered. See below for details, and updates and reminders will be posted in future articles. Continue reading →

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20 Jun 2017

Section 18 (Emergency Exemption) Label for Sivanto Prime in Sweet Sorghum

20 Jun 2017
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The EPA has granted our request for an emergency exemption, allowing the use of Sivanto prime in sweet sorghum for the control of sugarcane aphids.  The section 18 label allows for use up to 10.5 oz/acre in a single application. However, testing in grain sorghum indicates 4-5 oz/acre provides excellent control. Application restrictions are Continue reading →

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19 Jun 2017

Fall Armyworms Look to Make and Early Start (again)

19 Jun 2017
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It seems that fall armyworms have gotten a running start in recent years. This species does not overwinter in Tennessee, but it may survive warm winters in the extreme southern areas of coastal states during mild winters. It migrates into Tennessee each year. Often, fall armyworms don’t show in substantial numbers until late July or August. However, they are being found Continue reading →

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14 Jun 2017

Threecornered Alfalfa Hoppers in Soybean

14 Jun 2017
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Although not a major pest, the threecornered alfalfa hopper (TCAH) causes occasional damage by girdling the main stems of seedling plants (typically those < 10 inches tall). They will feed around the perimeter of the stem with their beak, eventually creating a swollen callus. By itself, this injury does not affect yield, but Continue reading →

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08 Jun 2017

Fire Ant Mounds in Soybean Fields

08 Jun 2017
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Please see the update at the bottom of this article …

Every so often, I get questions about reducing fire ant mounds in reduced-tillage soybean fields, particularly from the southern counties of the state where this occurs most commonly. Fire ants enjoyed our mild winter, so I have had a couple of questions already. This insect causes problems during harvest when Continue reading →

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