Category Archives: Insects

11 Jun 2020

Moth Trapping Data and Southwestern Corn Borers

11 Jun 2020
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SWCB moth

Just a reminder that moth trapping data are collected weekly and reported on this website under the Quick Links menus (http://www.utcrops.com/BlogStuff/2020MothTrappingData.pdf). Moth catches of bollworm (corn earworm) and tobacco budworm are low, typical of this time of year.  However, southwestern corn borer traps in some areas are pretty high. For those with non-Bt corn, this is a cause for concern in those areas (and perhaps others). This first generation will be found feeding within whorls until they begin stalk tunneling. You can read more about their management by Continue reading →

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04 Jun 2020

Cotton Insect Update … Thrips Be Rolling

04 Jun 2020
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Severe thrips injury on untreated cotton

It’s been a challenge getting our crops in the ground, and our planting dates are really stretched out. It is especially important that our late planted cotton gets off to a good start to make up for a little lost time. Unfortunately, the ‘Thrips Infestation Predictor for Cotton’ (https://climate.ncsu.edu/cottonTIP) appears to be dead on in predicting our heaviest thrips pressure will occur in early June, just as our later planted cotton is most susceptible. I’d suggest making an insecticide application to Continue reading →

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28 May 2020

Reminder – UT Cotton Scout School (8:30, Friday May 29th via Zoom)

28 May 2020
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Because of the COVID-19 situation, the 2020 UT Cotton Scout School will be held by webinar (via Zoom) on May 29th, beginning at 8:30 AM and ending by Noon. Participants will be required to preregister to receive the Zoom password to enter the meeting. To preregister, please email LaDonn Kelso at dkelso2@utk.edu. She will reply to your message with the Zoom meeting password.

Pesticide re-certification points and Continue reading →

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21 May 2020

Moth Trapping Data

21 May 2020
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Corn earworm (bollworm) moth

A reminder that moth trapping data are updated weekly at http://www.utcrops.com/BlogStuff/2020MothTrappingData.pdf, and you can also access these data on the Quick Links of this site.  Pheromone-baited traps are run for corn earworm (bollworm), tobacco budworm, and southwestern corn borer.

Currently, moth trap catches are generally low, as typically observed this time of year.

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30 Apr 2020

Insects on the Radar

30 Apr 2020
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Black cutworm and cut cotton plant

This article is a reminder about some critters we need to watch for in the coming few weeks. It’s easy to let something slip through the cracks when you are distracted with planting operations. Try to circle back to emerging fields as best you’re able during the first 2-3 weeks after planting to check on plant stands and other issues.

Wheat – True armyworm is the insect most likely to cause issues at this time of year. Even so, it doesn’t commonly require treatment. However, excessive defoliation before the dough stage can reduce yields, and this pest is easily controlled with pyrethroid insecticides. The treatment threshold is 6-8 larvae per square foot while wheat is still in the milk stage. You can read more about true armyworms at Continue reading →

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02 Apr 2020

Thinking About Insect Pests During Planting Season

02 Apr 2020
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Black cutworm and cut cotton plant

There are some basic management practices that can affect, sometimes worsen, and other times be used to reduce risks of insect pest injury. Below, I’ve included some observations and suggestions for your consideration.

As a general rule of thumb (but not universally true), no-till production increases the risk of some problems including pests like cutworm, threecornered alfalfa hopper, slugs, and several below ground pests (e.g., wireworms and white grubs). Of course, tillage is not an option in most areas of Tennessee. Thus, most entomologists suggest Continue reading →

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