Baute Bug Blog

Some counties in Michigan have been given the recommendation to spray their dry beans due to the high moth counts and observations of pod feeding at some locations.  Montcalm County (central Michigan) in particular is at the highest risk with some trap sites capturing over 400-500 moths in the last few weeks.  Isabella, Gratiot and Mecosta counties are also considered at risk.  Current Michigan WBC Trap Map:  http://www.msuent.com/files/WBCmapAug15.pdf

Thankfully Ontario has not yet experienced these kind of levels yet.  Current Ontario WBC Trap Map: http://www.cornpest.ca/?LinkServID=848D2ECA-188B-3AFA-083F4B11E7B95388&showMeta=0

Only one trap site near Appin has accumulated more than 50 moths so far in Ontario.  Others have been ranging from no catches to about 30 moths so far.  We have been scouting for egg masses and feeding damage at most sites that have captured moths but have not found anything yet in corn or dry beans.  However, given what Michigan is dealing with this year, I don’t think we have many more growing seasons to go before we are see levels high enough that management will be needed in at least some fields.

SPIDERMITES: I have a sneaking suspicion that spidermites are making their way into those fields that haven’t had rain in a while.  We have had situations in the past where not only have they popped up in soybeans and were being disregarded as “drought stress” symptoms but also in seed corn, especially around or just after wheat has been harvested in the area.  Be particularly careful in watching those fields that may have had a pyrethroid used recently for any other insect issues.  Pyrethroids do not work on spidermites and can actually cause mite populations to flare up.  For more info on spidermites and scouting, refer to: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub811/13soybean.htm#spider

SOYBEAN APHIDS:  As suspected, some fields are noticing a drastic decline in numbers, while others have seen a drastic increase.  A significant soybean aphid flight took place this week (as captured by our suction traps) and some winged aphids left the early planted fields they started in this summer and have moved to later planted fields either nearby or in other regions entirely.  But we also may have received aphids from neighbouring states and provinces so fields should be checked soon to figure out if you were one of the lucky ones or not. 

 WESTERN BEAN CUTWORM:  We experienced an increase in moth captures this week, indicating that this is a good time to start scouting for egg masses, especially at trap locations that have been catching moths into the double digits.  Since corn is still barely tasseling, the moths will prefer to lay their eggs in corn still.  Trap capture maps for this week are at:  http://www.cornpest.ca/default/index.cfm/wbc-trap-network/weekly-maps-of-wbc-trap-catches/

Information on how to scout for egg masses and larval activity can be found at: http://www.cornpest.ca/?LinkServID=3FD7CC42-65B8-8CF0-A092D60341F09626&showMeta=0   Make sure to click on the speaker notes at the top left of each slide for more detailed information.

Also here is an infosheet on WBC in corn:  http://www.cornpest.ca/?LinkServID=D23DD4EE-188B-3AFA-0809F13CA830D6F4&showMeta=0

Have a Fantastic Long Weekend Everyone!

First off, I apologize for not updating the blog for the last little while.  I’ve been busy with setting up the SouthWest Diagnostic Days and just ran out of time.  But let me catch you up on a few things that have taken place but I am also hoping that others who have been out in fields more than I this week can send their comments in on what they are seeing.

SOYBEAN APHIDS – Looks like we have a few fields out there that are reaching above the threshold of 250 aphids per plant and increasing, present on 80% of the plants as they enter the R1 stage soys, particularly in Eastern Ontario (Stomont, Dundas and Glengarry counties) and Southern Quebec.  Spraying has been taking place over the last week in Eastern Ontario.   Now that most of the soybeans are in or are about to hit R1 across the province, scouting should be done at least once a week to assess what the aphids and natural enemies are doing.  Many of the fields are in good shape with timely rains and lots of natural enemies but others are starting to feel the stress from lack of rain and fluctuating temps.

WESTERN BEAN CUTWORM – A few moths have now been found in Ontario through our trapping system.  So far moths have been caught in Essex and Chatham Kent Counties (only 1 moth in each of 4 traps).  Any trap participants out there are asked to send in their information in on a timely basis so that we can continue to report and map these captures.  We will keep you informed on any increasing levels of captures and “areas of concern” that may need to be scouted for egg masses and potential damage. 

That’s all for today!  Please send in your comments on what you are seeing out there so that we can share that information.

The first report of spraying for armyworm in sweet corn in Essex County came in today. We are not sure how heavy of infestation to expect in other fields but wheat and newly emerging corn fields should be scouted in Essex, Chatham-Kent, Lambton, Elgin and Middlesex counties asap.  Armyworm reports from Essex tend to give us a few days heads-up to catch any infestations in the neighbouring counties.  But other counties in southwestern Ontario should be scouted in the next 7 days to 10 days to determine if armyworm is present there.

A CropPest Newsletter article will go out later this week with details on scouting and management strategies. You can also find information in the Agronomy Guide for Field Crops and past CropPest articles (links provided below)

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub811/3taw.htm

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/field/news/croppest/2008/05cpo08.htm

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 5 days for leaf feeding and cutting.   Don’t assume that insecticide seed treatments or Bt corn will control them since these products typically only work well on the younger, smaller larvae.  This year’s difficult spring has allowed cutworm larvae to feed and grow on the weeds that didn’t get an early burn down while waiting for the corn to come up.   Refer to the OMAFRA Agronomy Guide for thresholds  http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub811/3bcutw.htm   If management is required, spray late in the evening when the larvae are actively feeding.

Happy Scouting and Don’t Forget your Rubber Boots!