 | Jess Daniels is Manager of AGChoice of Hepler. For more information please call 620-368-4347.
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Agriculture
2012-04-20 11:29:38
Increased insect pressure
Q: Will this mild winter and warm spring make the insects worse this year in the crops? What pest should I be most concerned about?
A: According to a study put out by Purdue University, this winter has been the warmest on record since the year 2000. Now, a warm spring could mean an earlier and perhaps greater insect pressure this season.
The problem occurs when insects overwintering in the area emerge earlier than normal. When the conditions remain favorable, more of them survive, leading to more generations of the pest. The warm temperatures even impact the migrating insects, as they would be able to survive closer to home and have less distance to fly to infest crops come spring.
The potential for yield reduction and economic loss is greatly determined by the crop growth stage at time of infestation as well as any steps taken to mitigate the problem. The steps taken in prevention should include planting seed with seed protection traits, the use of treatment products, and diligent scouting to find and identify any outbreaks.
In soy crops, one pest that could pose a considerable threat is the Bean Leaf Beetle. The beetle overwinters under plant debris and when the spring temperatures rise, flies to nearby crops as soon as plants begin to emerge.
In corn crops, it is the Corn Flea Beetle that poses the greatest threat. The problem lies with the beetles’ ability to transmit the Stewarts bacterial wilt. Fortunately, they are not considered a major pest to hybrid corn.
With proper treatment and diligence you should have a successful season, just keep a close eye on those pests.
