Skip to main content

When (cut and army) worms attack!

Matt and Erin took May off from podcasting, but had a lot to talk about in the third episode of season 8. The cool, wet spring resulted in delayed planting for some; however, many of their research plots went in the ground this week. There have been a number of black cutworm and true armyworm reports throughout Iowa the last two weeks. Treatment decisions are based on plant growth stage, pest density and injury. Read more about their biology and management in ICM News articles:

Armyworms in southeastern Iowa

Black cutworm monitoring for 2017

Scouting for pests in cover crops

Erin also reported common stalk borer is moving to corn and soybean, particularly in the southern counties. Fields with stalk borer injury should scout now. Also, some fields are experiencing slugs - injury is most noticeable in fields with high residue. Finally, Matt and Erin got a USDA Challenge Grant and are looking for an extension program specialist that can work with farmers, beekeepers and conservationists. Find the job description here

Grad student planting soybeans this week

Ashley Dean, new graduate student, helping plant her soybean research project at the NW Research Farm near Sutherland. Photo by Greg VanNostrand.

black cutworm

Black cutworm. Photo by Adam Sisson.

Soybean Research Podcast

Drs. Matt O’Neal and Erin Hodgson created a podcast to promote IPM concepts, like identification, sampling, economic thresholds, and insecticide efficacy. They also talk about updates on invasive pests and regulatory news, and translate new research relative to insects in agriculture.

Follow