Insecticide Evaluations
Investigators: Dr. Erin W. Hodgson and Greg VanNostrand Read more about Insecticide Evaluations
Investigators: Dr. Erin W. Hodgson and Greg VanNostrand Read more about Insecticide Evaluations
In this extra podcast, Matt O'Neal discusses a recent change to the Iowa bee rule with Betsy Buffington. Betsy works for The Pesticide Applicator Training Program at Iowa State University. She has created a publication about the bee rule, which can be found at the Iowa State University Extension publication office as PAT 47. Visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/store/ for more information.
As we wait for soybean aphids to arrive, we discuss how the early and large outbreak of Japanese beetles in central Iowa may harm crop production. Dr. Hodgson discusses some options for preventing the beetles from clipping corn silk, a significant form of damage caused by these pests. For more info, visit Dr. Hodgson's blog at http://iowabuglife.blogspot.com
Its Friday the 13th and farmers have much to worry about. But despite the record breaking temperatures and drought, there is some good news. We discuss the lack of soybean aphids throughout most of Iowa. However, there are other insect pests that growers should be scouting, including japanese beetles and spider mites. For more info about insects this summer, see Dr. Hodgson's blog (http://iowabuglife.blogspot.com).
Drought conditions continue for all of Iowa, setting the stage for spider mite outbreaks. Drs. O'Neal and Hodgson discuss the challenges of managing this pest. For more information visit http://iowabuglife.blogspot.com/ for pictures and additional details about spider mites. For more info about managing crops and pests in this drought visit
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/
Erin Hodgson and Matt O'Neal return to talk about insect pests of soybean in Iowa and the greater midwest. On today's episode, the return of the soybean aphid, the japanese beetles and a variety of uncommon insects that feed on soybean plants and other crops (stink bugs, celery leaf tier, and colapspis beetles).
We are getting close to the end of the season and soybean aphids have exceeded the threshold level in northern Iowa. Erin has come back from spraying research plots to share with us updates on timing, product choice and assessing the need for an insecticide during this aphid outbreak.
Also, Matt is going to be interviewed by WHO-TV this Friday. Look for a segment either Friday nite or during the weekend (23-25 Aug) about conserving bees.And finally, this episode is dedicated to Robert Pettis, our #1 fan.
Yes, Phil, they are spraying for aphids in Iowa. Erin and I discuss where in Iowa soybean aphid outbreaks are occurring and the factors that help explain some of the variation in aphid populations between fields. The occurrence of two other pests are noted. Finally, Matt was interviewed on Agribusiness Reports about his lab's work on efforts to conserve bees. For more info see:
(Skip to 1:49): http://whotv.com/2013/08/27/agribusiness-hot-weather-threatens-promising-hog-market/
(Skip to 0:35): http://whotv.com/2013/08/28/agribusiness-researcher-says-bee-habitats-have-multiple-benefits-for-growers/
On a special episode of the podcast, we are visited by Dr. Donald Lewis who asks; "Will the soybean aphid outbreak bring more lady beetles". This hard-hitting question is answered, to the best of their ability by Matt and Erin.
The lady beetle in question, is the multi-colored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis. This is a beneficial insect in soybean fields but a pest in our homes.