Black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon)

Black cutworm moth captures have been very high in western and eastern NY this year. Larvae will likely be feeding soon. Watch for leaf feeding with the early larval instars. Once the larvae reach the 4^th instar they will start cutting plants off. The threshold for black cutworm is 5% of the plants have been cut. Make sure to scout and have an educated decision behind the use of an insecticide.

black cutworm

Information on Black Cutworm

https://cals.cornell.edu/field-crops/corn/insects-corn/cutworms

True Armyworm (Mythimna unipuncta)

There have only been a few intense catches of true armyworm (see in the table below). While we have low populations this year there can be isolated cases that a field may get a higher population. It is best to scout every 7 to 10 days for all early season insect pests of corn.

True Armyworm Damage

Information on True Armyworm

https://cals.cornell.edu/field-crops/corn/insects-corn/armyworms

NYS Field Crops Pheromone Trap Data Report  Interactive Map

Black Cutworm Degree Day Accumulations

*Intense Catch is over 15 moths in a week.

True Armyworm Degree Day Accumulations

*Intense Catch is over 15 moths in a week.

Alfalfa Weevil (Hypera postica)

Alfalfa weevil may be an issue in alfalfa regrowth this year. It is important to keep scouting for alfalfa weevil over the next few weeks. Alfalfa weevil is normally controlled with the 1^st cutting of alfalfa. Since it has been colder this year the weevil has been delayed and most areas are just starting to see damage. When scouting look for the holes in the leaves. The larvae feed on the buds before they unroll into leaflets. When they unroll it reveals the small holes in the leaflet. First instar larvae are very small and can be found in the buds of the alfalfa.

Alfalfa weevil shot holes

Alfalfa Weevil Damage

For more on alfalfa weevil please view the link to management information:

https://cals.cornell.edu/field-crops/forages/insects-forage-crops/alfalfa-weevil

Alfalfa Weevil Degree Day Accumulations from March 1 to May 28

Alfalfa Weevil Life Stage Development

Growing Degree Days for peak (50%) occurrence of stage

*48 degree F base temperature

Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema melanopus)

Cereal leaf beetles were out in force in western NY this week. Some wheat fields were sprayed this week for cereal leaf beetle. Make sure to use scouting and thresholds for making decisions for insecticide applications. Use the following lifecyle map to help make identification decisions and timing of scouting.

Cereal Leaf Beetle Lifecycle

For more information on Cereal Leaf Beetle:

https://cals.cornell.edu/field-crops/small-grains/insects-small-grains