Des Moines, Iowa
May 18, 2009
Growers can minimize the risk of
lower corn yields now by scouting for pests, say experts from
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont
business.
Because of wet conditions in many areas of the Corn Belt this
spring, late planting may become an issue. Insects tend to
thrive in wet, cool soil conditions, so monitoring fields for
insects as soon as the crop emerges is very important, says
Paula Davis, Pioneer senior manager for insect and disease
traits.
"Early insect scouting should be a major consideration in
managing corn pests," Davis says. "Once the seed comes up,
monitor for any signs of insect damage."
Insects such as white grubs, black cutworms, wireworms and
armyworms are ones to watch for early in the growing season.
"From April to May, significant captures of black cutworm moths
have been reported in several states including Missouri, Indiana
and Kentucky," Davis says. "Growers throughout this region
should watch for signs of leaf feeding and cutting."
Young black cutworm larvae feed on weeds such as mustards and
other biennials. Ideally, removing weeds 10 to 14 days or more
ahead of planting will reduce the survival and risk of
additional egg-laying.
Two pests, wireworms and grubs, would have been a bigger issue
if corn was already planted and the temperature turned cold,
according to Davis. "There haven't been many reports of these
two insects yet because of delayed planting in many areas. These
insects are more active in cooler, moister soil conditions, and
once it gets warmer they go further down into the soil,
lessening their impact." Growers should watch for signs of
damage once corn begins emerging. For wireworm and white grub
damage, look for stand reduction. White grubs feed on roots of
seedlings, which will cause irregular stands since pruning takes
place on the roots.
Armyworm moth flights have been reported in Missouri, Indiana
and Illinois. "Armyworms are attracted to grassy areas, such as
pastures and cereal crop fields," Davis says. "We tend to see
more of these in southern areas, like Missouri, southern
Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and southern Indiana. Growers in
these areas should watch for armyworms as they tend to migrate
from grassy areas to cornfields."
Even though western bean cutworms usually aren't active until
late June into July, it is never too early to prepare. Western
bean cutworms are moving eastward, and recently expanded into
Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Ontario, but the western areas of
the Corn Belt also should continue to monitor the pest.
With all of the insect challenges growers face, there are
solutions. One is choosing a hybrid with the appropriate traits.
The Herculex® line of technologies protects growers against a
number of corn pests. Corn hybrids with Herculex® I and
Herculex® XTRA technologies have very good protection against
black cutworm, as well as western bean cutworm.
There also are insecticide seed treatments available, as well as
insecticide applications. DuPontTM Asana® XL insecticide
provides longer-lasting control of cutworms, armyworms and other
corn pests, and it can be used as a preventive treatment before
or at planting in fields that have a higher risk of cutworm
infestation. It is also an excellent choice for postemergence
applications in conjunction with a scouting program.
Tillage practices are part of the equation for pest management,
and no-till operations tend to have a higher likelihood of pest
challenges. Weed management and scouting also should be
considered because of insects that are attracted to weeds.
"We want to provide solutions for growers so they can reach the
greatest yield potential," Davis says. "It is important to scout
for pests throughout the growing season, especially early,
because insects are small and easier to maintain and manage with
insecticides."
If a grower has indicators of an insect issue, he or she can
contact a local Pioneer agronomist to identify the issue and
recommend specific follow up.
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is the world's leading
source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers
and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des
Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics
in nearly 70 countries.
DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded
in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable
solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for
people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont
offers a wide range of innovative products and services for
markets including agriculture and food; building and
construction; communications; and transportation.
® Registered trademarks of Pioneer Hi-Bred.
Herculex® insect protection technology by Dow AgroSciences and
Pioneer Hi-Bred. ® Herculex and the HX logo are registered
trademarks of Dow AgroSciences LLC.
Asana® XL is a restricted-use pesticide.
Always read and follow label directions and precautions for use.
DuPontTM and Asana® are trademarks or registered trademarks of
DuPont or its affiliates. |
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