Eastern New York Field Crops Pest Report, 2002

For 5/16/02:

Alfalfa

Alfalfa in Eastern New York is currently about 10 to 20 inches in height. Some of the taller alfalfa has lodged due to heavy wind and rain.

Alfalfa Weevil: Alfalfa weevil threshold before first cutting is 40% tip feeding.

SUNY Cobleskill alfalfa fields are currently at 5% 30% tip feeding with larvae ranging from 1/8 to1/2 inch long. There are still several adult alfalfa weevils present in fields this week (May 15).

Jeff Miller, Extension Agriculture Program Leader in Oneida County reports no tip feeding during a TAg meeting on alfalfa weevil this week (May 14).

Aaron Gabriel, Extension Educator in Washington County reports very little alfalfa weevil feeding this week (May 15).

Check out our on-line publication, IPM for Alfalfa Weevil. 1.2 Mb pdf file

Lady Beetles: It is thought that the nine-spotted lady beetle (Coccinella novemnotata) may be extinct in New York. Many researchers think that the seven-spotted lady beetle (Coccinella septempunctata) has displaced the nine-spotted lady beetle in the environment. The nine-spotted lady beetle is also the New York State Insect. While you are scouting fields this summer take a quick look at the lady beetles. If you find the nine-spotted lady beetle you will be the first in several years.

These were the lady beetles found in 10 alfalfa fields at the SUNY Cobleskill farm this week:

Spotted Lady Beetle  (Coleomegilla maculata), native to North America.
Parenthesis Lady Beetle (Hippodamia parenthesis), native to the North America.
Russian Wheat-aphid Lady Beetle (Hippodamia variagata), introduced from Europe.
Seven-spotted Lady Beetle (Coccinella septempunctata), introduced from Europe.
Cream Spotted Lady Beetle (Propylea quatuorodecimpunctata), introduced from Europe.
Three-banded Lady Beetle (Coccinella trifasciata), native to North America.

For more information on lady beetles check out this website: COCCINELLIDAE THE LADY BEETLES

Potato Leafhopper: Mike Stanyard found the first potato leafhopper on May 6 in New York State this year. So guess what:? potato leafhopper IS HERE!

Check out our on-line publication, Potato Leafhopper Management in Alfalfa

Grass & Pasture

True Armyworm: Lisa Fields, Extension Educator in Schoharie County reports finding 1 true armyworm moth per pheromone trap in Schoharie County (May 10 and 15).

Field Corn

Crows in Field Corn: Peter Carey, Extension Educator in Sullivan County raises concerns about crows damaging field corn (May 15).

Early Season Insect Pest and Diseases: Wet and cool weather conditions are prefect for early season field corn pests like seed corn maggot, wireworm, and seed & seedling blights. Early season field corn pests can be monitored while conducting plant population assessments. Missing, wilted, or stunted seedlings can indicate an insect pest or disease problem.

Check out our on-line publication, Early Season Insect Pests of Corn, 1 Mb pdf file.

Spring Weed Survey: While you are out conducting plant populations in corn take a few minutes to assess the weeds in the field. Make a field map of weed populations and the general levels of infestation. Scouting and correct identification of weed species are critical in selection of a herbicide or other management options.

Check out our on-line publication, Weed Management in Corn.

Have a Great Week Scouting!