Calls and observations from both north-central and eastern Indiana indicate populations of aphids that are so high they are covering the upper leaves of plants.
Calls and observations from both north-central and eastern Indiana indicate populations of aphids that are so high they are covering the upper leaves of plants.
Corn leaf aphid (CLA), is typically an occasional presence in cornfields within the Midwest. They are a common sight late in season, in September and October, when corn is starting to senesce and they can’t have much impact on yields. They are frequently seen on corn stalks close to the ground at this time and can reach very high numbers, with black sooty mold covering some plant parts. Since corn plants are effectively “shutting down” at this time in terms of photosynthesis, they are not a pest of concern at that time.
Corn leaf aphid (CLA), is typically an occasional presence in cornfields within the Midwest – they can be found in most fields closer to harvest time, when corn is starting to senesce and they don’t/can’t have much impact. They are typically not a pest of concern during the summer months. This year is different! In Indiana and throughout the Midwest, this aphid has made its presence known this year. We don’t know all the reasons why this year’s populations have been so much worse, but it is very likely progression of remnants of Hurricane Beryl from south to north (July 8 and 9) distributed winged aphids throughout our region; this is a common route of aphid transport. Since last week’s Pest&Crop article, winged aphids have been found on multiple plants/crops, including many that CLA are unable to feed on. This morning while running the dog in the yard, John Obermeyer[Read More…]
The vast majority of cornfields in the northwestern counties of Indiana have reached or have passed pollination.
The sugarcane aphid (Melanaphis sacchari), a relatively new pest of grain sorghum, forage sorghums, sudangrass, sorghum-sudangrass hybrids and Johnson grass, first detected in Indiana in 2016, is making its presence known primarily in southcentral and southwestern counties.
Going back to about 2016 or so, a species of hover fly (and their larvae) have become increasingly common in and near Indiana cornfields. Last weekend I attended a picnic where they were a topic of conversation because they were landing on everyone and everything. They are harmless but annoying. They have no stingers and cannot bite. These are syrphid flies in the genus Toxomerus (likely Toxomerus politus), and mimic bees and wasps with their yellow/orange and black striping. These flies are common in and around cornfields because the larvae feed on pollen. Each corn plant produces hundreds of thousands of surplus pollen grains, many of which end up in leaf axils. That’s where many of the maggots, fly larvae, can be found. They are taking advantage of a free, reliable protein source. Many syrphid fly larvae are beneficial predators, feeding on aphids, whiteflies and other soft-bodied pest insects. For[Read More…]
There have been many reports of black areas in soybean fields in Indiana this season.
Increasingly, we are getting inquires of swarms of “bee-like” flies around Indiana fields, farmsteads, and rural environments, and wanted to take the opportunity to tell you a bit about this curiosity.
Many professions requiring investing in tools specific to their trade to be successful.
Many professions must invest in tools specific to their trade to be successful. Besides the typical tools of wrenches, screwdrivers, chisels and hammers, what other items or gadgets would be helpful to be a successful forage producer?
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