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…]
