Entomology

Sugarbeet Root Maggot: Emergence off to a Slow Pace (06/13/13)

Aimee Thapa — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:57:57 -0500

Sugarbeet Root Maggot: Emergence off to a Slow Pace

Sugarbeet root maggot (SBRM) fly activity is being monitored this year in a collaborative project between NDSU Entomology, American Crystal Sugar Company, the MinnDak Farmers Cooperative, and the Pembina County (ND) Extension office. The trap line, consisting of 45 sites on both North Dakota and Minnesota sides of the Red River, runs from Cass and Clay counties to near the US/Canadian border. In an average year, a significant amount of SBRM emergence usually occurs during the first week of June, and the 15-year average for peak fly activity is June 13. Thus far, fly activity has remained at very low levels since monitoring began on May 29. Fields showing the earliest hints of activity are near Thompson, Reynolds, and St. Thomas, ND in the central and northern portions of the Red River Valley (RRV). Look at the Daily and cumulative counts for all monitoring sites. Just click on the “INSECT RESOURCES” link in the left-hand margin on the main Entomology Department page, and download the dated Adobe Acrobat (pdf) file.

Peak fly activity in beet fields occurs, on average, at about 650 Degree-Day (DD) units. All areas of the RRV are significantly below average in DD accumulations for this time of year. The northern RRV is more behind average than most other areas within the Valley. As such, it is difficult to precisely predict peak fly activity timing for that area. An application based on our model for monitoring DD accumulations and forecasting peak fly is located on the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN). The site also includes a “help sheet” with information on how to use the model and how to optimize root maggot control efforts. It is important to note that warm weather (around 80°F), and calm to low-wind conditions are most conducive to fly activity. Flies will remain relatively inactive in cool, rainy, or windy conditions.

An extended, preliminary forecast for anticipated DD accumulations and associated peak fly activity dates in the southern, central, and northern RRV is presented in Table 1. Updated, more accurate forecasts will be provided during the next couple of weeks.

Table 1. Accumulated degree-day (DD) units and predicted peak activity dates for sugarbeet root maggot flies in the southern, central, and northern Red River Valley
NDAWN Station	RRV Area	June 11 DD accumulation	Peak fly activity forecast*
Sabin	Southern	548	June 15-18 (+80°calm/low-wind)
Eldred	Central	510	June 17-20 (+80°calm/low-wind)
St. Thomas	Northern	429	June 23-26 (+80°calm/low-wind)

*Peak fly activity in current-year beets is most likely on the first calm to light-wind day to
reach 80°F after 600 air DD are accumulated.

Growers in hotspots or high-risk areas for SBRM infestation should consider applying a postemergence insecticide, especially if an insecticidal seed treatment or a low to moderate rate of an at-plant soil insecticide was applied. Fields that received heavy downpours of rainfall after at-plant insecticides were applied also may need additional postemergence protection. Postemergence granules are usually effective if applied between 1 and 2 weeks before peak fly, but will also likely be beneficial if applied within a 1-2 days (before or after) peak. Light to moderate rainfall after granular applications typically improves performance. Postemergence liquid insecticide applications should be targeted for peak fly, but will provide good results if applied within 2-3 days before or after peak. IMPORTANT: If a chlorpyrifos-containing liquid spray (e.g., Lorsban 4E, Lorsban Advanced, or any generic version containing chlorpyrifos as its active ingredient) is applied, 10 days must pass before a repeat application can be made.

Table 2 provides basic guidelines for determining the most appropriate timing for postemergence insecticide applications to effectively manage the sugarbeet root maggot.

Table 2. Target DD for Insecticide Applications
Zone	Liquid Insecticides	Granular Insecticides
Northern RRV	590-620 DD	440-550 DD
Central RRV	585-615 DD	410-545 DD
Southern RRV	580-610 DD	400-540 DD

For more guidance on postemergence control strategies, consult the “Insect Control” section of the 2013 Sugarbeet Production Guide.

Mark Boetel

Research & Extension Entomologist

Scout Canola for Flea Beetle Activity (06/13/13)

Aimee Thapa — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:54:02 -0500

Scout Canola for Flea Beetle Activity

Insecticidal seed treatments for canola may not be giving adequate protection this year due to the cool, wet weather we have been experiencing, especially in the northeastern part of the state. These conditions can cause slow germination and initial plant growth, which means that the canola seedlings may not be taking up enough insecticide to give good flea beetle control at the time when they are most susceptible to flea beetle damage. Seedlings in our canola trials at the Langdon REC were planted on 24 May (18 days ago), and are just beginning to reach the first true leaf growth stage. Seedlings from seed treated with either thiamethoxam (Helix Xtra) or clothianidin (Prosper FX) showed 25 to 30% pitting on the cotyledons, and a few sizeable holes in the first true leaf, though overall seedling vigor is good (Figure 1). In Hettinger County (southwest ND), some canola fields were hailed on and stunted; flea beetles are infesting these canola fields and causing >25% defoliation (Source: D. Marxem, Ag Extension Agent). Canola seedlings are most susceptible to damage from the cotyledon stage through the six-leaf stage, especially if feeding is occurring on the growing points. Foliar rescue treatments for seedlings are recommended when foliar damage reaches 25%. Pyrethroid insecticides, such as bifenthrin (Brigade) or lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior II), should be used for rescue treatments. Please consult NDSU Extension Service publication E-1143, North Dakota Field Crop Insect Management Guide, for more information.

Patrick Beauzay

State IPM Coordinator

Extension Entomology Research Specialist

Soybean Aphids in Midwest (06/13/13)

Aimee Thapa — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:50:00 -0500

Soybean Aphids in Midwest

Extension entomologists have reported soybean aphids in southern Wisconsin, northeast Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. Soybean aphids (<10% incidence and < 9 aphids/plant) were just detected in Minnesota on June 11 near Rosemount (Source: R. Koch, UMN). No soybean aphids have been reported in South Dakota. The NDSU IPM Scouts have not found any soybean aphids in North Dakota yet. Stay tuned for more information.

As always, I would appreciate hearing about your insect scouting. Please send me any insect pest observations that you would like to share. Thank you!

Janet J. Knodel

Extension Entomologist

Alfalfa Weevil Larval Feeding Observed (06/13/13)

Aimee Thapa — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:45:00 -0500

Alfalfa Weevil Larval Feeding Observed

County Extension Agents and fields scouts are observing adult alfalfa weevils, small larvae (<⅛ inch), and small holes in the foliage of alfalfa. Larvae chew holes in the leaves causing defoliation. The current degree day map (page 3) for alfalfa weevil indicates that the southern counties of North Dakota is in the 1^st and 2^nd instar larvae stages (301-438 DD using a base of 48 F) where light feeding injury may be observed. Continue to scout alfalfa until it is cut, or the 3^rd to 4^th instar larvae stages is completed (439-595 DD using a base of 48 F). Major leaf feeding occurs during the 3^rd to 4^th instar larvae stages. The figure on page 3 shows the alfalfa weevil head capsule guidelines for determining the different larval instar stages (Source: University of Illinois IPM – Alfalfa Weevil fact sheet). See the past issue 2 of Crop & Pest Report (May 16, 2013) for more information.

Janet J. Knodel

Extension Entomologist

USDA and EPA Release New Report on Honey Bee Health (05/29/13)

Aimee Thapa — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:44:19 -0500

USDA and EPA Release New Report on Honey Bee Health

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released a comprehensive scientific report on honey bee health. The report states that there are multiple factors playing a role in honey bee colony declines, including parasites and disease, genetics, poor nutrition and pesticide exposure.

"There is an important link between the health of American agriculture and the health of our honeybees for our country's long term agricultural productivity," said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan. "The forces impacting honeybee health are complex and USDA, our research partners, and key stakeholders will be engaged in addressing this challenge."

"The decline in honey bee health is a complex problem caused by a combination of stressors, and at EPA we are committed to continuing our work with USDA, researchers, beekeepers, growers and the public to address this challenge," said Acting EPA Administrator Bob Perciasepe. "The report we've released today is the product of unprecedented collaboration, and our work in concert must continue. As the report makes clear, we've made significant progress, but there is still much work to be done to protect the honey bee population."

In October 2012, a National Stakeholders Conference on Honey Bee Health, led by federal researchers and managers, along with Pennsylvania State University, was convened to synthesize the current state of knowledge regarding the primary factors that scientists believe have the greatest impact on managed bee health.

Key findings include:

Parasites and Disease Present Risks to Honey Bees

The parasitic Varroa mite is recognized as the major factor underlying colony loss in the U.S. and other countries. There is widespread resistance to the chemicals beekeepers use to control mites within the hive. New virus species have been found in the U.S. and several of these have been associated with Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).

Increased Genetic Diversity is Needed:

U.S. honeybee colonies need increased genetic diversity. Genetic variation improves bees thermoregulation (the ability to keep body temperature steady even if the surrounding environment is different), disease resistance and worker productivity.
Honey bee breeding should emphasize traits such as hygienic behavior that confer improved resistance to Varroa mites and diseases (such as American foulbrood).

Poor Nutrition Among Honey Bee Colonies:

Nutrition has a major impact on individual bee and colony longevity. A nutrition-poor diet can make bees more susceptible to harm from disease and parasites. Bees need better forage and a variety of plants to support colony health.
Federal and state partners should consider actions affecting land management to maximize available nutritional forage to promote and enhance good bee health and to protect bees by keeping them away from pesticide-treated fields.

There is a Need for Improved Collaboration and Information Sharing:

Best Management Practices associated with bees and pesticide use, exist, but are not widely or systematically followed by members of the crop-producing industry. There is a need for informed and coordinated communication between growers and beekeepers and effective collaboration between stakeholders on practices to protect bees from pesticides.
Beekeepers emphasized the need for accurate and timely bee kill incident reporting, monitoring, and enforcement.

Additional Research is Needed to Determine Risks Presented by Pesticides:

The most pressing pesticide research questions relate to determining actual pesticide exposures and effects of pesticides to bees in the field and the potential for impacts on bee health and productivity of whole honey bee colonies.

Those involved in developing the report include USDA's Office of Pest Management Policy (OPMP), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Agricultural Research Services (ARS), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), National Resource Conversation Service (NRCS) as well as the EPA and Pennsylvania State University. The report will provide important input to the Colony Collapse Disorder Steering Committee, led by the USDA, EPA and the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

An estimated one-third of all food and beverages are made possible by pollination, mainly by honey bees. In the United States, pollination contributes to crop production worth $20-30 billion in agricultural production annually. A decline in managed bee colonies puts great pressure on the sectors of agriculture reliant on commercial pollination services. This is evident from reports of shortages of bees available for the pollination of many crops.

The Colony Collapse Steering Committee was formed in response to a sudden and widespread disappearance of adult honey bees from beehives, which first occurred in 2006. The Committee will consider the report's recommendations and update the CCD Action Plan which will outline major priorities to be addressed in the next 5-10 years and serve as a reference document for policy makers, legislators and the public and will help coordinate the federal strategy in response to honey bee losses.

To view the report, which represents the consensus of the scientific community studying honey bees, please visit: http://www.usda.gov/documents/ReportHoneyBeeHealth.pdf

Source: EPA Pesticide Program Updates, May 2, 2013; http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/

Janet J. Knodel

Extension Entomologist

Scout for Cereal Aphids and Grasshoppers (06/13/13)

Aimee Thapa — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:30:00 -0500

Scout for Cereal Aphids and Grasshoppers

Cereal Aphids: Look for aphids on the undersides of leaves. Aphids are soft-bodied and pear-shaped insects that are often clustered together. Cereal aphids have been reported in North Dakota at low densities of <10 aphids per plant and <5% incidence. Southwestern Minnesota is seeing higher incidence of aphids at 16-24% (Source: UMN IPM Scouts). To protect small grains from yield loss due to aphid feeding, the treatment threshold is 85% stems with more than one aphid present or 12-15 aphids per stem, prior to complete heading. Field scouting should continue up to the heading stage of wheat. Please see last week’s issue 5 of Crop & Pest Report (June 6, 2013) for more information.

Grasshoppers: Grasshopper hatch has just started and population densities are low. In about two weeks, populations will increase and peak (late June or early July). Scout for grasshoppers in grassy field ditches, field margins and roadsides. Newly hatched grasshoppers do not move far from their hatching sites. These grasshoppers are small, only about the size of a wheat kernel. Temperature and rainfall are important in determining the severity of grasshopper infestations. In general, hot and dry conditions favor grasshopper outbreaks. Cool, wet spring weather will increase the mortality of grasshopper nymphs. Since it is difficult to estimate the number of grasshoppers per square yard when population densities are high, pest managers can use four 180-degree sweeps with a 15-inch sweep net, which is equivalent to the number of adult (or nymph) grasshoppers per square yard. Threatening is considered the action threshold for grasshoppers.

	Nymphs per square yard		Adults per square yard
Rating	Margin	Field	Margin	Field
Light	25-35	15-25	10-20	3-7
Threatening	50-75	30-45	21-40	8-14
Severe	100-150	60-90	41-80	15-28
Very Severe	200+	120+	80+	28+

Janet J. Knodel

Extension Entomologist

Sugarbeet Root Maggot: Fly Activity to Be Later than Usual (06/06/13)

Aimee Thapa — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 19:12:54 -0500

Sugarbeet Root Maggot: Fly Activity to Be Later than Usual

The first detections of sugarbeet root maggot (SBRM) flies by NDSU personnel occurred last week near Thompson and Reynolds, ND in the central portion of the Red River Valley (RRV). However, fly activity has been at very low levels throughout the Valley since then, and the cool, wet weather is expected to keep it at low rates for several more days. Daily and cumulative counts for all monitoring sites can be viewed. Just click on the “INSECT RESOURCES” link on the main page, and download the dated Adobe Acrobat (pdf) file.

Peak fly activity in beet fields occurs, on average, at about 650 Degree-Day (DD) units. All areas of the RRV are significantly below average in DD accumulations for this time of year. Although a week of warm weather could turn that around quickly, peak fly activity is expected to occur later than normal this year. An application based on our model for monitoring DD accumulations and forecasting peak fly is located on the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN) at: http://ndawn.ndsu.nodak.edu/sugarbeet-root-maggot.html. The site also includes a “help sheet” with information on how to use the model and how to optimize root maggot control efforts. It is important to note that warm weather (around 80°F), and calm to low-wind conditions are most conducive to fly activity. Flies will remain relatively inactive in cool, rainy, or windy conditions.

Table 1. Accumulated degree-days (DD) and predicted peak activity dates for sugarbeet root maggot flies in the southern, central, and northern Red River Valley
RRV Area	June 4 DD accumulation	Peak fly activity forecast*
Southern	449	June 15-20 (+80°calm/low-wind)
Central	414	June 17-22 (+80°calm/low-wind)
Northern	329	June 19-24 (+80°calm/low-wind)

*Peak fly activity in current-year beets is most likely on the first calm to light-wind day to
reach 80°F after 600 air DD are accumulated.

Growers in hotspots or high-risk areas for SBRM infestation should consider applying a postemergence insecticide, especially if an insecticidal seed treatment or a low to moderate rate of an at-plant soil insecticide was applied. Fields that received heavy downpours of rainfall after at-plant insecticides were applied also may need additional postemergence protection. Postemergence granules are usually effective if applied between 1 and 2 weeks before peak fly, but will also likely be beneficial if applied within a 1-2 days (before or after) peak. Light to moderate rainfall after granular applications typically improves performance. Postemergence liquid insecticide applications should be targeted for peak fly, but will provide good results if applied within 2-3 days before or after peak. IMPORTANT: If a chlorpyrifos-containing liquid spray (e.g., Lorsban 4E, Lorsban Advanced, or any simila generic) is applied, 7 days must pass before a repeat application can be made.

For more guidance on postemergence control strategies, consult the “Insect Control” section of the 2012 Sugarbeet Production Guide.

Mark Boetel

Research & Extension Entomologist

Collecting and Submitting Potential Japanese Beetle Larva Samples (06/06/13)

Aimee Thapa — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 19:09:50 -0500

Collecting and Submitting Potential Japanese Beetle Larva Samples

Japanese beetle adults were found at several locations in North Dakota in 2012, including Fargo, West Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck, Minot, Oakes, Taylor and rural Foster County.

At this time, it is unknown if any successful reproduction took place and if any larvae (grubs) that might have hatched during the fall survived through the wi

nter. White grubs, including June beetle grubs and Japanese beetle grubs, are becoming active as our turfgrass soils warm. Homeowners and turfgrass managers in the affected locations should submit white grub samples to NDSU Extension Entomology for identification.

There are a few important reasons why we need actual samples. White grubs are virtually impossible to identify from photos, and as such do not provide evidence of potential Japanese beetle establishment. Identification of white grubs is based on the pattern of hairs on the ventral tip of the abdomen, and this requires examination of a

n actual specimen. Another reason is to document the exact location(s) and dates where Japanese beetle grubs are found so that intensive management practices can be focused on those areas. Lastly, it is important to have voucher specimens that conclusively document positive and negative findings.

Please see NDSU Extension Service fact sheet E1631, Integrated Pest Management

of Japanese Beetle in North Dakota, for more information on Japanese beetle biology, damage, monitoring, detection and control.

The last page of the fact sheet has important information on what to do if you find a s

uspected Japanese beetle, and how to collect and submit samples NDSU Extension Entomology or the North Dakota Department of Agriculture with any questions you might have about Japanese beetles.

More information on Japanese beetle will be included in future issues of Crop & Pest Report.

Patrick Beauzay

State IPM Coordinator

Research Specialist, Extension Entomology

Red Velvet Mites on Soil (06/06/13)

Aimee Thapa — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 19:05:51 -0500

Red Velvet Mites on Soil

The brightly colored red velvet mites have been observed crawling around on the soil of fields. These mites belong to the mite family Trombidiidae. Red velvet mites are small about one millimeter in length. As part of a community of soil arthropods, they play an important role in the environment in decomposition. Larvae of red velvet mites feed parasitically on other arthropods by attaching to them, such as grasshoppers, gnats or other soil mites. Adults are free-living and feed on eggs of many different insects and arthropods and small soil insects, including some major pests of crops.

Janet J. Knodel

Extension Entomologist

Grasshopper Forecast (06/06/13)

Aimee Thapa — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 19:02:41 -0500

Grasshopper Forecast

Cool, wet weather is not favorable for grasshoppers and causes increased disease and mortality. Grasshopper hatch is usually underway by now, but the cool temperatures have delayed hatching. If you see the common lilac beginning to bloom, this is an indicator of when grasshopper emergence should be starting.

The USDA APHIS ‘Rangeland Grasshopper Hazard’ map for North Dakota in 2013 indicates the following risk areas in the western regions of North Dakota:

7.4 million acres are low risk (blue) with 0-<3 grasshopper per square yard located in the north central and south western regions;
6.3 million acres located are low-moderate risk (green) with 3 to 8 grasshoppers per square yard located in south central, west central and north central regions;
0.5 million acres at moderate risk (orange) of 8-15 grasshoppers per square yard located in south central and west central regions.

Janet J. Knodel

Extension Entomologist

Early Arrival of Cereal Aphids in Minnesota (06/06/13)

Aimee Thapa — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 18:59:10 -0500

Early Arrival of Cereal Aphids in Minnesota

Cereal aphids have been detected in fields from Fergus Falls to Morris and in southwest Minnesota at low densities of 3-5 aphids per plant and <35% incidence (Sources: B. Potter, D. Holen and P. Glogoza, UMN). English grain aphid and bird cherry-oat aphids have been found. The presence of cereal aphids so early in the season will increase our risk for barley yellow dwarf virus, since most of the wheat crop was planted late and is just in the seedling stage.

While no cereal aphids have been found in North Dakota yet, they will probably be arriving in less than two weeks as they migrate northward on the winds. Cereal aphids do not overwinter in North Dakota. It’s good insurance to scout early for cereal aphids and look for any symptoms of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) in wheat (stunting of plants and yellow (or red) leaves in barley or wheat). BYDV vectored by aphids causes plant stunting, small heads, shriveled kernels and reduced yields. Bird cherry-oat aphid is the main vector of BYDV, but English grain aphid also will vector BYDV. Aphid feeding on young plants in seedling stage can also cause reduced plant growth and adversely affect plant health. Aphids are often found on the underside of the leaves and near the base of the plant, especially bird cherry-oat aphids.

To protect small grains from yield loss due to aphid feeding, the treatment threshold is 85% stems with more than one aphid present or 12-15 aphids per stem, prior to complete heading. Field scouting should continue up to the heading stage of wheat. Aphid populations at or above the thresholds during these growth stages will result in economic injury to plants. The greatest risk of yield loss from aphids feeding on grains is in the vegetative to boot stages. Avoid spraying any preventative sprays or spraying too early, because this will disrupt the natural enemies that keep aphids in control naturally. Lady beetles, aphid lions, syrphid fly larvae, and parasitoid wasps play a major role in reducing aphid populations. When natural enemies are present in large numbers, and the crop is well developed, farmers are discouraged from spraying fields.

Janet J. Knodel

Extension Entomologist

Project Safe Send Sites, Dates for 2013 (06/06/13)

Aimee Thapa — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 18:50:00 -0500

Project Safe Send Sites

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring encourages farmers, ranchers, pesticide dealers and applicators, government agencies and homeowners to bring their unusable pesticides to any of the 12 Project Safe Send collections in July.

“This is a simple and non-regulatory program to help people safely and legally get rid of unusable pesticides free of charge,” Goehring said. “Over the past 20 years, thousands of people have brought more than three million pounds of these chemicals to Project Safe Send collection sites.”

Project Safe Send accepts old, unusable or banned pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides and fungicides. The pesticides are shipped out of state for incineration. The program is funded through product registration fees paid by pesticide manufacturers.

“Check your storage areas for any unusable pesticides and safely set them aside for Project Safe Send,” Goehring said. “If you find that the containers are deteriorating or leaking, pack them in larger containers with absorbent materials. Free, heavy-duty plastic bags are available from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.”

People with more than 1,000 pounds of pesticides should pre-register. No other pre-registration is required. A maximum of 20,000 pounds of pesticides per participant will be accepted. Pesticide rinse water also will be accepted. The first 100 pounds of rinse water will be taken free of charge; a fee will be applied for each additional pound.

To pre-register, obtain plastic bags or for more information, contact Jeremiah Lien at the North Dakota Department of Agriculture at (800) 242-7535 or jjlien@nd.gov.

The collections will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time at the North Dakota Department of Transportation facilities in the following cities:

July 9 Underwood 337 Old US 83 (just North of Underwood, on the West side of US 83)

July 10 Kenmare 49501 422nd Ave NW (½ mile East of junction US 52 and Ward County 2)

July 11 Minot 1305 ND 2 Bypass E (from the intersection of US 83 and US 2, go East about 3 miles, DOT

is on the East side of US 2, just North of the Gooseneck Implement)

July 12 Watford City 11th Ave SW (US 85 South and Frontier Road – West side of Highway)

July 15 Bowman 8507 147th Ave SW (West on US-12 W, Turn left onto 147th Ave SW, located on left)

July 16 Ashley 520 7th St SW (½ mile South of Ashley on ND 3)

July 17 Jamestown 3568 81st Ave NE (Exit 256 on I-94, Woodbury Interchange, North about ½ mile, East side

of street)

July 18 Cooperstown 11351 3rd St NE (½ mile North of Cooperstown, West side of ND 45)

July 19 Wahpeton 7930 180 R Ave SE (½ mile West of Wahpeton on ND 13)

July 23 Adams 804 1st Ave (from the intersection of 1st Ave and Park St go East one block, on the South

side of the road)

July 24 Grand Forks 1951 N Washington St (from I-29 take Gateway exit, go East to Highway 81--also called

Washington St, then go North 1 mile)

July 25 Casselton 15482 37th St SE (Exit 331 on I-94, go North on ND 18, take frontage road West about ¾

mile)

Jeremiah Lien
Pesticide Outreach Specialist
ND Department of Agriculture

ND Department of Agriculture

Project Safe Send

New Insecticide – Sulfoxaflor (05/29/13)

Aimee Thapa — Tue, 28 May 2013 18:40:00 -0500

New Insecticide – Sulfoxaflor

Transform® (sulfoxaflor) is pending registration in North Dakota for this summer. It will be labeled for control of aphids, leafhoppers, plant bugs and other sap-feeding insects in the following crops: barley, wheat, canola, soybeans, potatoes and dry beans. See article following this from Dow AgroSciences.

Dow AgroSciences Receives U.S. EPA Registration for Sulfoxaflor

State registrations will be forthcoming.

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dow AgroSciences LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW), announced today that U.S. regulatory authorities have approved the new insecticidal active ingredient, sulfoxaflor to be marketed in the U.S. as Transform® and Closer™. The U.S. registration, and the recent Canadian registration, are the result of a Global Joint Review which also includes Australia. Australian sulfoxaflor registration is expected by third quarter 2013. South Korea, Panama, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Guatemala have already registered sulfoxaflor and additional global registrations are expected in the near future.

Sulfoxaflor belongs to a novel chemical class called sulfoximines invented by Dow AgroSciences and offers extremely effective control of many important sap-feeding insect pests. It can be used in a large number of major crops, including cotton, soybean, citrus, pome/stone fruit, nuts, grapes, potatoes, vegetables and strawberries. Sulfoxaflor has unique attributes compared with other sap-feeding insecticides providing a significant new tool for growers for many years to come.

“Sulfoxaflor is an ideal addition to Integrated Pest Management programs. Its unique mode of action provides fast-acting control of harmful pests. Moreover, research data on sulfoxaflor continues to demonstrate lack of cross-resistance with other insecticides,” says Daniel R. Kittle, vice president, Research and Development, Dow AgroSciences. “This innovative new option fits conveniently into growers’ existing programs to help them protect yields in a wide variety of foods and fiber around the globe.”

In 2012 Dow AgroSciences had a successful South Korean launch of sulfoxaflor and received a U.S. Section 18 Emergency Use Label in cotton that led to positive market feedback.

Source: Dr. Patti Prasifka, Dow AgroSciences LLC

Janet J. Knodel

Extension Entomologist

Cool Wet Soils Favor Soil Insects (05/29/13)

Aimee Thapa — Tue, 28 May 2013 18:35:00 -0500

Cool Wet Soils Favor Soil Insects

Cool wet soils will favor damage from seedcorn maggots and wireworms. As seeds or seedlings sit in the cool soil with little growth, they will become more susceptible to injury from these soil insects. Seedcorn maggot and wireworms tunnel into the seed preventing germination or killing the developing seedlings. Damage from these soil insects results in loss of plant stands, seedlings with reduced vigor, or seedlings that are killed before emerging. Seedcorn maggot also prefers soils with high organic matter. Systemic insecticide seed treatments will provide protection against seedcorn maggots and wireworms. However, in order for systemic insecticide seed treatment to be effective, the plant must be actively growing to translocate the insecticide throughout the plant. Soybean, dry bean, corn, and pea are the preferred hosts of seedcorn maggot. Wireworms prefer wheat, barley, corn as a host, but will attack other crops. There are no rescue treatments for these insects. Warmer weather will speed up the crop’s growth and help mitigate crop injury from these ‘hidden’ soil insect pests. To determine if seedcorn maggots or wireworms are present, dig up the suspect plants and exam seed for maggots or wireworm larvae.

Janet J. Knodel

Extension Entomologist

Adult Alfalfa Weevil Emerging (05/29/13)

Aimee Thapa — Tue, 28 May 2013 18:30:00 -0500

Adult Alfalfa Weevil Emerging

Adult alfalfa weevils are emerging and have been observed in the southwest and north central regions of North Dakota (sources: J. Stegmiller; V. Chapara, NCREC). Due to the cool May weather, the accumulation of degree days has been low and as a result slower insect development. The Degree Day model indicates that the southeast region is approaching egg hatch (≈300 DD). Scouting for young larvae and pin-holes in leaves should be initiated in the next two weeks. See Issues 1 & 2 of the Crop & Pest Report for more information on the DD model and scouting for alfalfa weevil.

Janet J. Knodel

Extension Entomologist