ProCrop

Grasshoppers

By mid June, inquiries are received about grasshopper infestations and damage in crops particularly bean fields, small grains, and crops adjacent to past years flax fields. Sometimes the hoppers are moving out of roadside ditches and other non-crop areas into field margins, causing defoliation on plants within the first several rows of the field margin. The other situation involves fairly heavy infestations across entire fields. In such circumstances the fields were usually planted to beans (dry or soy), flax, or other row crops last year and very likely attracted adult hoppers late into the season. With the mild falls, there is ample opportunity for grasshopper egg laying activity before freezing temperatures cause mortality.

At this time there are hoppers ranging from 1st to 5th instar with the majority in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar. The hatch may continue for about another 1 1/2 - 2 weeks, depending on the species of grasshoppers.

This is the time of year when grasshopper control normally pays the biggest dividends because less insecticide is required on young hoppers and frequently only small areas (roadside ditches, etc.) need to be sprayed as compared to entire fields if the hoppers are allowed to migrate as the season progresses.

When grasshopper populations reach economic threshold levels, several insecticides are available for control.

Furadan 4F, Malathion, Ethyl and Methyl Parathion and Penncap M are available for grasshopper control in small grains and corn. Sevin, Cygon 400, and Warrior are labeled for wheat and corn only. Lorsban 4E is labeled for corn. Asana is labeled for grasshopper control on non-cropland and corn. Control is advised when grasshoppers exceed a threatening rating.

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