-2- 



In general, farmers who used 1 l/2 pounds of aldrin or heptachlor per acre 

 broadcast and disked it in prior to planting have escaped serious damage. But we 

 have had a few complaints that even the pre -planting broadcast treatment failed to 

 control cutworms in extremely severe infestations. As usual we have had many com- 

 plaints that row or band treatment at planting has not controlled the cutworms. 



In estimating damage, remember that over half of the damaged small plants 

 will recover rapidly, as they are usually cut off above the growing point. Only when 

 they are cut off below the growing point will they die. Worms that are lA to l/2 

 inch long will feed for another 7 to 10 days; worms 1 l/2 to 2 inches long have almost 

 finished feeding. Base the need for protective treatment on the damage, location of 

 growing point in relation to cut on plant, and length of time the worms will continue 

 to cut. 



If post-planting treatment is needed, use either l/2 pound of actual diel- 

 drin or 3 pounds of actual toxaphene. Concentrate the spray at the base of the 

 plants. The more water you use per acre, the better the results will be. If possi- 

 ble, cultivate immediately to cover the spray deposit. Do not use dieldrin or toxa- 

 phene on dairy farms or allow the drift to reach dairy pastures or hay crops. For 

 dairy farms, use 2 pounds of actual carbaryl per acre. It will be helpful, but not 

 highly satisfactory. If replanting is necessary, apply a broadcast application of a 

 soil insecticide. 



In general, surface applications of dieldrin or toxaphene may vary in ef- 

 fectiveness from no control to perfect control. The results will depend to some ex- 

 tent upon soil moisture at spraying, or on rain immediately after spraying. If it is 

 dry, the worms will be several inches deep in the ground, and the spray will stay on 

 the surface — thus no kill. 



Armyworms are still present, but the need for treatment is rapidly decreas- 

 ing. In general, only occasional fields warrant treatment, and even here the worms 

 are rapidly approaching maturity. Parasites are also rapidly increasing in number 

 and are killing worms before they get large enough to do severe damage. Armyworm 

 and cutworm development during the next two weeks will be important. Cool, wet 

 weather may tempt the moths to stay where they are rather than to migrate northward. 

 This remains to be seen. 



Sod webworm moths are abundant in east-central Illinois. We are not en- 

 couraging use of insecticides at this time, but if the moths are extremely thick in 

 your yard, watch carefully for signs of damage. If treatment is needed, use carbaryl 

 or diazinon. 



Caution ; Before applying insecticides, read the labels carefully and fol- 

 low all precautions. This not only will insure personal safety, but will also elimi- 

 nate residue hazards. 



********** 

 Special Mote to Careless Sprayers (NOT FOR PUBLICATION) 



Some of you may want your family doctor to have more information on treat- 

 ment of organic phosphate poisoning and description of symptoms. After all, they do 

 resemble such illnesses as heat exhaustion and many others. We suggest that you 



