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Wireworms are reported to be damaging corn in some areas. They drill holes 

 in the stalk just below the ground level, or bore directly into the seed itself, and 

 usually kill the plants they attack. If replanting is necessary, either leave the old 

 stand and straddle the rows to replant, or if disking up the old stand, broadcast aldrin 

 or heptachlor at 1-1/2 pounds per acre before disking or apply 1 pound per acre as a 

 row application at planting. Larger wireworms will usually survive broadcast treat- 

 ments of 1-1/2 pounds of aldrin or heptachlor per acre, while the small, half -grown 

 wireworms will die. If there is a high percentage of larger wireworms, broadcast 

 3 pounds of aldrin or heptachlor per acre ahead of disking. 



Black cutworm moths have been present and laying eggs for the past few weeks. 

 The wet soil in certain areas could cause good survival of newly hatched cutworms and 

 subsequent damage to newly emerging corn plants. Preplanting broadcast applications 

 of 1-1/2 pounds of actual aldrin or heptachlor per acre, disked in immediately, is 

 the best protection against cutworms. Row applications of soil insecticides at plant- 

 ing time have failed to control this insect satisfactorily. Be on the watch for cut- 

 worms in corn for the next few weeks, particularly in low or poorly drained spots 

 in fields. 



Flea beetles are feeding on corn in some areas. Wo damage has been observed. 

 However, if there are fields where plants are being killed, apply 1-1/2 pounds of toxa- 

 phene or, for dairy farms, 3/^ pound of carbaryl per acre as a band over the row. 

 Newly emerged alfalfa weevil adults are now appearing in alfalfa fields in southern 

 Illinois. These adults will feed for about two weeks and then become inactive through 

 the summer. Most of the remaining larvae are nearly fully grown and ready to pupate, 

 although some small worms are still present. In addition, overwintering adults are 

 still laying some eggs. 



Alfalfa fields in the threatened area (southern two tiers of counties) are 

 being cut or will be cut soon. Cutting will kill many of the larvae. However, after 

 cutting, watch the new growth for possible injury from surviving larvae. If 20 per- 

 cent of the new growth terminals show feeding damage, treatment may be justified. Use 

 1 pound of either malathion or diazinon per acre. Allow seven days to elapse be- 

 tween treatment and harvest if diazinon is used; no interval, is required with mala- 

 thion. 



Spittlebugs averaged two per stem in some clover and alfalfa fields in ex- 

 treme northwestern Illinois this week. For maximum hay yields, the time to apply in- 

 secticides is now. To determine the need for treatment, carefully examine 10 stems 

 of clover or alfalfa in each of five places in a field. Examine leaf sheaths, folded 

 leaves and stems for the tiny yellow to orange nymphs that will be in tiny droplets 

 of froth. For chemical control to be profitable, you should find an average of at 

 least one nymph per stem. If plants are taller than 10 to 12 inches, treatments may 

 not be successful. However, if insecticides are justified, apply 1 pound of actual 

 methoxychlor per acre, and allow one week to elapse between application and harvest or 

 grazing . 



Mosquitoes have already been troublesome in many areas of the state. To 

 reduce the mosquito nuisance around your home, follow these suggestions: (l) Elimi- 

 nate standing water such as accumulates in eave troughs, old tires, cans, children's 

 toys, etc. (2) Spray the shrubbery and tall grass with 1.0 percent malathion. To 

 mix, use 3 ounces of 50-57 percent malathion emulsion concentrate per gallon of water. 

 Repeat the application every week or two if necessary. (3) Keep screening on all 

 doors and windows in good repair. In addition, hang a plastic resin strip (2' 1 x 10") 



