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Corn borer moths are common in the northern half of Illinois, and egg masses 

 can be found particularly in fields of later maturing corn. About 90 percent of the 

 first -generation worms have pupated, and two -thirds of them have emerged. Although we 

 do not expect severe corn borer damage, second -generation corn borer feeding will be 

 evident in many fields. 



Fall armyworms are now appearing in a few late cornfields in the northern 

 half of the state. These worms are small and not numerous. But moths will be abun- 

 dant during the next three weeks and will be depositing gray scaly masses of eggs on 

 corn leaves. These egg masses contain 50 to 100 eggs and can be found on the under- 

 sides of leaves. They attack the whorl and later the ear. 



Several materials will kill these worms if they can be reached deep in the 

 whorl. Carbaryl (Sevin) granules or diazinon granules should provide control with a 

 minimum interval between application and harvest as ensilage, stover or grain. DDT 

 or toxaphene granules can be used if the corn is to be used only as grain. We empha- 

 size the use of granules if the worms are moderately deep in the whorl, since granules 

 may penetrate the whorls better than a spray. If the worms are high in the whorls, 

 then sprays will give adequate control. 



Seed producers should be on guard, as this insect as well as corn earworms and 

 mice will scar the tips of the kernels of seed. To avoid damage, look for those gray 

 scaly egg masses of the fall armyworm. If they are present be ready to apply carbaryl 

 or DDT as a spray in mid- to late August (do not use DDT on dairy farms). At this 

 time we cannot give any better timing information. 



Elm leaf beetle larvae are defoliating Chinese elms. They are the second 

 generation and can be controlled with carbaryl, DDT or lead arsenate sprays. 



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

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

 nate insecticide residue hazards. 



Prepared by H. B. Petty, Steve Moore, Roscoe Randell and Clarence E. White 

 Extension Entomologists, University of Illinois College of Agriculture 

 and Illinois Natural History Survey 



H. B. Petty 

 Extension Specialist 

 in Entomology 



