-3- 



In general, corn borer development in the northern half of Illinois has 

 been delayed about the same extent as corn. The situation parallels that of 1956, 

 but fortunately we have less than one-tenth as many overwintering borers. There- 

 fore, we can expect an increase in borer populations this year, but first-generation 

 borers will not be sufficiently abundant to cause severe damage. 



Borer development in the southern half of Illinois is nearer normal, while 

 the corn is more delayed. Therefore, we expect low survival of first-generation 

 borer. 



Observe the occasional early-planted corn, which is more advanced than in 

 any other fields in the community in early June in southern Illinois to early July 

 in northern Illinois. Corn borer moths will concentrate their egg laying in these 

 few fields, and severe damage may occur. 



Leafhoppers that feed on alfalfa are migrating into Illinois from the 

 south. This tiny, green, wedge-shaped "gnat" is found in large numbers in alfalfa 

 fields. It sucks sap from the plants and injects a toxin. The plants stunt and 

 turn yellow or purple. The intensity and location of the infestation are not yet 

 known . 



Pea aphid populations are still low in alfalfa for this time of year, 

 but numbers have increased since last week. This insect should not cause a prob- 

 lem this year. 



The Homeowner's Present Insect Problems 



Clover mites can still be found in homes. Now is the time to remove sod 

 for an 18- to 2*+-inch strip around your house. Plant flowers or shrubs. Mites 

 rarely migrate more than this distance except in grass or clover. 



Bagworms can be controlled with sprays of carbaryl, diazinon, lead arse- 

 nate or malathion. The label lists plants that will not tolerate the insecticide. 

 Follow these precautions. Control these insects while they are small and before 

 the damage has been done. Begin treatments this week in southern Illinois. 



European pine sawflies are defoliating pine, particularly Scotch and 

 red pine. These black headed, grayish-green larvae, which like to feed together 

 in clusters, will continue to cause injury for another week. 



The worms are effectively controlled by spraying the trees with carbaryl 

 (Sevin), using 2 tablespoons of the 50 percent wettable powder per gallon of water. 



Spruce spider mite eggs have hatched, and now is a good time to spray 

 evergreens before damage becomes evident. If evergreens have a history of spider 

 mite problems, spray with dicofol (Kelthane) at the rate of 2 teaspoons of 18.5 

 percent emulsion concentrate per gallon of water or aramite at the rate of 1 tea- 

 spoon of 15 percent wettable powder per gallon of water. 



Caution to Those Using Insecticides 



Before applying insecticides, read the labels carefully and follow all 

 precautions. This will not only insure personal safety, but will also eliminate 

 residue hazards. 



********** 



This weekly report was prepared by H. B. Petty, Steve Moore, Roscoe Ran- 

 dell and Clarence E. White, Illinois Natural History Survey and University of Illi- 

 nois College of Agriculture, in cooperation with the USDA Agricultural Research 

 Service, Plant Pest Control Branch, from information gathered by entomologists and 

 cooperators who send in weekly reports from their own localities. 



Sent by: H. B. Petty 



Extension Specialist in Entomology 

 HBP:SM:RR:CEW:le 



