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Cooperative Extension Service, University of 

 •^ Illinois College of Agriculture in Cooperation With 

 the Illinois Natural History Survey and U.S.D.A. 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 10, 1966 



INSECT SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 8 



This eighth weekly bulletin on the general insect situation in Illinois 

 (fruit insects excepted), prepared by entomologists of the University of Illinois 

 College of Agriculture, Illinois Natural History Survey and cooperating agencies, 

 reports general trends in insect activity and suggests abbreviated control meas- 

 ures. Each individual should check his own fields to determine local conditions. 



Present Farm Insect Problems 



Armyworms continue to hold the spotlight, and infestations are more gen- 

 eral than was originally expected. In some localized areas infestations are severs, 

 and armyvorms are migrating from rank grains and grasses into corn. Migrations 

 may be more prevalent than usual this year, since the worms are behind in their 

 development and they move out as the grain begins to dry. Watch adjacent cornfields 

 closely, as stands can disappear overnight under the onslaught of a hungry band of 

 worms . 



In the area south of Highway 50, the worms are maturing rapidly and time 

 for treatment will be past sometime this week (June 12). In the area between High- 

 ways 50 and 9, most of the worms are still only one-half to two-thirds grown, and 

 treatments will be needed until at least the end of this week (June 18). Examine 

 thick stands of wheat, barley, rye and grasses; if there are six or more armyworms 

 1/2 Inch long or longer per linear foot of drill row, treatment is suggested. 



Apply 1 1/2 pounds of toxaphene to control armyworms in small grains. 

 At the first signs of migration, treat a strip in the cornfield and a strip into 

 the field from which the worms are migrating. Use 2 pounds of toxaphene per acre, 

 but do not feed the straw or corn forage to dairy animals or to livestock fatten- 

 ing for slaughter. There are no restrictions on use of the grain. Do not apply 

 toxaphene to fields adjacent to dairy pastures or hay crops. Do not contaminate 

 fish-bearing waters with toxaphene. We have suggested that dairy farmers not use 

 chlorinated hydrocarbons on their farms. Toxaphene belongs to this family of 

 chemicals, but the official label permits its use on dairy farms. If you use it 

 on or adjacent to a dairy farm, avoid drift onto pastures and hay crops. 



Malathion, 1 l/l pounds per acre, provides only fair control, but it may 

 be beneficial for controlling armyworms in areas where drift may be critical. 



If armyworms are extremely abundant and are devouring the grass, apply 

 1 pound of carbaryl (Sevin) per acre. There is no waiting period between applica- 

 tion and harvest. Warn beekeepers that you are applying carbaryl. 



Black cutworms continue to damage corn. Many fields show slight cutworm 

 damage, but only an occasional field is seriously affected. The moths that were 

 active during the cool, wet weather a few weeks ago spread their eggs over many 

 fields. Check low spots in cornfields regularly, and watch for missing, cut or 

 wilting plants. This small gray to black worm can usually be found in the soil 



