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Corn leaf ap h ids have suddenly become abundant. This week we saw one field 

 that had ho percent of the tassels heavily infested. These aphids will disappear in 

 most instances upon pollen shod. Occasionally, however, the aphids will persist until 

 harvest. We do not know why this difference occurs. 



Swollen light brown aphids are those that have been parasitized by wasps. 

 Lady beetles that devour aphids may become abundant . If you notice them in great 

 abundance, it may not be wise to apply an insecticide. 



Seed producers can profitably apply 1 1/2 pounds of malathion per acre to 

 control aphids. Diazinon can also be used. If the corn is still in the whorl stage 

 and is male-sterile, 10 pounds of 10 percent phorate (Thimet) granules is the best 

 control if all precautions are followed. 



We can supply only limited advice to the commercial corn farmer. With the 

 dry weather in some areas, aphids siphoning moisture from the plant may be adding to 

 the stress put on the corn plant. If you use an insecticide, use malathion or 

 diazinon, but do not expect to eliminate the aphids. 



Armyw orms are present in an occasional field of grassy corn in northern 

 Illinois. Oarbaryl (Sevin) will give adequate control where needed. 



Spider mites are present in s^me soybean fields. They cause leaf mottling 

 and stunting of plants. For control, hire an experienced sprp.y aptlicator to apply 

 3/U pound of carbophenothion (Trithion) per acre, The iiite situation is spotted, as 

 only areas of severe moisture shortage shew damage. 



Thrips damage can still be observed in soybeans. S°verely infected fields 

 have a silver sheen. Toxaphene, malathion and several other insecticides will con- 

 trol this pest. 



Upcoming Farm Insect Problems 



Green cloverworm moths are abundant in some soybean fields. If they lay 

 eggs in these fields, pale green worms with white stripes will defoliate the plants. 

 This worm "springs" or jumps by rapidly curling and uncurling its ,>ody. It he -3 ueen 

 a pest in Illinois in previous years. 



Grasshoppers are still present in some numbers on roadsides and ditchbanks 

 but should not be confused with long-horned grasshoppers or katydids, which are also 

 abundant on roadsides. 



The Homeowner's Insect Problems 



Picnic beetles are attracted to food at outdoor gatherings and to overripe 

 or damaged produce in home gardens. These beetles are l/U inch long with four yellow 

 spots on their backs. 



To control this insect in your garden, pick produce before it becomes over- 

 ripe, and dispose of spoiled fruits and vegetables. Malathion, diazinon or carbaryl 

 sprays will control Insects when applied around garbage containers. Repeat treatments 

 every 10 days to two weeks to control migrating beetles . You can also use these 

 insecticides to spray shrubbery and tall grass several hours before you plan a cookout. 

 An aerosol bomb containing pyrethrin or DDVP is also handy to control picnic beetles 

 and other crawling or flying insects. 



