-3- 



in the laboratory this past week. These adults were reared from pupae collected 

 in early March. A small percentage of the spring adults in the field will probably 

 lay eggs. Therefore, we can expect to see small numbers of larvae on alfalfa for 

 another month or more. 



It was encouraging to find as high as 8 percent of the alfalfa weevil in one field 

 recently being killed by a parasitic nematode. Wasp parasites have also been found 

 killing the weevil. Wasp parasites of the alfalfa weevil were released this past 

 week in Fulton, Champaign, Christian, Logan, Macon, Mason, McLean, Menard, Piatt, 

 Pike, Sangamon, Scott, and Vermilion Counties. During the last 2 years, this same 

 parasite has been released in counties in the southern sections of the state. In 

 future years, these natural enemies and others will help suppress problems somewhat. 



Fnr control of alfalfa weevil larvae, farmers making their own applications should 

 use either malathion or a commercially prepared methoxychlor-diazinon (Alfatox) 

 mixture. Commercial applicators can use either of the above materials or one of 

 the more toxic insecticides like methyl parathion or azinphosmethyl (Guthion) . 

 BE SURE AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS FOR DOSAGES, HARVEST LIMITATIONS, AND PRECAU- 

 TIONS WHEN USING INSECTICIDES. 



Potato leafhoppers have migrated into the state from the south and are laying eggs 

 in alfalfa. These small, green, wedge-shaped insects that skid sideways when dis- 

 turbed cause yellowing of second and third cutting of alfalfa. They not only re- 

 duce hay yields, but also reduce the quality of hay by lowering its Vitamin A and 

 protein content. 



Leafhopper abundance can be detected by shaking the plants over a piece of paper. 

 If swarms of these insects are observed at cutting time, treatment of the new growth 

 is indicated. Spray when the new growth is 2 to 6 inches tall with either 1 pound 

 per acre of actual carbaryl (Sevin) or methoxychlor. Allow 7 days to elapse be- 

 tween treatment and harvest when using methoxychlor. There is no waiting period 

 for carbaryl. 



Stored Grain Insects 



Stored grain insects are lying in wait for wheat harvest, which is just around the 

 corner in southern sections. To protect stored wheat from insect damage follow 

 these steps : 



1. Sweep up and clean out all old grain, chaff, and other debris inside and around 

 the storage bin. 



2. Apply a water-base spray of 1.5-percent premium-grade malathion (mix 3 

 ounces of 50-57 percent malathion emulsion concentrate per gallon of water) 

 or a 2.5-percent methoxychlor water base (mix 14 ounces of 25-percent 

 methoxychlor- emulsion concentrate per gallon of water) to the ceiling, walls, 

 and floor. 



3. If the wheat is to be stored for 1 month or longer, treat it with a premium- 

 grade malathion dust (40-60 pounds of 1-percent dust per 1,000 bushels) or 

 spray (1 pint of 50-57 percent emulsion concentrate in 3 to 5 gallons of water). 

 The dust is best applied on the surface of the wheat in the combine hopper; 



the spray, as the wheat is augered or elevated into the bin. 



