Lea Choppers arc still abundant in soybeans. These small, green, "gnat-like" in- 

 sects are the same leafhoppers that attack alfalfa. When severe, they cause leaves 

 to yellcm and brown (die back from tip). The term "hopper burn" is used to de- 

 scribe their injury to potatoes. IC needed, a spray containing 1 pound of mala- 

 thion per acre for soybeans will control this insect. 



Forage Insects 



The yellowing of alfalfa from potato leafhopper feeding is becoming more evident. 

 These small, green, wedge-shaped insects (1/16- inch) cause yellowing, purpling, 

 and stunting of alfalfa, and reduce both the quantity and quality of the hay. 

 If swarms of these leafhoppers are observed at cutting time, treatment of the 

 new growth is indicated. Severely damaged fields will not recover from a spray 

 treatment alone. Thus, clip and remove; then spray the new growth. Spray when 

 the new growth is 2 to 6 inches tall with either l' pound per acre of actual car- 

 baryl (Sevin) or methoxychlor. Allow 7 days to elapse between treatment and 

 harvest when using methoxychlor. There is no waiting period for carbaryl. Car- 

 baryl is toxic to bees and should not be applied to alfalfa in bloom. 



Alfalfa weevils were found for the first time in Carroll, DuPage, Kendall, Putnam, 

 Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, and Whiteside counties. They have now been identi- 

 fied in 15 new counties this year, leaving only 4 counties in the northwestern 

 section (JoDaviess, Stephenson, Winnebago, and Ogle) where they have not yet been 

 seen. Economic damage can be expected next year in most alfalfa in the area south 

 of a line from Watseka to Hardin. A few larvae are still present in alfalfa 

 fields in the southern one- third of the state, probably as a result of egg laying 

 by a few of the spring adults. 



Homeowner Insect Problems 



Picnic beetles are abundant in many areas. These black beetles (about 1/4-inch 

 long with four yellow spots on their back) are attracted to the odor of food. 

 They particularly like overripe fruit and vegetables, and will also congregate 

 around garbage containers and on windows and door screens . 



For control in home yards, pick fruits and vegetables before they become overripe. 

 Dispose of any produce that is spoiled. Use a spray of malathion, diazinon, or 

 carbaryl (Sevin) on and around garbage containers to kill the beetles. You can 

 use these same insecticides on shrubbery and tall grass several hours before a 

 cookout to help reduce the number of beetles. Follow directions on the label, 

 and check plants that may be injured if sprayed with the insecticide you are using, 

 A pressurized spray can containing 0.1-percent pyrethrin or 0.5-percent dichlorvos 

 (DDVP) is handy for quick knockdown of beetles that suddenly move into the area. 



Mimosa webworms attack the leaves of honey locust and mimosa. They are small, 

 gray- to-brown, striped, active caterpillars that use a silken thread to tie a 

 bunch of leaflets together. They skeletonize these leaflets and then form a new 

 nest. The old nest turns brown and the leaflets die. Spray the infested trees 

 with malathion, using 2 teaspoons of the 50- to 57-percent emulsion concentrate 

 per gallon of water. (This is one quart in 100 gallons of water.) 



CAUTION: BEFORE APPLYING INSECTICIDES, HEAD THE LABELS CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW ALL 

 PRECAUTIONS. THIS WILL NOT ONLY INSURE, PERSONAL SAFETY, BUT WILL ALSO 

 PREVENT RESIDUE HAZARDS. 



This weeklv report was prepared by II. B. Petty, Steve Moore, Roscoe Randell, and 

 Don Kuhlman, University of Illinois College of Agriculture and Illinois Natural 

 History Survey, in cooperation with the US DA Agricultural Research Service, Plant 

 Pest Control Branch, Crom information gathered by entomologists and cooperators 

 who send in weekly reports Crom their own localities. 



