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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 27, 19&0 



INSECT SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 6 



This is the sixth in a series of weekly bulletins on the general insect 

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

 Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois College of Agriculture, 

 and cooperating agencies. It is designed to forewarn people in Illinois of impending 

 changes in insect activity and suggests abbreviated control measures. These reports 

 indicate only general trends. Each individual should check his own fields to de- 

 termine local conditions. 



Spittle bugs : Masses of froth covering one or more nymphs are now apparent 

 throughout the northern one-third of Illinois. In most fields it is too late to apply 

 insecticides profitably, since the luxuriant foliage prevents penetration of the spray 

 and control will be poor. Control in thin or slow-growing fields may still be prof- 

 itable if there is an average of one or more nymphs per stem. Use 1 pound of methoxy- 

 chlor per acre, but not within one week of cutting or pasture. 



Pea aphids : Both adults and larvae of lady beetles are feeding on this 

 pest. In addition, the muggy weather has helped to spread a fungus disease that 

 is killing aphids. The need for chemical control is not likely. 



Corn borers ; Pupation of overwintering borers increased rapidly this week, 

 varying from 50 percent in the northern half of Illinois to 100 percent with a trace 

 of moth emergence in the southern half. Corn that was up prior to May 25 in the area 

 north of a line from St. Louis to Kankakee should be watched for signs of borer in- 

 festations during the latter part of June. 



Black cutworms : Moth flight has been greater this year than in the past 

 in some areas of the state. Exact predictions are impossible, but watch low spots 

 in corn fields during the next two to three weeks. If cutting starts, examine the 

 area for cutworms, and apply 1/2 pound of dieldrin or 3 pounds of heptachlor per acre 

 if needed. Direct the spray onto the soil and the base of the plants. 



Fields on which 1 1/2 pounds of aldrin or heptachlor were broadcast prior 

 to planting should have little if any damage, but fields with 1 pound per acre as 

 row treatment may not be protected against cutworms. 



Armyworma : Moth flights have been observed, but no serious worm infesta- 

 tions have yet been found. Watch thick, luxuriant stands of grains and grasses during 

 the next few weeks. Cool weather favors this insect. 



Flea beetles : A few early corn fields in the southern third of Illinois 

 are being damaged by these insects. Corn leaves have tiny white strips showing on 

 the leaves. Heavily damaged leaves turn brown. The beetles jump from the leaves 

 when disturbed, making them difficult to find. If damage is developing to the point 

 of killing plants, apply 1 1/2 pounds of DDT of l/k pound of dieldrin per acre over 

 the row. 



Sawflies : A sawfly usually found only in small numbers in grain fields, 

 is abundant this year. It is a drab yellow worm with false legs on each segment of 

 the abdomen. These worms feed on the ends of the leaves, cutting off the tips. No 

 commercial damage has been noted, and control measures are not recommended. 



Another species of sawfly is damaging strawberry leaves. Rotenone or 

 malathion will provide practical control for the home gardener. Follow label 

 directions . 



