FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 2k, 1963 



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 

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

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

 changes in insect activity and to suggest abbreviated control measures. These re- 

 ports indicate only general trends. Each individual should check his own fields 

 to determine local conditions. 



Corn borer pupation is complete in southern Illinois, and about half the 

 moths have emerged. In the south- central, central and north-central areas, 60 to 

 90 percent of the overwintering larvae have pupated, but only an occasional moth has 

 emerged. In northern Illinois about 60 percent of the wintering larvae have pupated. 



The triangular area from Rock Island to Peoria to Carthage had the highest 

 overwintering borer population in Illinois. Observe the most advanced fields in this 

 area about June 15, as moths will concentrate their egg- laying in these fields. 

 Since corn was planted in a short time this year, it is possible that much of it may 

 attract moths for egg-laying; if so, egg masses could be scattered over most of the 

 fields and not concentrated in a few. 



Black cutworms have damaged some corn in western and southwestern Illinois. 

 Cutworms are usually most damaging in low spots in a field and may migrate from 

 these spots, cutting corn as they go. Before applying an insecticide, make a count 

 to determine whether they are cutting below the heart of the plant or just cutting 

 off the upper part. If the plants have been cut above the heart, they will continue 

 to grow. If the cutworms are small and numerous, they will continue to damage the 

 field. 



To control, apply l/2 pound of dieldrin, 3 pounds of toxaphene or l/k 

 pound of endrin per acre. Use as much water per acre as possible. Use low pres- 

 sures, and direct the spray at the base of the plants. Cultivate immediately, 

 putting dirt around the plants. 



Lesser clover leaf weevils are apparent in many red clover fields. The 

 larvae hollow out the stems behind the leaf sheaths, and the stem often wilts and 

 dies. No control measures are known for this pest. 



Cicadas are present in the southern part of Illinois and soon will be 

 noticeable in south-central Illinois. The high-pitched shrill sound made by the 

 male cicadas is an Indication of their presence. The females will soon begin to 

 lay eggs in the small branches of trees, and damage may be severe in newly planted 

 fruit and shade trees. 



If only a few newly planted trees are involved, cover them with cheese- 

 cloth, fastened tightly so that cicadas cannot get into this "tent." If chemical 

 control is needed, use Sevin according to label directions. Do not apply it to 

 producing apple trees within 30 days after full bloom or to Boston ivy. 



THE LIBRARY OF THE 



MAY 2 9 1963 



