G 35. 3l 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 17, 196^ 



INSECT SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 1 



This is the first in a series of -weekly "bulletins on the general insect 

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

 versity of Illinois College of Agriculture, Illinois Natural History Survey and coop- 

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

 in insect activity and to suggest abbreviated control measures. These reports indi- 

 cate only general trends. Each individual should check his o\m fields to determine 

 local conditions. 



European corn borer survival this past vinter was normal in western Illinois 

 but above normal in northern Illinois. With the low borer populations of the past, few 

 years, parasite numbers have also decreased noticeably. This decrease may have con- 

 tributed to slightly higher borer survival this past winter. On the basis of this 

 survival and the overwintering borer populations, farmers in the area north and east 

 of a line from Rockford to Jo lie t to Quincy should plow stalks cleanly whenever pos- 

 sible and disk thoroughly when not plowing. They should avoid early planting, par- 

 ticularly on soils of high fertility, and use adapted hybrids or, if early planting 

 is necessary, be sure to use a full-season hybrid. 



Clover leaf weevil populations have been higher than normal in western Il- 

 linois, but this past week of warmer weather may enable the plants to grow away from 

 any weevil damage. Furthermore, higher temperatures help to spread a fungus disease 

 that kills these green worms. The worms feed at night and hi.de in the ground trash 

 during the day. Insecticides should be applied only when damage is extreme. 



Fungus flies will soon appear in wheat fields, particularly in wheat on 

 soybean stubble. These flies are in the decaying organic material and do not feed 

 on wheat. 



Sawfly larvae will probably appear in wheat fields during the next few weeks. 

 Do not confuse these green to yellow velvety- appearing, almost transparent larvae, 

 with the true armyworm, which is a striped worm. 



Armyworm moths have appeared in very low numbers this week. There is no 

 indication of the extent of the flight. 



Caution : Before applying insecticides, read the labels carefully and follow 

 all precautions. This not only will insure personal safety, but will also eliminate 

 insecticide residue hazards. 



This weekly report was prepared by H. B. Petty, Steve Moore and Clarence E. 

 White, Illinois Natural History Survey and Illinois College of Agriculture, in co- 

 operation with the USDA Agricultural Service, Plant Pest Control Branch, from infor- 

 mation gathered by entomologists and cooperators who send in weekly reports from their 

 own localities. 



THE UBWWK W M 



APR 2 Q 1964 



IIH1VERSITV HF III WW 



