carbaiyl (Sevin) , 2 pounds of diazinon (use as granules) , or 1 pound of trichlorfon 

 (Dylox) per acre- -directed as a spray at the base of the plants--will control small 

 worms . 



For best results, use at least 20 gallons of water per acre; cultivate immediately 

 to cover the spray deposit. A rain following the treatment will greatly improve 

 control results. 



Homeowner Insect Problems 



Elm leaf beetle eggs were found this week on Chinese elm. These eggs are yellow, 

 formed in clusters on the undersides of the leaves. The yellow larvae that will 

 hatch from the eggs feed on the undersides of the leaves. The leaves appear 

 silvery at first as the green tissue is eaten; but soon, the entire tree will take 

 on a brown appearance. It is still too early to spray, but they are starting. 



PLANT DISEASES 



Septoria leaf blotch , formerly found only on the lower leaves, has now moved up 

 on wheat plants. In some fields, as many as 50 percent of the leaves are showing 

 infection; some are turning brown. Such leaf damage makes the field appear brown 

 and thin. If the grain is only slightly developed, leaf loss will result in 

 shriveled, light grain at harvest. 



Powdery mildew is now common in wheat fields in many areas of the state. Fields 

 with moderate -to -severe infections are beginning to lodge. 



Yellow dwarf has appeared in a very few oat fields in southwestern Illinois. Where 

 present, the infection is severe, and damage will be serious. 



WEEDS 



For broadleaved weeds in corn, 2,4-D is still your most effective and economical 

 herbicide. You can broadcast over the top until corn is 8 to 10 inches high. 



Rates suggested for broadcasting 2,4-D per acre are 1/6 pound of the low-volatile 

 ester, 1/4 pound of the high-volatile ester, or 1/2 pound of the amine. For most 

 weeds, the earlier you apply, the better the control. 



Nutgrass infestations have increased the past few years. We don't have all the 

 answers for control yet, but Vernam looks like a good bet where you plant soybeans. 

 As an early postemergence agent in corn, atrazine and oil has given partial con- 

 trol of nutgrass; it may give enough knockdown to permit better smothering with 

 the cultivator. 



Aerial application of atrazine may give weed control in cornfields that are too 

 wet to cultivate. However, unless applications are accurate and uniform, residue 

 problems may occur next year, if there is much overlap. 



How late can preemergence herbicides be applied if they were not put on at plant - 

 ing time? This depends on the herbicide. Atrazine can be applied anytime up to 

 3 weeks after planting- -until weeds are 1-1/2 inches tall. Ramrod may have some 

 effect on very small weeds, if applied very soon after emergence. But your best 

 bet for most preemergence herbicides is to apply them before the weeds emerge- - 

 usually at planting time or very soon thereafter. 



