-4- 



Paraquat has been cleared for application to emerged weeds prior to corn planting 

 or prior to corn emergence. Considerable research has been done with Paraquat 

 for killing sod and planting corn in dead sod. Paraquat is a "quick burner" that 

 becomes inactivated on contact with the soil. 



Atrazine is usually applied at the same time for residual control. This program 

 will likely have very limited acceptance in 1968, but there has been a spurt of 

 interest with the new clearance for Paraquat and the development and availability 

 of equipment for "no-till" planting. 



Clearance for amitrole and amitrole-T is apparently under review, but no changes 

 are anticipated that will affect normal use in Illinois during 1968. 



There have been many questions about seeding -down areas for the government pro- 

 gram in 1968, where Atrazine was used on corn in 1967. Plan ahead and do not use 

 Atrazine where you plan to seed small grain or small seeded legumes this fall or 

 next spring. Soybeans can usually follow Atrazine -treated corn the next year, 

 if Atrazine was applied uniformly and accurately at the proper rate. 



HOMEOWNER PEST PROBLEMS 



Insects 



Oystershell scale cannot be controlled now. Many people are asking about con- 

 trolling this pest that attacks lilacs, many trees, and other shrubs. It is too 

 late to apply a dormant oil and too early for a malathion spray. The eggs are 

 under the overwintering scales. These eggs will hatch in late May in southern 

 Illinois, early June in central Illinois, and mid-June in northern Illinois. The 

 young scales crawl out from under the old scales and migrate to the new growth 

 to feed. At this time, they are called crawlers, and they can be controlled with 

 malathion sprays. Another application may be required in August. 



Brown recluse spiders are still being discussed. We need one spider from 

 each county in our collection for reference purposes. We will appreciate receiv- 

 ing specimens. Place suspicious -looking spiders in a small bottle of alcohol and 

 send them to Dr. John D. Unzicker, Illinois Natural Historv Survey, Urbana, 

 Illinois 61801, for determination. 



Plant Diseases 



Fusarium rot is a problem if you grow gladioli. Start your control program be- 

 fore you set the bulbs. First, examine the bulbs before planting and discard any 

 that show signs of rot. Then, treat the good bulbs with Arasan dust. Place the 

 bulbs in a paper bag with the dust and shake. They are then ready to plant. 



Weeds 



Dandelions and other broadleaved weeds are now prevalent in many lawns ; people 

 are asking about control. It is still not too late to apply 2,4-D amine or low- 

 volatile esters at the rates suggested on the label. 



Mixtures of 2,4-D with NCPP, dicamba, and others are widely available, and 

 these may be used instead of 2,4-D alone. They provide a wider range of weed 

 control. Always follow the label when using these herbicides. 



