Livestock Insects 



The number of face flies is now increasing, on both dairy and beef cattle. We do 

 not know all the factors involved in this growth pattern. With the population 

 now on the increase in southern, central, and western Illinois, it would be well 

 to check on them weekly. 



If control becomes necessary, apply 2 percent Ciodrin at 1 to 2 ounces per animal 

 2 to 6 tunes per week, either by an automatic cattle sprayer or with a hand sprayer. 

 For beef animals on pasture, you may want to try 5-percent toxaphene in oil. To do 

 this, saturate a cloth, canvas, or burlap head or back oiler at least weekly. 



Do not treat cattle under 4 months of age with toxaphene and do not apply within 

 28 days of slaughter. Do not contaminate feed, water, milk, or milking utensils 

 with Ciodrin. 



HOMEOWNER INSECT PROBLEMS 



Picnic beetles are especially numerous at the present time. These black beetles 

 with four yellow spots are attracted to food odors and decaying or overripe fruit 

 and vegetables. They are commonly found around garbage cans and on window screens, 



For control in home yards , harvest fruits and vegetables before they become over- 

 ripe. Dispose of any spoiled produce. To kill the adult beetles, spray with mala- 

 thion, diazinon, or carbaryl (Sevin) on and around garbage cans. Spraying shrub- 

 bery and tall grass with the same insecticides before a cookout will greatly 

 reduce the number of these beetles. Follow directions on the label; check plants 

 that may be injured if sprayed with the insecticide you are using. Either 0.1- 

 percent pyrethrin or 0.5-percent dichlorvos (DDVP) in pressurized spray cans will 

 give a quick knockdown of beetles that suddenly move into an area. 



Tomato h ornworms as well as fruitworms (corn earworm) are common in tomato patches 

 in the southern half of the state. Spray with carbaryl (Sevin), using 2 table- 

 spoons of 50-percent wettable powder per gallon of water. Repeat if necessary 

 each week. There is no time limit between treatment and harvest. 



Variegated cutworms will soon be common pests of several vegetable crops and 

 flowers with heavy foliage in home gardens. Carbaryl will control them. 



PLANT DISEASES 



Corn 



A secondary effect of the widespread 2.4-D iniury to corn has been the increase 

 of corn smut infection on the injured plants. Many smut galls are prevalent near 

 the whorl at the base of the "onion" leaf. Most of the smut galls are on leaves 

 and sheaths and will do little damage. Some galls involve the developing stalk 

 and will be damaging. The increase in smut, following 2,4-D damage is on hybrids 

 that are normally susceptible to smut. 



Soybi ins 



Bacterial blight is appearing in some fields at this time. It is recognized by 

 the angular leaf spots, usually surrounded by a narrow zone of yellow leaf tissue. 

 The dead spots tend to fall out of the leaf. Severely infected leaves may have a 

 ragged appearance. 





