-2- 



noticeable, damage as yet is slight. Red clover (4 to 5 inches tall) is only about half 

 the height of alfalfa (8 to 10 inches tall) and, therefore, most vulnerable. Warm, 

 humid weather will allow rapid plant growth and will enhance the spread of a fungus 

 disease that kills the larvae. A few cream-colored weevil were observed, indicating the 

 possibility of infection by the fungus disease. 



Watch fields closely for the next 10 days. If clover-leaf weevil feeding begins to get 

 ahead of plant growth, a spray of 1 pound per acre of malathion will control them. 



Spittlebugs are hatching in northern sections. These tiny orange nymphs are down low 

 behind the leaf sheaths. Soon, they will move higher up on the plants and form froth 

 masses. They damage alfalfa and clover plants by sucking out the sap. Occasional field 

 especially new seedings of red clover, are averaging 1 to 2 nymphs per stem. Damage so 

 far is light. In the central and southern sections, froth masses are apparent, but in- 

 festations are generally lower than in the north. 



Chemical control is usually not profitable if you find fewer than 1 nymph per stem. If 

 treatment is necessary, apply 3/4 pound of methoxychlor per acre. Wait 7 days after 

 treatment before pasturing livestock or cutting for feed purposes. 



CORN INSECTS 



Slender seed-corn beetles were numerous in some fields of corn stubble in the northern 

 section. In one field the average was as high as 12 beetles per square foot. This 

 chestnut -brown beetle (3/8-inch long) --along with the striped seed-corn beetle and seed- 

 corn maggot- -will eat holes in the germinating corn seed and cut small sprouts. The 

 severity of the problem will depend on weather during the planting period. Cool weather 

 and slow germination will enhance the likelihood of damage. Warm weather and more-rapid 

 germination will lower the chances for injury. Since aldrin, heptachlor, chlordane, 

 lindane, or dieldrin as soil or seed treatments may not control these insects (due to 

 resistant problems), we suggest the use of a diazinon seed treatment. A planter treatment 

 (7-inch band over the row or just ahead of the press wheel) of Furadan, dyfonate, dasanit 

 or phorate (Thimet) at 1 pound of actual chemical per acre- -as suggested for rootworms-- 

 will also give adequate protection against these insects. 



Corn borer pupation began in the extreme southern section this week, as reported by 

 Bob We the re 11 in Vienna. Stan Ceglinski in Cairo found no borer pupation as yet, so 

 spring development is just getting started. Warren Bundy of Edwards vi lie found no 

 borer pupation on April 28. 



LIVESTOCK INSECTS 



Horn flies appeared on pastured cattle in the extreme southern sections for the first 

 time this week. Populations are light, but an economic buildup (50 to 100 or more per 

 animal) could develop within the next two weeks. 



HOMEOWNER INSECT PROBLEMS 



Holly leaf miner larvae can be found tunnelling between the leaf tissues of many types 

 of holly. They leave a yellowish mine, and will continue to damage the leaves if not 

 controlled. It is still not too late to control them. Use a dimethoate (Cygon) spray 

 by mixing 2 teaspoons of the 23-percent (2E) liquid concentrate in a gallon of water. 

 Spraying should be done immediately. Thorough coverage is important for good success. 

 .Another spraying may be needed about the middle of June. 



