3. Fields that are close to harvest and in which treatment is necessary should 

 not be treated with azinphosmethyl (at least 16 days before cutting) or with 

 methyl parathion (15 days). Switch to one of the other suggested chemicals, 

 such as malathion, that has no waiting period. 



Spotted alfalfa aphids can be found in about any alfalfa field in the state in 

 low to moderate numbers . If weather conditions become hot and dry during mid- 

 summer, damage could be severe in some fields around late July and early August. 



Clover -leaf weevils are present in most clover fields. But a fungus disease has 

 killed many of them in central and southern parts of the state, leaving pale- 

 colored, dead larvae hanging from clover leaves or lying on the ground. 



Dead pea aphids can be found attached to clover and alfalfa leaves , as a result 

 of being parasitized. 



Spittlebugs are appearing on the stems of alfalfa and clover plants , forming 

 froth masses on the stems. 



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 the field 

 for feed purposes . 



CORN INSECTS 



Corn planting , compared to European corn-borer development , is early in the northern 

 two- thirds of the state. Winter populations of corn borer were higher than normal, 

 and the survival level is higher than normal. This comparatively early planting 

 and the spring borer populations indicate a serious potential problem, unless some- 

 thing drastic happens to the corn borer. Pupation began this week, but is still 

 averaging less than 10 percent in extreme southern Illinois. Farmers in the 

 northern half to two-thirds of Illinois should plan now to take time to examine 

 their early planted corn regularly for corn borer, during late June and early 

 July. 



Com seed beetles are now found in many cornfields or in fields soon to be planted. 

 Anything that hastens germination will help prevent damage by this pest. 



We issued a statement last week about diazinon seed treatment and seeding rates. 

 This had nothing to do with germination. However, in some instances, excess dust 

 can accumulate in the bottom of the planter box and decrease the seeding rate. 

 In some cases, certain hybrid seed has apparently "bridged-over" in the planter 

 box and seeded unevenly. In other cases, the dust caked in the planter plates 

 and decreased the seeding rate. More trouble was encountered with plastic plates 

 than with metal plates . Diazinon as well as other seed treatments can cause 

 seeding problems. 



Several corrective measures have been used: (1) Add extra graphite, (2) premix 

 the seed, (5) do not overdose, (4) increase the seeding rate, and (5) empty boxes 

 and examine planter plates after filling each box. 



