Watch corn fields closely for the first sign of cut or missing plants, a sign that 

 cutworms are at work. If the corn is small (2- to 6- inches high), cutting generally 

 occurs above the growing point; and at least half or more of these plants will re- 

 cover. Take this possible regrowth factor into consideration before disking-up a 

 field. Dig around several plants; if worms are found, apply the 5-percent carbaryl 

 (Sevin) apple pomace bait at 20 pounds per acre, broadcast. A spray of 2 pounds of 

 carbaryl per acre with molasses (Sevimol) or with an attractant (Tractum) , directed 

 at the base of the plant, will also control cutworms. In addition, trichlorfon (Dy- 

 lox) is effective, applied at 1 pound per acre in at least 20 gallons of water as a 

 spray directed at the base of the plants . Cover the trichlorfon spray band by throw- 

 ing soil at the base of the plants with a cultivator. 



Wireworms have been reported damaging corn in a few fields . Wilting plants indicate 

 damage. Examine the base of the plant. If a hole has been drilled into it, sift the 

 soil for the round, wire-like brown wireworms. If replanting becomes necessary, apply 

 one of the organophosphates as granules in a 7- inch band ahead of the press wheel. 

 [Two pounds of diazinon per acre or 1 pound of Dasanit, Dyfonate, phorate (Thimet) , 

 or prophos (Jolt or Mocap) per acre.] This will kill all but the full-grown worms. 

 On a trial basis only (to protect the stand from further wireworm damage) , apply 1 

 pound of actual Dyfonate or phorate per acre as granules, placed at the base of the 

 plants. Cover with cultivation. A rain following treatment would improve the chances 

 of success. 



European corn borer pupation is about complete in the southern section, where moth 

 emergence has started and egg- laying is under way. Pupation is 30 to 40 percent com- 

 plete in the central section, and a few moths have emerged in the northern section. 



SOYBEAN INSECTS 



Bean leaf beetles are eating holes in the leaves and chewing on newly emerged soybean 

 stems. Occasional fields are being damaged. Do not apply an insecticide unless the 

 stand is being noticeably reduced. Carbaryl (Sevin) at 1 pound or toxaphene at 1-1/2 

 pounds per acre is effective, applied as a band spray over the row. There are no 

 restrictions on the use of carbaryl. Toxaphene- treated soybeans should not be fed 

 as forage to dairy cattle, livestock fattening for slaughter, or poultry. 



Seed corn maggots have been reported damaging germinating soybean seeds. These small 

 white maggots tunnel into the kernel and feed, causing the seed to die. Soybean stands 

 can usually withstand some damage without affecting the yield. Usually, infestations 

 are not severe. No means of control is available. If replanting is necessary, a di- 

 azinon seed treatment will prevent further injury to the new stand. 



FORAGE INSECTS 



Alfalfa weevil development slowed this past week in the central and southern sections. 

 Since the first cutting has either been made or soon will be, chemical control is no 

 longer recommended. However, watch the new growth. If these weevils are severely 

 damaging the new shoots, an insecticide application may still be warranted. 



SUNFLOWER INSECTS 



Flea beetles and an unidentified caterpillar resembling an armyworm larva were ob- 

 served feeding on young sunflower plants in the northern section. Feeding damage 

 was moderate. There is a shortage of effective insecticides approved for use on 

 sunflowers. Methyl parathion (to be used by experienced applicators only) and endo- 

 sulfan (Thiodan) are the only insecticides currently registered for use on sunflowers. 



