Blister beetles . These pests are now feeding in gardens. They are long (3/4 to 1 

 inch), soft-bodied beetles. They feed on many species of broadleaved weeds, as well 

 as on tomatoes, potatoes, and other garden crops. Blister beetles are usually present 

 in swarms, devouring all green leaves as they go. Where one beetle is squashed on 

 the bare skin, a blister usually forms. Carbaryl will control this insect. 



WEEDS 



DESICCANTS FOR DRYING WEEDS IN SOYBEANS 



Paraquat is registered as a "harvest aid" for drying weeds in soybeans. It may be 

 applied after soybeans are fully developed, when at least half of the leaves have 

 dropped and the remaining ones are turning yellow. If paraquat is applied before 

 the beans are fully developed, yield reductions can result. 



Use paraquat at a rate of 1/2 to 1 pint per acre, broadcast. Use this rate in 20 to 

 40 gallons of spray per acre for ground application, or in 2 to 5 gallons per acre 

 for aerial application. Add one quart of a non- ionic surfactant (X-77) per 100 gal- 

 lons of spray. If cocklebur is a problem, use the higher rate. 



Do not pasture livestock within fifteen days after treatment. Remove livestock from 

 treated fields at least thirty days before slaughter. 



Desiccants do not make weeds disappear. The coarse, stiff stems of weeds like jim- 

 sonweed, velvetleaf, and cocklebur may remain, as well as the wiry stems of grasses 

 like foxtail. In one 1971 test, we were not able to show a significant decrease 

 in the tensile strength of giant foxtail stems. However, a desiccant can dry out 

 the leaves of both broadleaf and grass weeds, making harvesting easier and reducing 

 dockage when the beans are sold. 



By the time soybeans are mature, the weeds have already taken their toll through 

 competition. The desiccant is not likely to reduce the viability of weed seeds that 

 are already mature. There are no desiccants registered for use on grain sorghum. 



Now is a good time to remind folks to place primary emphasis on early weed control 

 practices next year. 



WEED CONTROL FOR FORAGE CROPS 



Having realized the benefits from using herbicides in row crops, farmers are showing 

 an increased interest in using herbicides for forage crops. 



Eptam (EPTC) worked into the soil before planting, at the rate of 5 pounds of active 

 ingredient per acre (two quarts per acre) , has given effective control of several 

 annual weeds in alfalfa sown without a companion crop and without grasses in the 

 mixture. Eptam controls grasses better than broadleaf weeds. Apply the herbicide 

 and mix immediately to a depth of about two inches by disking before seeding alfalfa. 



Balan (benefin) applied preplant at the rate of 5 to 4 quarts per acre and incor- 

 porated can control some annual grass and broadleaf -weed seedlings. This material 

 can be applied within ten weeks before planting, but immediate incorporation is 

 necessary after application. 



2,4-DB can control many broadleaf weeds, such as wild mustard, pigweed, and lambs- 

 quarter . This material may be used on new seedings of alfalfa, red clover, ladino 





