CORN INSECTS 



Seed-corn beetles and maggots may damage some corn fields before the corn seeds ger- 

 minate. Cool, wet soil slows down the germination process and enhances the potential 

 for damage by these pests. If replanting becomes absolutely necessary, use adiazinon 

 planter-box seed treater or an organic phosphate soil insecticide, applied in a 7- 

 inch band ahead of the press wheel. 



Corn flea beetles may be numerous in the southern third to half of the state, and 

 will concentrate on corn as it comes through the ground. These tiny, black and shiny 

 beetles jump at the slightest disturbance. Only by approaching plants cautiously will 

 you be able to see them. They strip the green tissue from between the veins , leaving 

 iittle white or brown streaks on the leaf. If corn fields become seriously affected, 

 apply 3/4 of a pound of carbaryl (Sevin) or 1-1/2 pounds of toxaphene per acre as a 

 band spray over the row. Grassy areas bordering the field should also be treated. 

 Avoid using carbaryl near beehives, and toxaphene near fish-bearing waters. 



Black cutworms have not yet appeared. Watch for feeding on the stalks and leaves, 

 or for cut plants. Early detection of an infestation is essential for control. Apply 

 20 pounds of carbaryl (Sevin) -apple pomace bait per acre. Sprays of carbaryl to which 

 an attractant sudi as Tractum or molasses has been added will be fairly effective if 

 the spray band is concentrated at the row. A spray of 1 pound of trichlorfon (Dylox) 

 per acre will also control black cutworms. Use 20 gallons of water per acre when band- 

 spraying with trichlorfon, and cultivate in order to throw soil over this band in the 

 row. 



European corn borer development is near normal. Some emergence of these moths has 

 occurred in the southern third of Illinois. European corn borer moths will have dif- 

 ficulty finding a good place to lay eggs except on weeds, wheat, some flowers, and a 

 few patches of extremely early sweet corn. Survival should be very low. Pupation of 

 the overwintering borers further north is well underway, but no moths have emerged as 

 yet. 



SOYBEAN INSECTS 



Bean leaf beetles will feed on both green beans and soybeans as fast as they come 

 through the ground. Although insecticides to control this pest on green beans are 

 often necessary, control is rarely required on soybeans. If damage is so severe that 

 the stand of soybeans is being noticeably reduced, apply either 1 pound of carbaryl 

 (Sevin) or 1-1/2 pounds of toxaphene per acre. 



HOMEOWNER INSECT PROBLEMS 



Leaf rollers on strawberries have been reported. These caterpillars fold strawberry 

 leaflets around themselves, then proceed to chew on the foliage. Some patches have 

 had certain areas severely defoliated. 



For control, spray foliage with diazinon. Use 3 tablespoons of 25-percent liquid con- 

 centrate per 1,000 square feet of strawberry patch. Allow five days between appli- 

 cation and harvest. 



Plant bugs and leafhoppers are sucking plant juices from leaves of honey locust trees, 

 causing the leaves to turn yellow and curl. Sprays containing malathion or diazinon 

 will control these insects. 



