Black cutworm (BCW) moth flights were noticeably high during the last week of April amongst those recording that information in western IL. So far, we've recorded 8 intense captures over the past month (Plainville, Quincy, Camp Point, Mt. Sterling, Mendon and Perry areas), which is concerning. We've also got the first field found with feeding damage above thresholds, and the corn was treated with an Insecticidal Seed Treatment (Poncho).

BCW moths prefer to lay eggs into weedy vegetation. Scout those corn fields that had existing vegetation when corn was planted. Don't count on IST's providing protection, because they probably won't perform well under heavy BCW pressure.

Alfalfa weevils are active in some fields, preventing regrowth in some cases. The worse case scenario is for weevil to continue to feed on alfalfa regrowth as the plants continue to recover from the Easter cold. These plants need opportunities to regrow prior to harvest. Consider allowing alfalfa to come to full bloom before harvest to allow ample food reserves to be stored, which would allow quick regrowth for the second crop.

Wheat flag leaf has emerged and head emergence will not be far behind. Scab has not been very evident for the past few years, but each year brings the risk. Several fungicides are now available (Folicur, Orius, and Proline) that help reduce incidence of scab. Application timing is critical The fusarium organism that causes scab can only infect when the flower is open, and the goal then is to protect the open flower. To help determine when the risk of scab is high, consult the following web site:

http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu/