EARLY ARRIVAL OF INSECT PESTS

Jul 01, 2020


The recent strong southerly winds we had for what seemed like forever brought with them some unwanted visitors.  A few insect pests have arrived in the state early, from one to several weeks earlier than normal.  Following are a couple to watch for: 
  1. True Armyworms.  These relatively rare pests have arrived in the southeastern part of the state, and in economically important numbers.  Watch wheat, barley and oat fields carefully, as when these pests arrive, they are truly a problem that demands immediate attention - they can be a true “army.” The moths of these larvae are relatively non-descript, but the larvae of the true armyworm is the problem. They are fairly easy to identify simply by looking at the HEAD. If it is orange and has black fine lines, it is probably a true armyworm.  Other larvae around now usually have a solid-colored head.  Insecticides are effective, but watch PHI limitations as we near winter wheat harvest. Read article from SDSU here.
  2. Alfalfa webworms. The damage caused by Alfalfa webworms looks similar to damage that can be from thistle caterpillars but the insects appear different. The Alfalfa webworm has a  dark head capsule and few spines as compared to thistle caterpillars. They loosely spin webs holding a couple leaves together and can defoliate young soybeans.  SDSU has also been hearing of issues with them in sunflowers this year too. The threshold for treatment is high, however, and will be at an average of 20% defoliation for spraying, just like thistle caterpillars or grasshoppers.  Insecticides are effective, if coverage is good.   
  3. Other insects: Keep an eye on alfalfa weevils which are still active and abundant.  Start looking for leafhoppers and thistle catperpillars should be arriving soon, too.  Soybean aphids should not be far off, if they are going to appear.

Read More News

Apr 01, 2025
Chad Boekelheide raises corn and soybeans alongside his parents, Jim and Donna, his brother, Scott, and son, Derek, in the Northville and Mellette area. Chad made his way back to the farm after earning a finance degree from Northern State University in 1995. Chad and his wife, Kris, are proud parents to their four children—Derek, Hailey, Jessica, and Ella.
Mar 17, 2025
Agtegra Cooperative is pleased to announce Ryan Schuchhardt as its VP of Agronomy Sales. Ryan has been in the agronomy business for the past 24 years. He started his career as a sales agronomist and has held several leadership positions within the agronomy sales organization, most recently as Regional Seed Lead.
Feb 27, 2025
Agtegra Cooperative is pleased to announce Jaclyn Collier as its Vice President of Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS). In this role, Jaclyn leads all aspects of Agtegra’s EHS programs in addition to fostering a culture of safety in the cooperative.