Time to Scout for Black Cutworm & Alfalfa Weevil
Crop consultants and growers should begin inspecting corn for signs of Black Cutworm as moth captures are indicating the window for damage is opening up. While doing your early season stand assessments, scouting for leaf pinholes and other signs of cutworm feeding is important - even in Bt hybrids and corn treated with seed applied insecticides. The economic threshold for black cutworm is reached if 3% of plants have been cut and larvae are still present in the field. Prioritize scouting over the next 3 weeks.
Alfalfa weevil has been feeding in southern Wisconsin. The mild winter was kind to adult weevils. If you have seen weevil damage in previous years, now is the time to check those fields and assess your options to manage that pest.
