–by Dr. Jeff Whitworth and Dr. Holly Schwarting
Chinch bug populations are increasing dramatically in north central Kansas. Sampling plants from the boot stage to flowering revealed approximately 25-60 chinch bugs of all stages per plant (see photo). Growing conditions have been good so far in central KS, thus plants have grown well and chinch bug feeding around the base of the plants (see photo) has not caused any concern, yet. However, with these chinch bug populations still increasing (we are even still finding mating adults!) if growing conditions become less favorable, the added stress caused by all these chinch bugs feeding around the base of these plants may substantially weaken the stalks and cause lodging prior to harvest.
