–by Dr. Jeff Whitworth
Q: Why was the baby ant confused?
A: Because all his uncles were ants.
Q: Why did the lice fall off the toilet seat?
A: Because they all got pissed off.
Month: September 2019
Entomology Quiz: answer to last week’s picture
–by Dr. Jeff Whitworth
Broad wing Katydid Eggs.
Thank you Kiffnie Holt for the answer!
Sorghum Update—headworms, corn earworms, fall armyworms
–by Dr. Jeff Whitworth
Much sorghum has been treated throughout north central Kansas for headworms (corn earworms and/or fall army worms) and most treatments seem to have been very effective. Again, Sorghum is most vulnerable to headworms from flowering to soft dough, so past the soft dough stage headworm treatment will not be necessary. The headworm shown (see pic1) has approximately 7-10 more days of feeding before pupating. Still no reports of sugarcane aphid problems – but monitoring should continue because in 2016 insecticide applications were still justified into late September.
Pic2: These two larvae were collected from a Heligen treated field. The dead (smaller) larva is obviously pathogen-affected. If Heligen is responsible for the death of this larva, then it looks like the application was well timed to kill the larva before it caused much damage.
Photo by Cooper Wyckoff)
Soybean Update—podworms, corn earworms, sorghum headworms
–by Dr. Jeff Whitworth
Most soybeans around north central Kansas are now well into the mid to late reproductive stages. There doesn’t seem to be much potential for any massive infestations by defoliators and even if there was, as the soybeans get farther along in their development the leaf tissue becomes less needed. However, the direct pests, those that feed on the marketable product, are still very active and some are even increasing. Bean leaf beetle adults are active, feeding on pods, however, there do not seem to be as many as in past years. Soybean podworms, i.e., corn earworms/sorghum headworms, are very common and seem to be increasing in numbers in some areas. Treatment thresholds are usually considered to be 1 larva/row foot, with small worms, i.e., less than ½ inch (see pic1) and they are feeding on the seeds (beans). These larvae feed for roughly 2 weeks before pupating. As the larvae develop larger than the one shown here (see pic 1) they consume more as they get bigger and this feeding will continue for about another 7-10 days at these temperatures
Switching Things Up – Entomology Quiz
–by Dr. Raymond Cloyd
Question: What Are The Seven Structures Attached To The Twig?
If You Think You Know What It Is, Please Send Your Answer (Or Best Guess) To Sharon Schroll At sschroll@ksu.edu
The Answer Will Be Provided In The Next Issue Of The Newsletter.