Kansas State University

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Extension Entomology

Tag: all stages

Alfalfa

–by Dr. Jeff Whitworth and Dr. Holly Schwarting

   Alfalfa weevils continue to be very active throughout NC KS. This past week the weevil populations were still plentiful and in all stages, including very small 1st instar larvae. This is really unusual, as we started finding 1st instar larvae back in the 1st part of March. This is really a testament to the fluctuating temperatures that we have seen over the last 2 months, with a relatively warm winter/early spring then a major cool down with several nights of freezing temperatures which have slowed down weevil development significantly. Please remember, if an insecticide application is still warranted, check the Pre Harvest Interval (PHI) for the product of choice.

Chinch Bugs

–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.

chinch bug immatures2

 

chinch bug feeding

 

chinch bug mating