Source summary
What this podcast covered
Emerging Pest Challenges
Farmers are currently facing increased pressures from pests like rice water weevils and thrips, which are affecting crop health and yield potential. The early appearance of these pests suggests a shift in their lifecycle, requiring farmers to adapt their management strategies accordingly.
Impact on Crop Management
The discussion emphasizes the importance of timely scouting and the application of appropriate treatments to manage these pests effectively. With adverse weather conditions contributing to slower crop growth, the risk of damage from these insects is heightened, necessitating vigilant monitoring.
Limited Control Options for Slugs
In soybean crops, slugs pose a challenge with few effective control measures available. The primary chemical, Deadline, is costly and requires dry conditions for application, complicating management efforts for growers in no-till or cover crop systems.
Fire Ant Control Strategies
Fire ants have rebounded more than expected this year, prompting discussions on effective control measures. Perimeter treatments with specific baits have shown promise, but foliar applications are ineffective against these pests.
Key takeaways
5 things worth knowing
- 01
Rice water weevil populations are increasing earlier than usual, requiring timely foliar applications.
- 02
Thrips are causing significant damage in cotton, especially in slow-growing conditions.
- 03
Defoliation from armyworms in corn is a concern, but thresholds for treatment are high.
- 04
Limited options for slug control in beans, with Deadline being the primary chemical available.
- 05
Fire ants are more prevalent than expected this year, necessitating perimeter treatments for control.
Source figures at a glance
At a glance
What the podcast covered, in 4 signals
Insects
Increasing
Rice water weevils
Adult populations rising earlier than usual.
Insects
High
Thrips
Significant damage reported in slow-growing cotton.
Insects
Concern
Armyworms
High thresholds for treatment in corn.
Insects
Prevalent
Fire ants
More common than expected this season.
Questions & answers
Quick answers
What should I do if I see rice water weevils in my fields?
Monitor the population closely and consider a foliar application if scarring exceeds 35-40% on new leaf material.
How can I manage thrips in my cotton crops?
Scout your fields regularly, as even a few thrips can cause significant damage in slow-growing conditions.
What are my options for controlling slugs in soybeans?
Currently, Deadline is the main chemical available, but it requires dry weather for effective application.
How can I control fire ants in my fields?
Consider perimeter treatments with extinguish plus, as foliar applications are not effective against fire ants.