European Corn Borer: A Secondary Insect Pest for Now?
A very small flight of European corn borer moths is expected again for 2006. However, producers who have not planted a Bt hybrid for that pest and were among the first to plant corn in their area should still scout for the first generation of European corn borer.
Pythium Rots
Cold, wet weather conditions are ideal for rotting of seeds and seedlings. Life cycle, infection cycle, and management practices for Pythium rot are detailed.
Oversized Vegetation in Soybean Fields
The same conditions that have delayed soybean planting may have delayed preplant tillage and burndown herbicide applications. Large weeds remaining in fields after soybean emergence will be very competitive with soybean.
Crop Development as Spring Planting Wraps Up
Nearly all the corn crop is planted in Illinois, but soybean yield losses are beginning to accelerate as planting is delayed. Yields for wheat are still hard to call.
Regional Reports
Reports are provided this issue for east-central, northern, southern, and west-central Illinois.