Data Report – July 25th

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  • There has been an abundance of Corn Earworm (Helicoverpa zea) moths near fresh market corn in Linn County, which affects the average, but all other sites remain low to normal. Timing is closely associated with crop development (moths appear at silk and lay eggs), so we keep a close eye on CEW for the coming weeks. Also, we are in the process of reviewing long term activity data that may help to improve degree-day models for this region.
  • The Oregon IPM Center is collaborating on a survey for Western Corn Rootworm. The research effort is led by Iowa State University, and includes Extension educators, field crop specialists, and ag industry representatives in 13 U.S. states and 5 Canadian provinces. More info available here.
  • Black Cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon) counts remain lower than historically normal levels. Although sweet corn plantings are likely past the sensitive stage, remember that black cutworm also feeds on tomatoes and other garden crops.
This smaller table shows the average of all sites (2023AVE) for the specified time period and how it compares to our long-term average (LTAVE) from data collected in this region between 1996 and 2012. Corn earworm is higher due only to an outbreak at fresh market corn field near Albany (ALBN.1 on main table).

Data Report – July 14th

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  • All ‘usual suspect’ crop pest moths (loopers, cutworms, corn earworm) are within normal activity levels.
  • Diabrotica undecimpunctata (12-spot / cucumber beetles) have 2 generations per year. They may be feeding underground now as rootworms, and expect to see more adult beetles in the landscape in the coming weeks. Rootworms feed underground, and adults chew on foliage of a wide variety of crops and weeds.
  • Heat brings on flea beetles. Keep an eye on any newly planted fields, beetles tend to move in from the margins.
  • See data table below…

Important “Do” Dates

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  • FEB 6th re: AgCensus – Every 5 years, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service offers producers large and small (>$1K of annual sales or potential) opportunity to participate in the census. The data collected help guide legislature, research, and most importantly, show the value and importance of American agriculture. The law requires that operator information remains confidential and used for aggregate data reporting only.
  • FEB 13th re: EPA Rodenticide Proposed Interim Decision (PID) – Lots of other agencies covering this, but just in case…be aware that many changes are being proposed that could impact your operation. Applicator licensure, restrictions or revoking use, timing and placement, increased PPE, and mandatory or advisory post-application carcass searches, to name a few. Learn more from the Rodenticide Task Force or EPA.
  • MAR 15th re: Commodity Commission Openings – 19 of the 23 state commissions have open seats that need filled. Again, a great opportunity to ensure your voice is heard and help guide decision-making. OPVC is my favorite 🙂 but let your own interest and experience guide you! Learn more and apply via ODA.

Corn earworm population dynamics

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Pleased to announce I was invited to participate in a nationwide analysis of corn earworm trends. This new study from Dr. Lawton (NC State) et al. takes a look at decades-long trapping and soil temperature data to provide some insight into overwintering potential of H. zea, and how we might use models to predict pest abundance. Highlights from the article:

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Week 12

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Quick update:

  • The data table is available (.pdf download); all regional trap counts are within normal limits.
  • The commercial broccoli field at Gervais (GRVS) has been harvested.
  • New traps have been set to detect pests in commercial sweet corn – those counts will be available by next week.
  • **The new “Oregon Pest Monitoring Network” is now available! This collaborative effort between USDA-ARS and OSU provides real-time access to data, including a map of trap locations.
    • To view observations, select the “Pest Observation Dashboard” tab.
    • Use filters to see activity graphs for specific pests or crops.
    • The system also includes a “Report a Pest” function, where growers or reps can inform staff of concerns.
  • If you have noticed a recent reduction of efficacy in the products you use for diamondback moth, please consider taking a short, anonymous survey:

Potato (+200 other plants) Leafhopper

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Leafhoppers belong to Hemiptera: Cicadellidae and one of the most well-studied species is the potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae Harris. It has been proven (1,2) that these insects are long-range migrants, and tend to colonize an area based on surface airflow convection currents and high and low pressure fronts. Because they can be significant agricultural pests (alfalfa, clover, beans, tomato, potato, hops, maple, apple), it is important to understand the factors that contribute to their abundance…

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A Slow Start!

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Unseasonably cool and wet conditions have delayed the start of VegNet this year. Because insects are poikilotherms, their development is directly related to temperature. Some insects are also reliant on adequate moisture. The percentage of armyworm eggs that hatch, for example. We certainly have had ‘adequate’ moisture this spring (!), which could mean more armyworm pressure into the summer and fall.

The NRFC (a NOAA program) produces monthly summary statistics and predictions. Click the image to access their website. TEMP refers to the deviation from historical normal (degrees F), and PRECIP is measured in percent normal.
Both May and June were abnormally cool and wet in Western Oregon.