• Overall, a very slow start! Below normal looper levels and almost no black cutworms detected since May.
• True armyworm counts are increasing, both at Hyslop and throughout the valley (monitored near cereal, grass, and forage fields).
• The hatch of winter cutworm at Hyslop is alarming, but aligned with what we know so far about their lifecycle. Females require about 4 weeks to mature eggs, which means larvae could be present by early to mid-August.
• Given the recent heat wave, flea beetles will likely be present on brassicas. Scout vigilantly and often.

View the DATA TABLE below:

• 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.

• 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…

• 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.