Check for Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs in your soybeans.

Doug Johnson, Extension Entomologist, University of Kentucky

I have received reports that appear to indicate an increase in brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) activity in central Kentucky. This invasive bug which has a wide host range has been in Kentucky for about five years, but as yet has not become of economic importance in grain crops. This is likely to change at some time, and it is best to not get caught unawares! 

European Corn Borer and Armyworm Active in Central Kentucky

Doug Johnson, Extension Entomologist, University of Kentucky

Fig. 1 Armyworm Damge

I have reports of scattered, mixed infestations of European corn borer (ECB) and armyworm (AW) in central Kentucky. Thus far, all infestations are in corn that does not carry insect foliar and/or stalk GMO traits (rootworm traits would not apply). This falls pretty much in line with the timing after increase (but not a dramatic increase) in moth flights in mid-to late May. I doubt that this insect pressure is large enough to be of importance to corn products carrying the appropriate insect GMO traits. Nevertheless, for those folks producing non- (insect) GMO corn, scouting is certainly in order. I have not heard any reports from western Kentucky, but west Tennessee has reported sprays for AW control on some wheat fields.

Watch for worms in grain sorghum heads

Doug Johnson, Extension Entomologist

Fig. 1. Corn earworm on Corn

Fig. 2. Sorghum webworm
 on sorghum

It is about the time of year for problems with corn earworm (Fig.1.) to begin in grain sorghum. Though I have not seen or heard of any local problems my colleague in VA, Dr. Ames Herbert, is beginning to see some problems. In Kentucky we generally see these problems in the area west of the Pennyrile Parkway and more importantly in LATE planted fields. You are also likely to see a mixture of worm species including the sorghum webworm (Fig. 2.)