Have You Seen This Redhead?

Jun 30, 2016

By Dr. Erin Hodgson

This week, I got a note from Tristan Mueller (Iowa Soybean Association) seeing some corn leaf injury from redheaded flea beetle. The defoliation was noticeable and the farmer was considering a foliar insecticide. The fields did not have tasseled yet and he estimated 5-6 beetles per plant.

redheaded flea beetle on corn

Redheaded flea beetles and feeding injury on corn.

Redheaded flea beetles are a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae and are distantly related to bean leaf beetle and corn rootworms. The adults are about 1/4-inch long with a shiny, dark body and black forewings. As the name suggests, they have a red head (funny how entomologists come up with common names!) and antennae about half the length of the body. Like most flea beetle adults, the hindlegs have large femurs that allow them to jump long distances.

redheaded flea beetle on soybean

Redheaded flea beetle on soybean.

This beetle feeds on a wide range of plants, including cabbage, soybean, corn, and alfalfa. They also are found on weeds (e.g., pigweed) and can be a nursery crop pest. Adults can feed on flowers and the upper or lower side of leaves, eventually creating skeletonized injury. Larvae develop in the soil, and feed on organic matter and roots.

If you notice redheaded flea beetle while scouting for insects and disease, try to estimate percent leaf defoliation. The adults are skittish and move easily if disturbed, therefore making density estimates difficult. If you are quick, you could collect the adults in a sweep net while sampling soybean to confirm the species. There are no treatment guidelines established for this insect, as it is considered a rare pest. However, if leaf defoliation exceeds 20% and plants are in the reproductive stages, it may be worth an insecticide application to protect yield.

Source : iastate.edu

Video: Why Rob Saik is Trying to Build the World’s Most Connected Agriculture Network

In a recent interview at the SeedLink Conference in Brandon, Man., Rob Saik, author, speaker, and CEO of AGvisorPRO, took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the beginnings of his career and what the future holds.

Graduating from the University of Alberta in 1983, Saik embarked on a journey that started in Brandon, Man. “I got a job with Elanko, got a U-Haul truck, threw everything I had into it, drove to the Victoria Inn, and lived there for three months while they tried to find an apartment for me to move into. So I started my career in Brandon,” Saik shared.

Fast forward to the present, Saik has evolved into an accomplished author and speaker, traversing the globe to engage in high-level discussions about the future of agriculture and the critical role it plays in feeding the world. Yet, despite his global presence, he finds himself back in Brandon, addressing a group of seed growers. But why? Saik emphasizes the fundamental importance of seeds, stating, “It all begins with a seed, doesn’t it?”

Reflecting on his own experiences as a farmer, Saik expresses his excitement when a planted seed germinates and evolves into a thriving crop. He underscores the significance of technology and breeding in seed development, recognizing the crucial role they play in ensuring farmers can propagate seeds, grow profitable crops, and contribute to global food security.

Saik delves into the challenges faced by the agricultural community, particularly the rapid pace of technological advancements. He believes that the key lies in connecting farmers to experts swiftly, boosting farmers’ confidence in adopting new technologies, and ensuring the timely implementation of these advancements. According to Saik, this approach is crucial for steering agriculture towards sustainability and profitability.

As Saik works on his upcoming book, tentatively titled prAGmatic, he sheds light on its central theme. “The thesis would be that I want to write a book that takes what the consumer wants, challenges what the consumer believes, and positions that against what the farmers can actually do pragmatically,” he explains. The book aims to bridge the gap between consumer expectations and the realistic capabilities of farmers, promoting sustainable intensification as the necessary path to feed the planet.

Looking ahead to 2024, Saik emphasizes the need for enhanced connectivity within the seed industry. He discusses his platform, AgvisorPro, which is designed to facilitate connections between farmers, experts, and companies in a way that transcends conventional social media platforms. Saik envisions a credible, connected agricultural network that goes beyond the noise of platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter.

In a passionate vision for the future, Saik imagines a tool for teachers that allows them to pose questions from students, answered by verified farmers and ranchers. This, he believes, would provide an authentic and valuable educational resource, connecting classrooms with individuals who truly understand the intricacies of agriculture.