Insect Friend or Foe, and How Can I Know?

By Nicolle Ritchie

Insect pests can cause extensive damage in field crops, and it can be difficult to know which insects are friends or foes. Insecticides accounted for about 14% of pesticide applications in corn in 2021 and 21% in soybeans in 2023, according to the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service Agricultural Chemical Use Program. Pest identification is critical to an effective management plan to address insect issues. On July 31, hear from Sarah Hughson, arthropod diagnostician at the Michigan State University Plant and Pest Diagnostics Lab, during the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series. Hughson will give you the basics of successful insect collection and identification so that your insecticide applications are aimed at insect foes and not friends.

Immediately following Hughson's presentation, Jeff Andresen, Michigan State University Extension agricultural meteorologist, will present a detailed weather outlook and report.