Scout For Emerging Western Corn Rootworm Beetles

 

Western corn rootworm beetles are emerging in southeast Nebraska. Beetles typically emerge somewhat later in northeastern and western Nebraska.

 

Beetles emerging before silk emergence may feed on corn leaves. They feed by scraping the surface tissue, leaving a white parchment-like appearance. Once silks emerge, they become the favored food. The earliest silking fields in an area often are most heavily damaged because beetles will move to it in search of green silks.

 

 

 

 

There are no thresholds for silk-clipping damage based on beetle numbers because damage levels are not correlated well with beetle densities. Usually an average of 5-10 beetles per ear is required to seriously affect pollination. Severe silk feeding (silks clipped to less than ½ inch from the ear) at 25%-50% pollen shed may indicate a need to apply insecticide. Silk feeding after pollination is complete does not affect yield potential.

 

 

 

 

See the 2015 Guide to Weed Management in Nebraska with Insecticide and Fungicide Information (EC 130), for insecticides labeled for adult rootworm control.

 

Video: Benefits Uses and Recipes for Fermented Foods

Fermentation has been used for thousands of years, long before refrigeration existed. Today, especially in a time of rising food costs, consumers are looking for ways to save money and prevent waste through extending the life of their food purchases. Fermented foods also offer more ways to improve gut health, support local food production, and promote increased consumption of fruits and vegetables.