Scout Your Timothy Fields for Mite Populations

Apr 01, 2021

By John Tooker

As timothy fields start to green up, it is time to scout for cereal rust mite, which is also called timothy mite when it feeds on timothy. Timothy mite is a cool-season pest that has caused headaches for many timothy growers, particularly in southeastern Pennsylvania where it seems to have spread to the majority of fields, reducing growth and crop quality. With early season warmth this year, it seems that populations are likely to be active earlier than normal.

To determine whether this pest species is active in your timothy fields, scout fields for signs of damage and their presence. Mite feeding causes leaf blades to roll up, presumably to provide the mites with better protection and microclimate. Look for leaf blades that are rolled up tightly, rather than leaf blades that are flat and normally expanded. The mites are very small so to see them you will need a good hand lens or other magnifying device. Pick rolled leaves from around the field and inspect them carefully; mites tend to occur in grooves between the leaf veins (Figure 1). Treatment is recommended if 25% of tillers show the leaf curling within several weeks of green-up. Chemical options are very limited, but Sevin XLR has a supplemental label in PA allowing its use against mites on timothy. Treatments need to use high pressure to force the material into the leaf rolls. See Cereal Rust Mites for more details.

Source : psu.edu

Video: Midwest Weather Shock: Flash Drought Turns Into Heavy Rain Threat This Week (2026 Forecast)

A rapidly changing Midwest weather pattern is unfolding in 2026 as areas that recently slipped into abnormal dryness and flash drought conditions are now facing the threat of heavy rain and repeated storm systems.

After a wet spring erased early drought conditions, regions across Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and northern Missouri have quickly dried out again since mid-to-late May. Soil moisture is dropping fast, and crops like corn and soybeans are beginning to feel the stress of rising temperatures and lack of consistent rainfall. Now, weather models show a major shift.

A developing system moving in from the Northern Plains is expected to bring multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for locally heavy rainfall across the Midwest. While some areas may miss out, others could finally see much-needed relief from the growing dryness. In this video, we break down:

Current drought conditions across the Midwest

Why a flash drought is developing quickly

Timing and path of incoming storm systems

Which states are most likely to see heavy rain

How long this wet pattern could last

Will this rain end the drought or create new flooding risks? Watch the full forecast to find out.