As planting progresses across the state, we’re bringing you insights from two University of Illinois specialists helping farmers stay ahead of pests and diseases that could impact the 2025 corn crop.
Dr. Nick Seiter, an entomologist with the Crop Sciences Department reminds us that predicting pest outbreaks is never straightforward, especially when it comes to corn leaf aphids and corn rootworm.
“Every year really is a completely different year,” Nick says. “These insects are migratory, and it takes the perfect storm — literally — for damaging populations to reach Illinois.”
Key insight: Corn leaf aphids migrate from the southern U.S., and their presence depends on weather conditions in states like Oklahoma and Texas early in the season — not how cold or mild our winter was.
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