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Summer insect threats emerging in corn fields

Corn growers should be on the lookout for several insects this summer.

Jeff Moon is a market development specialist with Corteva Agriscience.

“There are a number of suspects that we ought to keep our eyes out for this time of year, including corn rootworm, armyworms, earworms, cutworms, Japanese beetle, spider mites, and I’m sure there are others that I haven’t named.”

He tells Brownfield corn rootworms will be feeding on roots.

“Which can cause some stunted growth and maybe even some lodging. If you’re concerned about armyworms or earworms, they’re more likely to attack the ears as they develop. Japanese beetles, boy they can sure show up in abundance.”

He says spider mites favor warm, dry weather and cause damage typically on the edge of fields before moving inward.

Moon made these comments in an upcoming Managing for Profit on Brownfield, a content partnership with Corteva Agriscience.