Red River IPM Update - Armyworms in Small Grains!! ALERT!!

There are well-established armyworms populations in small grain fields throughout NW Minnesota and NE North Dakota. Infestation levels vary field to field so scouting should be thorough.

Armyworms do not overwinter here in northern Minnesota, our populations arise from adults blown in on southerly storm fronts in late spring and early summer. The earlier the growing season, the earlier it is necessary to scout armyworms. These insects are dark green to light brown and have a light stripe down the center of their back. Adults lay eggs in grassy or weedy areas or in lodged grain. Armyworms, like some cutworms, tend to feed at night and hide throughout the day. If feeding damage is found in the foliage and no other responsible insects pest can be found, scout for armyworms by parting foliage on the plant and inspecting the plant and the soil below for small fecal pellets. If pellets are found (or if no other causative agent for plant damage can be found) then look for larvae under plant trash, soil clods, or in soil cracks. If 4-5 worms or more are found per sq. foot, treatment is recommended. Because populations are higher in lodged areas, be sure to average the population over the entire field.

Treatment options in wheat include:

Other Insects...

Orange Wheat Blossom Midge (OWBM) peak emergence is predicted for this week in the southern Red River Valley. OWBM require approximately the accumulation of 1400 Degree Days (DD) for emergence. Most of the southern valley has either reached 1400 DD or is quickly approaching it. A map of the accumulated Degree Days is available on the NDSU extension website (click here). Higher temperatures expected this week will push emergence of adults. Emergence in the northern end of the Valley generally follows that in thew south by 3-5 days. The higher temperatures and break in the rain could lead to midge flight, so it's important to start scouting for OWBM this week. The best method of scouting for OWBM is to look for adult females flying from wheat head to wheat head in the evening. Remember, scouting is only effective just before dusk when wind speeds are below 6 mph and temperatures are above 59 degrees Fahrenheit as those are the conditions necessary for egg laying activity. Treatment thresholds are 1 adult midge per 5 heads. Insecticides labeled for control of OWBM in small grains are Lorsban 4E-SG and Penncap-M (which just received a full registration for OWBM this year).