Integrated Crop Management
Latest Updates
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August 12, 2026Authors
Pollination is complete for most cornfields in Iowa, but it is still important to continue scouting for insect pests that may be robbing corn yields as the season progresses. We do not recommend using foliar insecticides unless scouting determines a need to spray. Some pests are resistant to older active ingredients, such as pyrethroids, and careful identification will determine what product would be more effective. In addition, prophylactic use of insecticides will limit any benefits that natural enemies may provide.
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August 12, 2026Content Author
Risk of ear rot and mycotoxins in hail damaged crops
Since the crop started grain fill, there have been several reports of hail damage to crops. Apart from shredding leaves, hail can bruise ears leaving them at risk for infection by ear mold fungi and consequently mycotoxin contamination.
Past research on the effect of hail damage on ear rot and mycotoxin contamination
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August 11, 2026Content Author
Most of Iowa received some amount of rainfall this last week with totals ranging from a trace to over 4.5 inches in parts of southwest Iowa. Unfortunately, with that rain, there were also some strong winds, hail, and tornados. In addition to some crop damage from the storms, concerns about the drier conditions in northwest Iowa, late season weed flushes, corn aphids, rootworm beetles, and crop diseases were other topics of conversation this past week for ISU Extension field agronomists.
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