Pests
Timely Insights on Pests
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April 15, 2026Content Author
Black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon) is an occasional pest of corn and soybean in Iowa. This insect cannot overwinter here, so spring storms deliver moths to Iowa each year. Because they are migratory, their occurrence in the state is sporadic, and scouting is essential to determine whether fields require treatment for black cutworm larvae. Trapping for moths is a relatively simple way to understand which regions may be at higher risk and predict when larvae may be active in fields.
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April 15, 2026Content Author
Black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon) is an occasional pest of corn and soybean in Iowa. This insect cannot overwinter here, so spring storms deliver moths to Iowa each year. Because they are migratory, their occurrence in the state is sporadic, and scouting is essential to determine whether fields require treatment for black cutworm larvae. Trapping for moths is a relatively simple way to understand which regions may be at higher risk and predict when larvae may be active in fields.
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April 6, 2026Content Author
Before making pesticide applications this spring, make sure to check areas near fields to prevent off-target pesticide exposure. Herbicide labels often require applicators to consult a sensitive crop registry to identify nearby non-target plants, beehives, or organic farms before application. For example, the dicamba products Engenia, Stryax and Tavium require documentation that the sensitive crop registry was checked.
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April 6, 2026Content Author
Before making pesticide applications this spring, make sure to check areas near fields to prevent off-target pesticide exposure. Herbicide labels often require applicators to consult a sensitive crop registry to identify nearby non-target plants, beehives, or organic farms before application. For example, the dicamba products Engenia, Stryax and Tavium require documentation that the sensitive crop registry was checked.
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March 26, 2026Authors
Seedcorn maggots feed on germinating seeds or seedlings of both corn and soybean (Photo 1). Feeding can slow development or kill the plant, and plant injury is more prevalent during cool, wet springs when plants grow slowly. With planting right around the corner, we recommend that farmers track growing degree days, plant during the fly-free period, and avoid planting into cool, wet soils, especially in fields at high risk for injury. High-risk fields include those with a history of seedcorn maggot injury, recently tilled fields, and fields where organic matter was recently incorporated (e.g., manure or cover crops).
