13

Managing Insect Pests

Kevin Steffey
Department of Crop Sciences
ksteffey@[Link]

Mike Gray
Department of Crop Sciences
megray@[Link]

T echnically, an insect pest of crops is any species that

feeds on crops and thus competes with producers
for crop yield or quality. However, the mere presence of a
in soybean, corn flea beetles transmit the bacterium that
causes Stewart’s bacterial wilt and leaf blight of corn,
and wheat curl mites transmit the virus that causes wheat
crop-feeding insect is not enough to establish a species as streak mosaic. For a more complete list of insect pests of
a pest that requires expenditures for its management. The field crops in Illinois, consult the tables in Chapter 2 in
status of any given pest (major or minor) depends largely Illinois Pesticide Applicator Training Manual 39-2: Field
on how often and in what numbers it occurs, as well as the Crops (2004, University of Illinois).
economics of managing the pest. Factors that contribute Although more than 100 species of insects can cause
to choices about insect management include the market injury to alfalfa, corn, soybean, and wheat in Illinois,
value of the crop, the cost of controlling the pest relative usually only a few species are capable of causing sig-
to its potential for causing crop loss, the susceptibility of nificant economic losses in crop yield or quality. These
the crop to the pest, and the environment, all of which are few species are often referred to as “key pests” because
variable. Consequently, effectively managing insect pests most producers develop their insect management strate-
of field crops requires considerable knowledge about the gies with these pests as a focus. Some key pests threaten
pests and the factors that affect their populations. crops annually, whereas others pose serious threats only
Tables 13.1 through 13.4 (which are described and appear when environmental conditions favor their survival and
later in the chapter) are abridged lists of insect pests of development.
alfalfa, corn, soybean, and wheat in Illinois, species that Following are the key insect pests of the primary Illinois
represent a broad range of pest types, from key pests to field crops:
those that infrequently cause economic losses. Not all
species that occur in these crops are listed; rather, we l Alfalfa—alfalfa weevil, potato leafhopper
included those that are encountered with relative frequen- l  orn—corn rootworms, corn borers (European and
C
cy, at least in some regions of the state, or that represent southwestern), cutworms (primarily black cutworm),
unique threats. For example, blister beetles present in ear-attacking caterpillars, subterranean insects
alfalfa hay may be toxic to livestock, particularly horses.
l  oybean—bean leaf beetle, Japanese beetle, soybean
S
We also included pests that transmit disease pathogens—
aphid, twospotted spider mite
aphids transmit viruses that cause diseases in wheat, bean
leaf beetles transmit the virus that causes bean pod mottle l Wheat—aphids, armyworm, Hessian fly
Note: Use of the term insects in this chapter also includes insect The species chosen for this list could be debated, but our
relatives, such as mites. rationale was to include insects characterized by one or

Managing Insect Pests 179

more of four criteria: They occur relatively frequently Preventive strategies are used primarily for insects that
at levels that threaten crop yields or quality; they can cannot be controlled easily or effectively after crop injury
cause significant crop losses under certain circumstances is discovered. Preventive strategies may incorporate
(drought conditions, for example); they are the source of cultural control tactics (farming practices such as crop ro-
regular expenditures for control tactics; and they cannot be tation, tillage, and weed control), planting insect-resistant
controlled after crop injury has been detected. crops, and applying insecticides. Curative strategies usu-
This chapter provides information about developing ally focus on timely field scouting during the crop-growing
insect management strategies for alfalfa, corn, soybean, season, followed by the use of insecticides if the density
and wheat in Illinois, with focus on key pests, although of an insect pest has reached or exceeded the economic
we also provide observations about others. However, we threshold, a guiding principle of insect pest management
do not include detailed lists of insect-resistant cultivars, programs.
insecticides, or other management tactics. Such details, Economic thresholds for insects usually are defined as
which change fairly often, can be found at the University the numbers of insects or the amount of crop injury that
of Illinois Integrated Pest Management (IPM) website, warrants a control tactic to prevent increasing numbers
[Link]. This site also will direct you to the of insects from reaching economic-injury levels (Figure
Bulletin ([Link]/bulletin), a newsletter pub- 13.1). An economic-injury level is the number of insects
lished weekly throughout the growing season to provide or the level of injury at which the cost of control equals
updates on current and pending situations regarding in- the value of crop loss, and economic crop loss occurs
sects, weeds, and plant diseases as well as crop conditions. when the value of crop loss exceeds the cost of control.
Current recommendations for management of specific Economic thresholds can be employed in conjunction with
insect pests and the issues associated with insect manage- preventive strategies (for example, numbers of western
ment tactics are addressed frequently in the Bulletin. More corn rootworms in corn or soybean fields during the
information about specific insects and scouting guidelines preceding year), but they are most commonly associated
can be found in the Field Crop Scouting Manual and the with the use of insecticides to control most insects that
accompanying CD (2004, University of Illinois). infest alfalfa, corn, soybean, or wheat during the growing
season. Economic thresholds and guidelines for their use
have been determined for many, although not all, insect
Developing Insect Management pests that attack field crops in Illinois. Static thresholds are
provided as rules of thumb in this chapter. However, it is
Strategies important to note that economic thresholds should be dy-
Broadly speaking, there are two strategies for manag- namic because they are influenced by fluctuating variables
ing insects that attack alfalfa, corn, soybean, and wheat such as crop value, costs of control, and crop susceptibil-
in Illinois—preventive and curative (also referred to as ity, the last of which can be affected by crop stress and a
therapeutic and remedial in other publications). There crop’s relative tolerance of or resistance to insect attack.
are benefits and limitations to both strategies, but both In general, economic thresholds decrease as crop value in-
have merit under appropriate circumstances. The choice creases, increase as cost of control increases, and decrease
of strategies requires knowing the biology and ecology of as crop susceptibility increases. When dynamic economic
the target pests, as well as a thorough understanding of thresholds are available for a given insect pest, we provide
the potential for any given pest to cause economic losses. the necessary reference(s) to access them.
The frequency of occurrence of a pest, the type of injury it It is also important to recognize that making decisions
causes, and the expectations for success of selected man- about insect pest management should be placed in context
agement tactics also dictate whether preventive or curative with other factors. Natural enemies of pests (predators,
strategies are most suitable. parasitoids, and pathogens) and weather that is unfavorable
Preventive and curative strategies and their associated tac- for survival and development of pests may suppress their
tics should be integrated into a comprehensive approach of populations. Sharp declines in densities of some insect
managing insect pests with environmentally and economi- pests (often referred to as “population crashes”) have been
cally sound practices, which is one working definition of associated with epizootics of disease pathogens (Fig-
IPM. Integrating strategies and tactics safeguards against ure 13.2), large populations of predators, and inclement
ecological disruptions, such as pest resistance or destruc- weather conditions. Consequently, estimates of densities
tion of natural enemies, that often develop as a conse- of insect pests and/or the amount of crop injury should be
quence of widespread reliance on a single tactic. accompanied by assessments of the potential impact of
natural enemies and impending weather conditions.

180 Illinois Agronomy Handbook

 The following sections include basic
Insect control to prevent economic damage plans for developing insect management
strategies for alfalfa, corn, soybean, and
Economic
injury level
wheat in Illinois. The plans incorporate
relevant information associated with
Economic
the key pests of each crop as well as
(for example, numbers per acre)

threshold
expectations for their management.
Some details about the pests (such as
Insect population density

Average
population descriptions and scouting procedures)
density
over time are not included because such informa-
tion is widely available in print and on
the Internet. Insect control tactics, in-
cluding the use of transgenic crops and
insecticides, are discussed in general
Time
terms, excluding references to specific
products. Consult references with cur-
Figure 13.1. The relationship of average insect population density over time, eco- rent insect management information for
nomic threshold, and economic injury level, with insect control decisions indicated. recommendations about specific insect
control products.

Alfalfa
Because of its perennial and lush growth, alfalfa is an
excellent habitat for many insects, including species de-
structive to alfalfa and other crops, species that inhabit the
alfalfa but have little or no effect on the crop, pollinating
insects, incidental visitors, and predators and parasitoids
of other insects. Because of the presence of so many ben-
eficial insects in alfalfa, it is very important that chemical
insecticides be used judiciously and only when necessary
to avert significant economic losses.
Many species of insects can reduce alfalfa yield, impair
forage quality, or reduce the vitality and longevity of the
crop (see Table 13.1 for an incomplete list of pests of
Figure 13.2. Armyworm larvae infected with virus.
alfalfa found in Illinois). However, only the alfalfa weevil
and potato leafhopper are considered key pests. These
In summary, developing a sound insect management
two insects threaten the alfalfa crop at distinctly different
program for insects that may threaten production of field
times—alfalfa weevils threaten the first cutting, potato
crops in Illinois requires knowledge about these factors:
leafhoppers threaten the second and third cuttings—so
l the biology, ecology, relative frequency, and crop loss insect management strategies for alfalfa should span its
potential for the key pests of the crop growing season. Failure to manage economically threaten-
l the basic principles (scouting tactics, economic thresh- ing numbers of either pest on any given cutting can affect
olds) associated with key pests and occasional pests the yield of subsequent cuttings and reduce the long-term
productivity of the stand.
l the impact of natural enemies and weather on popula-
tions of insect pests Developing insect management strategies for alfalfa
begins with the purchase of seed—different varieties of
l the practicality and consistency of effectiveness of
alfalfa have different levels of tolerance or resistance to
different insect management tactics for key pests and
alfalfa weevils and/or potato leafhoppers. Currently there
occasional pests
are no alfalfa varieties truly resistant to alfalfa weevils,
l the economic, ecological, and environmental conse- although some varieties tolerate light to moderate feeding
quences of insect management activities by the larvae. For potato leafhoppers, however, there are

Managing Insect Pests 181

 Table 13.1. Insect and mite pests of alfalfa in Illinois. remove early shoot growth, depleting food reserves in the
Feed on below- roots and reducing the stand.
Chew on leaves (defo- Suck plant ground plant
liators) and/or stems fluids parts The key to effective management of alfalfa weevils is timely
monitoring. To determine when to begin scouting, develop-
alfalfa blotch leafminera cowpea aphid clover root cur-
alfalfa caterpillar pea aphid culio ment of alfalfa weevil larvae can be estimated with degree
alfalfa weevil plant bugsb cutwormsb,c days accumulated after January 1 ([Link]/
blister beetlesb potato leafhopper warm/pestdata). However, in general, growers should
clover leaf weevil spittlebugsb inspect their fields from the time alfalfa begins to grow
cutwormsb
fall armywormc
until first harvest and should examine the stubble after the
grasshoppersb first cutting of alfalfa has been removed. A rule of thumb
serpentine leafminersb for control of alfalfa weevils on the first crop of alfalfa is
webwormsb,c that treatment may be warranted when there are 3 or more
Insects chosen for inclusion are encountered with relative frequency, larvae per stem and 25% to 50% of the tips have been
at least in some regions of the state, or represent unique threats.
a Larvae (maggots) mine between leaf surfaces, rather than chew on skeletonized, depending on the height of the crop and the
leaves. vigor of growth. Tall, rapidly growing alfalfa can tolerate
bMore than one species.
considerable defoliation without a subsequent loss in yield.
cPrimarily a pest of small alfalfa plants in new seedings.
Tables that incorporate the value of alfalfa hay and the
many glandular-haired alfalfa varieties that are resistant cost of control may be consulted to determine if num-
to this very important pest. After the variety of alfalfa has bers of alfalfa weevils have exceeded economic levels. A
been selected and seeded, insect management plans can be primary source for this information is Pest Management
developed separately for the two key pests. of Alfalfa Insects in the Upper Midwest, published by Iowa
State University in 1999. The decision-making table is ex-
Alfalfa weevil. Newly hatched alfalfa weevil larvae feed cerpted, cited, and explained in early-season issues of the
in the growing tips of alfalfa plants in the spring, relatively Bulletin ([Link]/bulletin) nearly every year.
early in southern counties and later in northern coun-
ties. An early sign of injury is pinholes in newly opened After harvest of alfalfa, control may be warranted when
leaves. As larvae grow larger, they shred and skeletonize larvae and adults are feeding on more than 50% of the
the leaves (Figure 13.3). Heavily infested fields appear crowns and regrowth is prevented for 3 to 5 days. This
frosted because of the loss of green leaf tissue. Anything amount of injury usually requires 4 to 8 larvae per square
that slows spring alfalfa growth increases the impact of foot.
weevil injury. Adults may also cause some injury a little Parasitic wasps and a fungal disease may regulate alfalfa
later in the spring (leaves appear feathered, stems may be weevil populations in the spring. When scouting, look for
scarred), but the injury usually is not economic. However, signs of parasitism and for diseased weevils (discolored,
both surviving larvae and newly emerged adults may af- moving slowly, or not moving at all). When natural en-
fect regrowth after the first cutting in some years. They emies and pathogens suppress weevil numbers, insecticide
treatments may not be necessary.
Grazing and early cutting at first harvest are also effective
tactics for managing alfalfa weevils in some areas, assum-
ing that yield and quality are not compromised.
Potato leafhopper. Because potato leafhoppers do not
overwinter in Illinois, they usually do not appear in alfalfa
fields in Illinois until prevailing winds transport them from
farther south in late April or early May. Nymphs develop
from the eggs deposited by the immigrant females, and both
nymphs and adults suck fluids from alfalfa plants (Figure
13.4). Several generations occur throughout the summer
before cold temperatures kill the leafhoppers in the fall.
Nymphs cause more injury than adults. Initial injury is
characterized by a V-shaped yellow area at the tips of the
leaflets, often called “hopperburn” or “tipburn.” As the in-
Figure 13.3. Alfalfa weevil larva (inset) and injury to leaves.
jury progresses, the leaves become completely yellow and
(Larger photo courtesy Matt Montgomery.)

182 Illinois Agronomy Handbook

 ies will not prevent leafhopper infestations during the first
year of seeding, during seedling regrowth immediately
after cutting, or during years when leafhopper infestations
are severe. It is also important to note, however, that the
economic thresholds developed for potato leafhoppers in
alfalfa are higher in glandular-haired alfalfa, which can
tolerate higher densities of this pest.

Corn
Corn has relatively more significant and frequently occur-
ring insect pests than all other field crops grown in Illi-
nois. Consequently, knowledge about the potential threats
posed by several different insect species in different areas
of the state is essential for developing sensible and effec-
tive insect management strategies for corn.
Figure 13.4. Potato leafhopper nymph (left) and adult.
(Photo courtesy Marlin E. Rice.) Collectively, corn rootworms, corn borers, cutworms,
ear-attacking insects, and subterranean insects meet all of
may turn purple or brown and die. Severely injured plants our criteria for key pests, including regular expenditures
are stunted and bushy. Leafhopper injury also causes for their control with transgenic Bt corn hybrids and/or
plants to produce more sugars and less protein and vitamin seed- or soil-applied insecticides. (See Table 13.2 for an
A, resulting in lower-quality alfalfa. If leafhoppers deplete incomplete list of pests of corn found in Illinois.) Because
root reserves of the late-season growth of alfalfa, the these insect control products are used by corn growers
plants will be less hardy and may not survive the winter. to prevent yield losses caused by multiple pests and are
the foundation of most insect management strategies for
Sampling with a 15-inch-diameter sweep net before injury
corn, they will be discussed in more detail. However, it
appears is the best method for monitoring populations of
is important to note that the use of these products is not
potato leafhoppers in alfalfa. By the time symptoms of
warranted in all fields all of the time. The use of insect
injury appear, considerable yield and nutritional quality
control products should be integrated with other tactics,
may have been lost. Economic thresholds are based on the
including such preventive measures as crop rotation and
number of leafhoppers per sweep of the sweep net. Tender,
weed control. In addition, insect management strategies
regrowing alfalfa is particularly susceptible to potato leaf-
for corn should include timely field scouting and knowing
hopper injury, so scouting after a cutting is critical. Taller,
how and when to make insect-control decisions. A basic
more mature alfalfa can tolerate more leafhopper injury,
scouting plan for corn in Illinois should include looking
and economic thresholds vary accordingly. As a rule of
for particular pests at particular times:
thumb, an insecticide may be warranted for alfalfa up to 3
inches tall when there is an average of 0.2 leafhopper per l e arly-season insects, such as cutworms, white grubs, and
sweep. The treatment thresholds for 3- to 6-inch alfalfa, 6- wireworms, shortly after crop emergence
to 12-inch alfalfa, and alfalfa taller than 12 inches are 0.5, l  rst-generation corn borers in early to mid-June (Euro-
fi
1, and 2 leafhoppers per sweep, respectively. pean corn borers statewide, southwestern corn borers in
Tables that incorporate the value of alfalfa hay and the southern Illinois)
cost of control may be consulted to determine if numbers l c orn rootworm adults and western bean cutworm eggs
of potato leafhoppers have exceeded economic levels. and larvae (primarily in northern counties) in July
A primary source for this information is Pest Manage-
ment of Alfalfa Insects in the Upper Midwest (Iowa State l s econd-generation corn borers in late July and early
University, 1999). Numerous decision-making tables have August (European corn borers statewide, southwestern
been published and are accessible from IPM websites in corn borers in southern Illinois)
many states (e.g., Pennsylvania State University, paipm. Dedication to this basic scouting plan will enable corn grow-
[Link]/fldcrop/[Link]). ers to note the presence or absence of insect pests at critical
As indicated earlier, glandular-haired alfalfa is resistant to times throughout a growing season and to assess the fre-
moderate densities of leafhoppers. However, these variet- quency of occurrence of insect pests in their fields over time.

Managing Insect Pests 183

 Table 13.2. Insect and mite pests of corn in Illinois.
Feed at, just above,
Feed on below- or just below the Chew on leaves (defo- Tunnel inside
ground plant parts soil surface liators) and/or stems plants Feed on silks, ears Suck plant fluids
corn rootworm billbug adultsa armyworm billbug larvaea corn earworm chinch bug
larvaea cutwormsa cereal leaf beetle European corn corn rootworm adultsa bird cherry-oat
grape colaspis larvae stink bugsa corn blotch leafminerb borer fall armyworm aphid
seedcorn beetlesa webwormsa corn earworm southwestern grape colaspis adults corn leaf aphid
seedcorn maggot corn flea beetle corn borer grasshoppersa English grain
slugsa,c corn rootworm adultsa stalk borer Japanese beetle aphid
white grubsa cutwormsa sap beetlesa stink bugsa
wirewormsa fall armyworm western bean cutworm twospotted spider
grasshoppersa woollybear caterpillarsa mite
slugsa,c thripsa
southern corn leaf beetle
webwormsa
yellowstriped armyworm
Insects chosen for inclusion are encountered with relative frequency, at least in some regions of the state, or represent unique threats.
a More than one species.
bLarvae (maggots) mine between leaf surfaces, rather than chew on leaves.
cA mollusk, not an insect or mite.

Preventive Insect Control Products 2009, corn producers who plant Bt corn are required to
for Corn plant at least 20% of their acres to non-Bt corn. We rec-
ommend that refuge acres be planted within or adjacent to
Bt corn. Bt corn is a type of corn that has been genetically the field of Bt corn to ensure the best mixing of suscep-
altered through biotechnology by inserting genes from the tible and potentially resistant insects. Some options for the
soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (usually abbreviated arrangement of refuge acres with Bt corn are presented in
as Bt) into the corn genome. Bt genes trigger production of Figure 13.5. For a thorough explanation about the impor-
toxic proteins that kill certain insects when the insects feed tance of managing Bt corn technology and specifics about
on the growing corn plants. Bt corn hybrids first became planting refuges, visit the National Corn Growers Asso-
available commercially in the mid-1990s, primarily for ciation “Insect Resistance Management” website (ncga.
management of European and southwestern corn borers. In [Link]/node/168).
2003, the first Bt corn hybrids that express a protein to kill
Bt corn hybrids are convenient and effective insect man-
corn rootworm larvae were registered for commercial use.
agement tools, and corn growers have enthusiastically
Transgenic traits for insect control have been “stacked” in adopted their use to control or suppress the most important
elite corn hybrids with traits for herbicide tolerance, result- and sometimes difficult-to-control insect pests of corn
ing in double-, triple-, and quad-stacked hybrids. Bt corn in North America. However, the benefits of Bt corn will
hybrids available from most seed companies now offer continue to be realized only if it is grown responsibly and
protection against some or all (depending on the hybrid) is integrated with other insect management tactics.
of the following insect pests of corn in Illinois—black
Seed-applied insecticides. In the late 1990s, chloronico-
cutworm, corn earworm, corn rootworms (northern and
tinyl insecticides were introduced as seed treatments that
western), European corn borer, fall armyworm, southwest-
would protect corn against attack by several insects. The
ern corn borer, stalk borer, and western bean cutworm.
convenience and promised efficacy of these products gen-
To preserve the durability and effectiveness of Bt corn, the erated so much demand that their use has become wide-
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) spread. Most corn seeds now are treated with either a low
mandates insect resistance management (IRM) strategies or high rate of a chloronicotinyl insecticide.
for Bt corn. The key IRM strategy for Bt corn is planting
Chloronicotinyl insecticides, also known as nicotinoids or
refuges of corn that does not include the Bt trait for the
neonicotinoids, are systemic, meaning they are absorbed
target insect(s). In general, a refuge ensures survival of
by treated plants and translocated to other plant tissues. In-
target insects that are not exposed to Bt toxins, enabling
sects are killed either by contact with the chemical in the
these Bt-susceptible insects to mate with the rare individu-
soil or by feeding on plant parts into which the chemical
als that possess a gene that imparts resistance to Bt.
has been translocated.
As Bt corn products and programs change, IRM guide-
All rootworm Bt corn seed is treated with a low rate of
lines and requirements will change, too. However, as of
a chloronicotinyl insecticide because the Bt toxin for

184 Illinois Agronomy Handbook

 over the planted row.
The placement and rate
of application of a soil
insecticide depend on
both the product and the
target insect(s). Both
granular and liquid for-
mulations of soil insec-
ticides are available. In
general, soil insecticides
A block of non-Bt A block of non-Bt Non-Bt corn Strips of non-Bt
are effective for control-
corn adjacent to the corn within the Bt surrounding the corn within the Bt
Bt corn field corn field Bt corn field corn field ling rootworms and oth-
er soil-inhabiting insect
pests, but their efficacy
n Bt corn field n Non-Bt corn refuge can be compromised by
unfavorable environ-
Figure 13.5. Types of arrangements of non-Bt corn refuge acres with Bt corn. mental conditions, such
as too much or too little
rootworms does not control other soil-inhabiting insects, soil moisture.
such as white grubs and wireworms. The low rate of seed-
applied insecticides also is labeled for control of a few
aboveground pests such as corn flea beetle and southern Key Insect Pests of Corn
corn leaf beetle. Seed of many non-Bt corn hybrids is
Corn rootworms. Northern and western corn rootworms
treated with either a low or high rate of a chloronicotinyl
are the most important insect pests of corn in North
insecticide, with the higher rate directed toward control of
America. Although northern corn rootworms are capable
corn rootworm larvae.
of causing significant injury to corn in Illinois, the western
Research has not demonstrated that the widespread use corn rootworm is the predominant and most injurious
of chloronicotinyl insecticides in corn seed treatments is rootworm species in the state. Most of the informa-
warranted. There are limited data regarding the efficacy tion here applies primarily to western corn rootworms,
of these products against several of the target species. although the management tactics discussed are relevant for
However, research conducted over several years has shown both species unless indicated otherwise.
that seed-applied chloronicotinyl insecticides are not very
Corn rootworm larvae hatch from overwintered eggs in
effective for control of corn rootworm larvae when root-
May and June. If corn has been planted in the field, larvae
worm infestations are heavy.
begin feeding on roots. Rootworm larvae survive on the
Soil-applied insecticides. From the 1950s until the intro- roots of corn and more than a dozen species of grass, such
duction of chloronicotinyl seed treatments and rootworm as foxtail species. They cannot survive on the roots of
Bt corn, soil-applied insecticides were the primary preven- soybean and other broadleaf species.
tive tactic for control of insects that feed on belowground
Newly hatched corn rootworm larvae tunnel into root tis-
parts of corn plants. For 40 years, millions of corn acres
sue; older larvae feed on the outside of the roots (Figure
in Illinois were treated annually with soil insecticides,
13.6). As the larvae grow and continue to feed, they
although their use in many fields was not always warrant-
often prune roots back to the stalk (Figure 13.7). Large
ed. The widespread use of rootworm Bt corn hybrids and
densities of corn rootworm larvae may cause extensive
chloronicotinyl seed treatments has reduced the number
damage to the root system, reducing the efficient uptake
of corn acres treated with soil insecticides. However,
of water and nutrients. Severe root pruning may cause
soil insecticides remain a viable alternative for control of
plants to lodge (Figure 13.8). Yield losses are most acute
rootworms and can be applied to the corn refuges associ-
when both root pruning and lodging occur. After larvae
ated with rootworm Bt corn. In addition, soil insecticides
complete feeding, they pupate within small earthen cells,
protect against other soil-inhabiting insects, such as white
where they transform to adults.
grubs and wireworms, insects that cannot be controlled
effectively after the injury they cause has been discovered. Western corn rootworm adults (Figure 13.9) begin to
emerge in late June and early July. Although they will feed
Most soil insecticides are applied during planting, either
on corn leaves and weed blossoms, they prefer corn silks
directly into the seed furrow or as a 6- to 8-inch band

Managing Insect Pests 185

 and pollen. Typically, the adults chew on fresh, green silks
at the ear tip, injury that may interfere with pollination.
Rootworm adults mate, and the females lay eggs in the
soil from late July to early September. The eggs of west-
ern corn rootworms remain in the soil until the following
spring, when the larvae hatch. There is only one generation
of western corn rootworms each year.
For many years after their first appearance in Illinois in
1964, western corn rootworms could be managed effective-
ly by annually rotating corn and soybean in the same field.
The females laid eggs only in corn fields, and larvae could
not survive on soybean roots. However, by the mid-1990s,
a variant western corn rootworm had become established
in several counties in east-central Illinois and northwestern
Figure 13.6. Corn rootworm larvae feeding at the base of a Indiana. Research has determined that variant western
corn plant. corn rootworm females lay eggs in soybean fields, although
they also will lay eggs in corn fields and fields planted with
other crops such as alfalfa. Consequently, crop rotation no
longer is reliable for managing western corn rootworms in
areas where the variant has become established. The range
of the variant western corn rootworm has expanded to in-
clude most of the northern two-thirds of Illinois as well as
regions of other states—the northern two-thirds of Indiana,
southeastern Iowa, southern Michigan, western Ohio, and
southern Wisconsin.
Most corn growers prevent injury caused by corn root-
worm larvae by planting a rootworm Bt corn hybrid, apply-
ing a soil insecticide, or planting corn after soybean, which
is still an effective tactic in southern Illinois, where the
variant western corn rootworm is not established. Root-
worm Bt corn hybrids and soil insecticides usually provide
Figure 13.7. Severe pruning injury caused by corn root- effective control of corn rootworm larvae, although inci-
worm larvae. dents of inadequate root protection by all rootworm control
products have been noted.
Scouting for western corn rootworm adults in the summer
is recommended for determining whether a preventive tac-
tic is needed the following year. The recommended scout-
ing procedures and thresholds for western corn rootworm
adults are different for corn planted after corn and corn
planted after soybean. If a producer intends to plant corn
after corn, counting western corn rootworm adults on corn
plants every week from mid-July through August is recom-
mended. As a rule of thumb, an average of 0.75 western
corn rootworm adults per plant suggests that a rootworm
control product is warranted when corn is planted the next
year. If a producer intends to plant corn after soybean in an
area where the variant western corn rootworm is estab-
lished, placement of yellow sticky traps in soybean fields
Figure 13.8. Corn lodged as a result of severe rootworm from late July through August is recommended. As a rule
larval injury. of thumb, an average of 5 to 10 western corn rootworm
adults per trap per day suggests that a rootworm control
product is warranted when corn is planted the next year.

186 Illinois Agronomy Handbook

More detailed information about these scouting proce-
dures and interpretation of results is accessible at the
University of Illinois IPM website ([Link]/
fieldcrops/insects/western_corn_rootworm/[Link]).
Management of corn rootworm adults is necessary only if
their feeding on corn silks interferes with pollination. Ap-
plication of a chemical insecticide to prevent silk-clipping
damage is warranted if there is an average of 5 or more
adults per plant, the beetles are clipping silks to within
half an inch of the ear tip, and pollination is not complete.
Corn borers (European and southwestern). European
and southwestern corn borers are among the most im-
portant insect pests of corn in North America; both are
capable of causing significant yield losses. European corn
borers are present throughout the state of Illinois, whereas
southwestern corn borers usually are not found very far Figure 13.9. Western corn rootworm adult.
north of Illinois Route 50.
Both species of corn borer usually complete two genera-
tions per year in Illinois. The injury caused by the first
generation of both species is similar—feeding on leaves in
corn whorls in June, followed by tunneling of larger larvae
in the stalks (June–July). Newly hatched larvae of the sec-
ond generation of European corn borers feed initially on
leaf-collar tissue and pollen that accumulates in the leaf-
collar areas, after which more mature larvae tunnel into
the stalks (Figure 13.10), ear shanks, and ears. Second-
generation southwestern corn borer larvae also tunnel into
corn stalks (Figure 13.11), eventually tunneling to the
base of the plant, where they girdle the stalk internally
while excavating an overwintering cell. Figure 13.10. European corn borer larva.
Tunneling by corn borer larvae causes yield loss due to in-
terference with the transport of nutrients and water in the
stalk and leaves. In addition, tunneling weakens cornstalks
and predisposes them to stalk rot organisms, often causing
stalks to lodge or break. Feeding in the ear shank may
result in ear drop. The second generation of both species
causes more economic damage than the first generation.
Before Bt corn hybrids were available for corn borer con-
trol, management of both European and southwestern corn
borers required timely scouting for first-generation larvae
and their injury and for second-generation egg masses,
followed by well-timed insecticide applications before the Figure 13.11. Southwestern corn borer larvae, pupae, and
larvae tunneled into corn stalks. Management worksheets stalk tunneling. (Photo courtesy Ron Hines.)
were developed to aid in making decisions about control
of first- and second-generation European corn borers with Bt corn hybrids that express proteins that are toxic to corn
insecticides. These worksheets are accessible as “calcula- borers are extremely effective for controlling both species,
tors” at the University of Illinois IPM website ([Link]. with expectations of at least 99% control. We speculate
[Link]/fieldcrops/insects/european_corn_borer/index. that the widespread planting of Bt corn hybrids for corn
html) and are still useful for managing European corn bor- borer control has reduced densities of European corn bor-
ers in non-Bt corn, including the refuges associated with ers dramatically since the mid-1990s, with historic lows
Bt corn. being recorded in 2007 and 2008. In light of the very low

Managing Insect Pests 187

numbers of European corn borers in many areas, some
corn growers have questioned the continued need for Bt
corn hybrids for corn borer control. However, many elite
Bt corn hybrids express proteins for control of both corn
rootworms and corn borers, and most corn growers wish
to continue planting “stacked” hybrids because of their
effectiveness, convenience, and yield benefits. So compli-
ance with IRM strategies, including planting refuges with
corn that does not express the Bt protein for corn borer
control (see Figure 13.5), is essential for the long-term
viability of the technology.
Cutworms (primarily black cutworm). Although several
species of cutworms feed on young corn plants, the most
economically threatening species in Illinois is the black
cutworm. Other cutworm species, such as the claybacked Figure 13.12. Black cutworm larva and injury to small
corn plant. (Photo courtesy Robert Bellm.)
cutworm and sandhill cutworm, may cause significant
stand loss, but their distributions are limited, so their over- sarily correlate with larval injury in given fields, spring
all impact is relatively minor. moth captures provide an early warning of the pest’s
Black cutworms do not overwinter in Illinois. Prevailing appearance. Degree days accumulated from the date of an
winds during March through May assist black cutworm intense capture of moths (nine or more captured in one to
adults migrating northward from southern states. When two nights) can be used to estimate black cutworm larval
they arrive in Illinois, female black cutworms typically development ([Link]/warm/pestdata).
seek small winter annual weeds on which to lay eggs. Control of winter annual weeds in the fall reduces the
After hatching, the small larvae feed on the weeds until potential that black cutworm females will lay eggs in the
herbicides kill the weeds, after which larger larvae begin field when they arrive in Illinois the following spring.
feeding on corn seedlings. Seed-applied chloronicotinyl insecticides, some soil
Small black cutworm larvae feed on the leaves of seedling insecticides, and some Bt corn hybrids provide protection
corn plants. Such leaf feeding does not result in economic against black cutworms. However, these products may
damage, but the injury is an early warning that larger not provide adequate control of large infestations of large
larvae will cut off seedlings just above, at, or below the black cutworm larvae, so early-season scouting for the lar-
soil surface or will chew into the base of the plant (Fig- vae and signs of their injury to corn seedlings is strongly
ure 13.12). Plants cut off below the growing point do not encouraged. As a rule of thumb, a “rescue” insecticide ap-
survive, and a significant reduction in plant population plication may be warranted if 2% to 5% of corn seedlings
may result in significant yield loss. Although plants cut off are cut below ground or 6% to 8% are fed on or cut above
above the growing point usually survive, there is evidence ground and black cutworm larvae are still feeding.
that such injury may contribute to yield losses. Ear-attacking caterpillars. In the past, caterpillars that
As the larvae grow in size, they consume larger num- fed on the ears of field corn were largely ignored, primar-
bers of corn seedlings. A single cutworm will cut three ily because they were difficult to control and yield losses
or four seedlings if the plants are in the two-leaf stage attributed to their injury were poorly understood. How-
or smaller. After corn plants reach the four-leaf stage, a ever, Bt corn hybrids that express proteins that are toxic
single cutworm will cut only one or two plants during the to corn borers also control or suppress corn earworms and
remainder of its larval stage. Development through six fall armyworms, both of which feed in corn ears. In ad-
or seven instars (stages of larval development) requires dition, the western bean cutworm has become fairly well
approximately a month, after which the larvae pupate and established in northern Illinois, and this species is also
then transform into adults. Adults of the second and later capable of causing significant injury to corn ears. Col-
generations typically do not lay their eggs in corn fields, so lectively, ear-attacking caterpillars can be considered key
only the first generation of black cutworms threatens corn pests of corn.
production in Illinois. Fall armyworms do not overwinter in Illinois, and corn
Pheromone traps can be used to monitor for black cut- earworms likely survive the winter only in southern Il-
worm moths flying into Illinois in the spring. Although the linois. Consequently, infestations of both insects originate
numbers of moths captured in these traps do not neces- primarily from immigration of moths from farther south.
The adults of both species lay eggs in corn fields, often

188 Illinois Agronomy Handbook

 Figure 13.14. Corn earworm larva and injury to corn ear.
(Photo courtesy Mitch Wirth.)

Figure 13.13. Fall armyworm larva (inset) and injury to

corn leaves.
preferring later planted fields, and larvae that hatch from
the eggs feed on leaves (Figure 13.13). Injury to leaves
appears ragged and often messy—considerable frass, or
caterpillar excrement, is produced from the caterpillars’
feeding. Although this injury typically does not cause eco-
nomic losses, it indicates the presence of the caterpillars
and the potential for injury to corn ears. Adult female corn
earworms also lay eggs on corn silks, and newly hatched
larvae usually enter the ears at the tips (Figure 13.14).
The western bean cutworm has spread rapidly eastward Figure 13.15. Western bean cutworm larva (inset) and
from the Great Plains since 2000, being found for the first injury to corn ear. (Larva photo courtesy Jim Donnelly.)
time in Illinois in 2004. Western bean cutworms overwin-
ter as prepupae in Illinois, but adults do not emerge until percentage of plants with whorl injury, and they are unreli-
late June or July. Females lay eggs on the upper leaves of able relative to yield loss caused by damage to the ears.
corn, and young larvae eventually move downward on the An insecticide application may be warranted for control
plant to feed on silks and ears, entering the ears through of western bean cutworms if 8% of the plants have egg
the tips or the sides, often chewing directly through the masses and/or small larvae. In most instances, however,
husks (Figure 13.15). Multiple larvae can infest one ear, insecticides applied after ear-attacking caterpillars have
causing significant injury to developing kernels. entered the ears are not effective.
Although there are scouting procedures for all three spe- The current primary tactic for managing ear-attacking cat-
cies, all of these ear-attacking caterpillars are difficult to erpillars in field corn is planting corn hybrids that express
control with chemical insecticides, especially after the Bt proteins that are toxic to one or more of these pests.
larvae enter the corn ears. Economic thresholds for corn Please note that not all Bt corn hybrids are effective for
earworms and fall armyworms are often based on the controlling all ear-attacking caterpillars.

Managing Insect Pests 189

 Subterranean insects. This category includes all insects
that feed on corn plants below ground except corn root-
worm larvae and black cutworms, with primary emphasis
on grape colaspis larvae, white grubs, and wireworms. Al-
though these pests often are referred to as “secondary,” we
include them as key pests because corn growers regularly
spend money to control them with seed- or soil-applied
insecticides, and the pests cannot be controlled effectively
after injury has been detected.
Several species of wireworms (Figure 13.16) attack the
seed or drill into the base of the stem below ground,
damaging or killing the growing point. Aboveground
symptoms are wilted, dead, or weakened plants and spotty
stands. Grape colaspis larvae and a few species of white
Figure 13.16. Wireworm larvae.
grubs (primarily Phyllophaga species) (Figure 13.17)
feed primarily on corn roots early in the season, usually
stripping off the fine roots. Injury symptoms above ground
include spotty stands, stunting, wilting, and purpling of
the leaves and stems, the purpling a result of the plants’
inability to take up phosphorous. Injury caused by grape
colaspis larvae also results in browning of the tips and
edges of corn leaves on small plants (Figure 13.18).
It is doubtful that any of these insects occur at economic
levels in more than a relatively small percentage of fields
every year; however, anticipating their occurrence is dif-
ficult. In addition, insecticides are not effective against
these pests after the injury has been detected, and the only
solution may be replanting (an expensive response) if stand
reduction is significant. Consequently, most corn growers
Figure 13.17. White grub larva (inset) and injury to corn rely on experience and past history with these pests to de-
seedling. (Photo courtesy Kevin Nelson.) velop management strategies, or they simply rely on seed-
or soil-applied insecticides as a form of insurance. Bt corn
hybrids do not control grape colaspis larvae, white grubs,
or wireworms, although the chloronicotinyl insecticide on
the seed should provide some protection. However, control
by seed-applied insecticides may not be satisfactory when
infestations are heavy.

Soybean
Although significant transformations in insect manage-
ment have occurred with transgenic Bt corn, soybean
insect management in the Midwest still mainly involves
regular field scouting to determine whether a chemical
insecticide is warranted to prevent yield loss—a curative
approach. One preventive tactic is planting seed treated
Figure 13.18. Grape colaspis larva (inset) and injury to corn with a chloronicotinyl insecticide, usually in combination
seedlings. (Larva photo courtesy Benjamin Kaeb.) with a fungicide, with expectations for early-season pro-
tection against insects such as bean leaf beetle, seedcorn
maggot, and soybean aphid. The benefits derived from
the chloronicotinyls in these seed treatments are still

190 Illinois Agronomy Handbook

uncertain. More promising is the eventual availability of 13.19. Although economic thresholds based on percent-
soybean varieties with resistance to soybean aphids, which age defoliation of soybean have been called into question
will provide soybean growers with a preventive tactic that because of their “age” (they were developed in the 1970s
can be integrated easily into insect management strategies and 1980s), they currently are the most widely published
for soybean. and consistently used thresholds for soybean defoliators.
Currently, insect management strategies for soybean General percentage defoliation levels necessary for treat-
should focus primarily on timely field scouting and know- ment with an insecticide range from 40% to 50% during
ing how and when to make insect-control decisions; see vegetative stages (to about stage V7); 15% to 20% during
Table 13.3 for an incomplete list of pests of soybean flowering, pod development, and pod fill; and more than
found in Illinois. A basic scouting plan for soybean in 25% from pod fill to harvest. These thresholds can be used
Illinois should include looking for particular insects at to assess the need for an insecticide application for control
particular times: of any soybean defoliator, and they will not be repeated in
discussions of the key pests that follow.
l early-season insects, such as bean leaf beetle, shortly
after crop emergence Bean leaf beetle. Bean leaf beetles overwinter as adults
and become active very early in the spring, flying first to al-
l defoliators (insects that chew holes in leaves, such as falfa and clover fields to feed. As soon as soybean plants be-
bean leaf beetle, green cloverworm, and Japanese beetle) gin to emerge, the beetles abandon alfalfa and clover fields
and insects or mites that suck plant fluids in June and to colonize soybean fields, where they feed on cotyledons,
July, such as soybean aphid and twospotted spider mite leaves, and stems (Figure 13.20). After they finish feeding,
l soybean aphids in late July and August they lay eggs in the soil to begin the first generation.
l late-season defoliators and pod feeders, such as bean Adults of the first generation usually emerge in July. The
leaf beetle and grasshoppers, in late July and August beetles feed on soybean foliage, leaving small holes in the
leaves. If the infestation is severe, soybean plants may be
Dedication to this basic scouting plan will enable soybean
completely riddled with holes. The beetles again lay eggs
growers to note the presence or absence of insect pests at
in soybean fields, and a second generation occurs. Adults
critical times throughout a growing season and to assess
of the second generation usually emerge in August. They
the frequency of occurrence of insect pests in their fields
remain in soybean fields as long as there are tender plant
over time.
parts to chew on. They may chew on pods after the leaves
One other recommended skill for making insect control deteriorate, and their feeding creates scars that provide
decisions in soybean is the ability to accurately assess the an avenue of infection by certain plant pathogens (Figure
percentage defoliation caused by defoliators. Examples of 13.21). Mild infection results in seed staining; severe
different levels of soybean defoliation are shown in Figure infection results in seed decay.

Table 13.3. Insect and mite pests of soybean in Illinois.

Feed on belowground Chew on leaves (defoliators)
plant parts and/or stems Suck plant fluids Tunnel inside plants Feed on pods
bean leaf beetle larvae bean leaf beetle plant bugsa European corn borer bean leaf beetle
grape colaspis larvae blister beetlesa potato leafhopper soybean stem borer (also known as corn earworm
seedcorn maggot corn earworm soybean aphid Dectes stem borer) grasshoppersa
slugsa,b cutwormsa soybean thrips stalk borer stink bugsa
white grubsa fall armyworm stink bugsa
wirewormsa grape colaspis adults twospotted spider mite
grasshoppersa whitefliesa
green cloverworm
Japanese beetle
slugsa,b
thistle caterpillar (adult known
as painted lady butterfly)
webwormsa
western corn rootworm adults
woollybear caterpillarsa
yellowstriped armyworm
Insects chosen for inclusion are encountered with relative frequency, at least in some regions of the state, or represent unique threats.
a More than one species.
bA mollusk, not an insect or mite.

Managing Insect Pests 191

 5% 10%

Figure 13.20. Bean leaf beetle (inset) and injury to seedling

soybeans. (Beetle photo courtesy Marlin E. Rice.)

20% 30%

Figure 13.21. Bean leaf beetle injury to soybean pods.

40% 50% fore, management guidelines to prevent bean leaf beetles

from transmitting the virus have not been established.
An insecticide may be economically justified during the
Figure 13.19. Different levels of defoliation of soybean
leaves. (Illustration originally published in Soybean Insects:
pod-filling stage if percentage defoliation and numbers
Identification and Management in Illinois, 1982, University of of beetles per foot of row exceed established economic
Illinois.) thresholds. An insecticide for control of adults feeding on
pods may be warranted when 5% to 10% of the pods are
Research has shown that seed treatments with chloronico- injured and the leaves are still green.
tinyl insecticides effectively control bean leaf beetles that Japanese beetle. Numbers of Japanese beetles have been
feed on seedling soybeans. Because of the large densities very large in some areas of Illinois over the past few years,
of beetles required to cause economic injury to seedling and defoliation in soybean fields has been conspicuous.
soybean (16 per foot of row in the early seedling stage or Because defoliation of soybeans by Japanese beetles oc-
39 per foot of row at stage V2), foliar-applied insecticides curs almost exclusively in the upper canopy, the effect on
to control bean leaf beetles in seedling soybeans are infre- yield is poorly understood. However, their large numbers
quently justified. and very visible activity (they move around a lot, especial-
Bean leaf beetles also may transmit the bean pod mottle ly on hot days) elicit responses that often result in insecti-
virus. The virus may overwinter in the adults, so the insect cide applications.
may infect soybeans relatively early in the year. However, Japanese beetles overwinter as grubs in the soil through-
the actual timing of transmission is still unknown. There- out Illinois. As temperatures warm up in the spring, the

192 Illinois Agronomy Handbook

grubs begin feeding on the roots of grasses, including corn.
Shortly thereafter, Japanese beetles pupate and transform
into adults, which begin emerging in June. Japanese beetle
adults feed on more than 300 species of plants, including
soybean, corn, and many fruits and ornamental plants. By
mid- to late July, the very active adults begin feeding on the
leaves in flowering soybean fields (Figure 13.22). When
they finish feeding for the summer, the females lay eggs in
the soil, and the grubs develop to the third (and final) instar
to overwinter. There is only one generation per year.
Standardized percentage defoliation thresholds can be
used for making decisions about controlling Japanese
beetles. However, for reasons indicated previously, the
correlation between defoliation by Japanese beetles and
soybean yield is not clear. Furthermore, defoliation often is
not evident throughout an entire field because the beetles
occur in clumps, often confined to field edges or other
small areas. Consequently, soybean producers are strongly
encouraged to assess the situation throughout a field to
determine whether “spot treatment” with an insecticide Figure 13.22. Japanese beetles feeding on soybean leaves.
will address the problem. (Photo courtesy Ron Hines.)
Soybean aphid. Soybean aphids were discovered for
the first time in North America late in 2000, spreading about mid-June to mid-September in Illinois. Winged
throughout the Midwest very rapidly thereafter. This aphids begin to fly back to buckthorn in September to
species quickly became established as the most important complete the annual cycle.
insect pest of soybean throughout the Midwest. Before Soybean aphids suck fluids from soybean leaves and
2008, widespread outbreaks of soybean aphids occurred stems, causing injured leaves to crinkle or cup. The con-
primarily during odd-numbered years, with the most sequences of their feeding injury include early defoliation,
economically damaging outbreak occurring in many states shortened stems, stunting, reduced numbers of pods and
in 2003. However, a widespread, economically damaging seeds, and reduced seed weight. Sooty mold also devel-
outbreak occurred in 2008, breaking the every-other-year ops on the honeydew that aphids excrete, causing heav-
cycle for this pest. Localized outbreaks of soybean aphids ily infested plants to appear dirty. Heavy infestations of
have occurred every year since their discovery. soybean aphids can cause significant reductions in yield.
The soybean aphid has a complex life cycle, with as many A foliar-applied insecticide may be warranted when
as 18 generations annually. Two different host plants are densities of soybean aphids reach or exceed 250 aphids
required by the aphid. The aphids spend the winter as per plant, a widely acknowledged economic threshold.
eggs on their primary host, buckthorn (Rhamnus species), However, economic yield loss usually does not occur until
a woody perennial. Nymphs (immature aphids) hatch densities of aphids reach or exceed 675 aphids per plant
in the spring, develop through four instars, and become (the economic injury level). The economic threshold is
adults that begin giving birth to living young for the next conservative to allow for the time necessary to schedule
generation. After two to three generations on buckthorn, an insecticide application. It is also important to note the
winged females fly away in search of their secondary host, presence and activity of predators of soybean aphids, espe-
soybean. Soybean aphids colonize soybean fields and can cially the multicolored Asian lady beetle. Large numbers
increase their numbers rapidly—doubling in 3 to 4 days, of predators and other natural enemies (parasitoids, patho-
depending on temperature. On actively growing soybean gens) may prevent soybean populations from reaching the
plants, colonies are found on leaves near the tops of the economic injury level.
plants (Figure 13.23). On reproductive soybean plants, Twospotted spider mite. We include twospotted spider
aphids are found on the undersides of leaves and on stems mite as a key pest of soybean because of its capacity to
and pods. When an infestation in a given field becomes cause devastating yield losses during widespread, pro-
very large, winged aphids fly away to seek other soybean longed drought conditions. However, localized outbreaks
fields. Soybean aphids can be found in soybean fields from of twospotted spider mites often occur during years when

Managing Insect Pests 193

 the eight-legged adults emerge. Spider mites complete a
generation in 1 to 3 weeks, depending on environmental
conditions (primarily temperature), and there are multiple
generations within a growing season.
Spider mites crawl from weed hosts to soybean plants,
so infestations usually appear first along field edges or in
spots within a field. Mites can also move throughout fields
by “ballooning”—spinning webs and moving to a position
on a leaf from which they can be blown aloft. They can
also move from row to row by bridging (moving across
leaves in contact) when the canopy is nearly closed.
Spider mites puncture plant cells and suck plant fluids.
Damaged plant cells do not recover. Initial injury results
in a yellow speckling of the leaves (Figure 13.24). Heavy
infestations cause leaves to wilt and die, and yield losses
can be substantial. Another sign of the presence of spider
mites is the webbing they produce on the undersides of the
leaves.
Because numbers of twospotted spider mites can increase
Figure 13.23. Soybean aphids on a soybean leaflet. (Photo rapidly during hot, dry weather and because infestations
courtesy Jim Morrison.) can spread relatively quickly within a field, spider mites
must be discovered and treated early to prevent signifi-
cant yield losses. Reliable economic thresholds have not
been developed, so insecticide applications are warranted
primarily if prolonged hot, dry weather is expected after
symptoms of mite injury begin to appear. Spot treatments
along field edges may prevent further movement of spider
mites into the field, although scouting throughout the field
is strongly encouraged.

Wheat
Few insects cause recurring economic damage to wheat in
this state. However, because most wheat is grown in south-
ern counties, where temperatures frequently are suitable
for insect survival and development, there is always po-
Figure 13.24. Twospotted spider mite (inset) and injury to tential for insect pest problems. Wheat grown in northern
soybeans. (Mite photo courtesy Marlin E. Rice.) Illinois is threatened infrequently by insect problems.
Insect management strategies for wheat in Illinois include
hot, dry conditions also are localized, so scouting for signs components of host plant resistance, cultural control, and
of their presence is recommended every year. If soybeans the use of insecticides, and they begin with the purchase
have an adequate supply of moisture, the mites usually do of wheat seed. (See Table 13.4 for an incomplete list of
not cause much, if any economic damage. pests of wheat found in Illinois.) Varieties resistant to Hes-
Twospotted spider mites usually overwinter as females in sian flies are available, although Hessian flies can develop
areas covered with vegetation or plant debris, often along biotypes that can overcome the genes for their resistance.
field edges. They also may overwinter on winter annual Wheat growers also can purchase wheat seed treated
weeds within cultivated fields. In the spring, females with a chloronicotinyl insecticide, which will protect
begin laying eggs on plant leaves. Larvae with six legs wheat seedlings from aphids and reduce the risk of their
emerge from the eggs and progress through two nymphal transmitting the barley yellow dwarf (BYD) virus. Foliar-
stages, each with eight legs. After the last nymphal molt, applied insecticides in the fall are warranted primarily if

194 Illinois Agronomy Handbook

colonies of aphids begin to increase, although insects that
devour seedlings (fall armyworm, for example) should
also be monitored.
Insect management for wheat continues with the date of
seeding. For decades, “fly-free” dates (dates by which Hes-
sian fly adults have died) have been published, and we still
encourage wheat growers to plant after the fly-free dates in
their regions. As the term implies, wheat planted after fly-
free dates is not exposed to egg-laying female Hessian flies.
Wheat planted after the fly-free date also is less susceptible
to the BYD and wheat streak mosaic viruses, transmitted
by aphids and mites, respectively. Estimates of fly-free
dates for wheat in Illinois are provided in Chapter 5. Figure 13.25. Corn leaf aphids.
After wheat begins growing in the spring, regular moni-
developed in Illinois, so foliar-applied insecticides often
toring for insects is recommended. Numbers of aphids
are applied as insurance treatments. We are not convinced
can increase in the spring when environmental conditions
that their widespread use is warranted annually.
are favorable, although yield losses associated with their
feeding injury in the spring are not common. Defoliators, When numbers of aphids begin to increase in the spring,
such as armyworms and cereal leaf beetles, are the most there is potential that yield loss might occur from their
common insect pests of wheat in the spring, and excessive feeding injury. As a rule of thumb, insecticide may be
defoliation may result in significant yield losses. Foliar- warranted when numbers reach or exceed 25 to 50 aphids
applied insecticides are warranted when numbers and per stem (depending on species: 25 greenbugs, 30 corn
injury caused by these pests exceed economic thresholds. leaf or bird cherry-oat aphids, 50 English grain aphids),
up to the boot stage. Insecticides are not recommended for
Aphids. Four different species of aphids occur in wheat
aphid control from the dough stage to maturity.
fields in Illinois—bird cherry-oat aphid, corn leaf aphid
(Figure 13.25), English grain aphid, and greenbug. All Armyworm. Few armyworms overwinter in Illinois, but
aphids can increase their numbers very quickly. However, some partly grown larvae probably survive the winter un-
there has been very little research to indicate that econom- der debris in southern counties. Moths that migrate from
ic yield losses result from aphid feeding (sucking plant southern states into Illinois add to the resident population,
fluids) in Illinois wheat. and large numbers may trigger an outbreak, depending on
environmental condition. So the key to effective manage-
Of greater concern with aphids in wheat is their ability to
ment of armyworms in wheat is regular field scouting in
transmit viruses that cause BYD disease. The potential for
the spring.
transmission of the viruses by aphids that colonize wheat
in the fall has elicited the use of preventive tactics, such Armyworm moths may lay numerous eggs in wheat fields,
as chloronicotinyl insecticide seed treatments and foliar- especially in areas with thick stands. Young larvae scrape
applied insecticides in the fall. However, the guidelines the leaf tissues; older larvae feed from the edges of the
for controlling aphids in wheat in the fall are not very well leaves (Figure 13.26) and consume all of the tissue, work-
ing their way up from the bottom of the plants. Injury to
the lower leaves causes no economic loss, but injury to the
Table 13.4. Insect and mite pests of wheat in Illinois. upper leaves, especially the flag leaf, can result in yield re-
Chew on leaves (defo- Tunnel inside duction. After armyworms devour the flag leaves, they of-
liators) and/or stems Suck plant fluids plants
ten chew into the tender stem just below the head, causing
armyworm bird cherry-oat aphid stalk borer the head to fall off. After the grain matures or is harvested,
cutwormsa chinch bug
cereal leaf beetle corn leaf aphid
the larvae will migrate into adjacent corn fields. Although
grasshoppersa English grain aphid there are two or three generations each year in Illinois,
wheat head armywormb greenbug only the first generation threatens wheat production.
Hessian fly
wheat curl mite Early detection of an armyworm infestation is essential for
effective management. Examine dense stands of wheat for
Insects chosen for inclusion are encountered with relative frequency,
at least in some regions of the state, or represent unique threats. larvae first. Because armyworm larvae feed at night or on
a More than one species.
overcast days, they usually are found on the ground under
bAlso feeds on developing grain.
plant debris. If the number of armyworms exceeds 6 non-

Managing Insect Pests 195

Figure 13.26. Armyworm larva in wheat. Figure 13.27. Hessian fly puparium, or “flaxseed” (left), and
larva. (Photo courtesy Kevin Black, Growmark.)
parasitized larvae (at least 3/4 to 1-1/4 in. long) per foot of
row, an insecticide may be warranted. 13.27). Hessian flies remain in this stage in the stubble
Weather and natural enemies are the major causes of throughout the summer. Flies emerge again in late sum-
reductions in armyworm numbers. Hot, dry weather mer and seek egg-laying sites on volunteer wheat plants
promotes the development of parasitoids and diseases, or on fall-seeded wheat. After hatch, the fall generation of
reducing populations of armyworms. Cool, wet weather is maggots begins feeding on seedling plants.
most favorable for an outbreak. Wheat infested in the fall usually is stunted, and the
Hessian fly. Although Hessian flies have not caused eco- leaves are dark blue-green, thickened, and more erect than
nomic damage to wheat in Illinois for many years, their healthy leaves. Severely damaged plants may die during
continuing presence and development of new biotypes pose the winter. In the spring, injured plants appear much like
a constant threat to wheat growers. Consequently, planting they do in the fall. In addition, infested plants often break
wheat after fly-free dates and destroying volunteer wheat over when the heads begin to fill.
are widely recommended throughout the United States. Because foliar-applied insecticides are neither practical
The Hessian fly overwinters as a full-grown maggot inside nor reliable for control of Hessian flies, the best preven-
a puparium. In the spring, maggots change into pupae in- tive tactics are destruction of wheat stubble and volunteer
side the puparia and emerge as adults. After females have wheat and planting resistant or moderately resistant wheat
mated, they lay eggs in the grooves on the upper sides of varieties after the fly-free dates. Where wheat is seeded on
wheat leaves. After hatching from eggs, the maggots move or after the fly-free date for a specific location, Hessian fly
behind the leaf sheaths and begin feeding on the stem. The adults usually emerge and die before the crop is out of the
maggots feed for about 2 weeks and then form a puparium ground. Seed-applied chloronicotinyl insecticides provide
in which they pupate, usually well before harvest time. some protection against Hessian flies and are recom-
The small brown puparium, commonly called a “flax- mended, particularly if wheat must be planted before the
seed,” can be found behind leaves next to the stem (Figure fly-free dates.

196 Illinois Agronomy Handbook