The Insect Forecast Tool that farmers across the Corn Belt have participated in for the past two seasons has been enhanced to track the corn rootworm and to offer expanded online and mobile access for 2012. This early warning system tool is used to monitor above ground pests that could threaten corn yields. Monsanto Corn Traits Marketing Manager Matt Kirkpatrick says farmers can now go to www dot insectforecast dot com (www.insectforecast.com) to learn when corn rootworm larvae are hatching in their area. He says this will allow for better timing to scout fields for potential root damage. The tool will also continue to track the migration of corn earworm and western bean cutworm.

According to Kirkpatrick – greater awareness about the corn rootworm hatch and migration patterns of corn earworm and western bean cutworm moths can help farmers minimize their impact. The tool can help farmers make decisions about pesticide application timing and traited corn hybrids.

Developed by climatologist and meteorologist Mike Sandstrom – this tool analyzes moth trapping data and weather patterns to issue one, two and three-to-five day forecasts for corn earworm and western bean cutworm. The corn rootworm hatch is updated weekly. To receive email alerts from May through September – farmers in the Corn Belt can sign up at www dot insectforecast dot com (www.insectforecast.com).