The planting season is off to an early start this year thanks to mild temperatures – but there’s also potential for increased pests and disease pressures. Most pests and diseases are killed or set back by below freezing temperatures – but the mild winter conditions could mean earlier and increased insect and disease activity. In fact – entomologists have already seen significant captures of black cutworm and true armyworm in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Missouri. Pioneer Hi-Bred experts suggest scouting fields is one of the best ways to successfully manage damage to young plants. Seed treatments vary in the degree of control against different pests and diseases – so Pioneer urges farmers to keep a close eye on their crops as the growing season progresses.

Pioneer says there are several insects to carefully monitor this planting season – including black cutworm, true armyworm, corn flea beetle and bean leaf beetle. Pythium and Phytophthora are among the diseases to monitor. Compared to other seasons – Pioneer says the importance of scouting fields for insect pests has never been greater. Those fields with previous seedling blight issues and no-till or non-rotated fields are at greater risk of seedling blights. Pioneer advises growers to examine their fields at least once a week and observe emergence to catch possible problems early on. Delayed or uneven emergence may indicate a fungal or insect pest is affecting seedling establishment.

Pioneer has a Pest and Disease Guide on www dot pioneer dot com (www.pioneer.com) under the Agronomy tab.

Courtesy: NAFB News