Update on insect activity in alfalfa - Fall armyworms, armyworms, and alfalfa caterpillars
Worm activity has been elevated for a large portion of Kansas for the last three weeks. A combination of fall armyworms, armyworms, and alfalfa caterpillars have been feeding in alfalfa fields. Learn what options are available for control in this article.
Insect update: The Year of the Worm
Kansans, particularly those that farm or tend their lawns, might end up remembering 2021 as the "Year of the Worm". Here is the latest fall worms update from Extension Entomology.
wheat insects alfalfa army cutworms armyworms fall armyworms
Fall armyworm infestations in early-planted wheat in central Kansas
There have been some heavy infestations of fall armyworms in early-planted wheat in central Kansas, with some plantings completely destroyed. Read more about the best options at this point in the season and how to distinguish between fall armyworm and true armyworm in this article.
Large numbers of fall armyworm in Texas, moths appearing in southern Kansas
In late June, large numbers of fall armyworms were being documented in Texas. Fall armyworm adults were detected in southwest Kansas during the first week of July, with numbers on the rise. At-risk crops should be scouted regularly for the remainder of the growing season. Recommended treatment thresholds and labeled products are discussed in this article.
Scout for headworms in sorghum from flowering into milk stage
Relatively new, cost effective, and environmentally friendly products are available for controlling headworms in sorghum. These are pest-specific viruses, formulated as biological pesticides, that can be applied the same as any foliar insecticide, or delivered via overhead irrigation sprinklers.
Fall armyworm activity in Kansas
Fall armyworm can damage several important Kansas crops as well as pasture, turf, and home landscaping. Two full generations are possible in Kansas with defoliation and grain damage being the biggest concerns. The first detected fall armyworm for the season was on June 16 in the Central Kansas district.