Damage can initially appear as small holes in the leaves, which eventually appear shredded. A pyrethroid will provide the most cost-effective control. Over a 3-week period, the highest trap catches have consistently occurred in the Delmar, Milford, and Laurel areas. Cereal leaf beetle egg hatch has occurred in localized areas of Kent and Sussex Counties. Although there are hot spots of activity, beetle populations remain below normal in many locations.
Aphid activity is also low, with an occasional field exhibiting high levels on the lower leaves.
Although the weather has remained cool, beneficial insects are active in many fields. Be sure to watch for aphids moving into the grain heads and treat if you find 20 to 25 aphids per head, especially if beneficial activity is low. As grain heads emerge, you should also begin to watch for grass sawfly and true armyworm larvae. A sweep net can be used to detect small grass sawfly larvae, often found in denser areas along field edges. Once larvae are detected, look for larvae in 5 linear foot of row in 5-10 areas of a field by shaking plants to dislodge larvae that feed on the plants during the day.