Therefore most fields are currently in a holding pattern. As the crop emerges there will be some fields that experience insect problems. A seedcorn beetle and a wireworm larva were observed while taking soil cores May 2nd. Although I did not examine wing venation for a positive id, numerous small flies, resembling houseflies, were observed while sweeping alfalfa the past week, which appeared to be seedcorn maggot adults. Fortunately, the frequency of these events occurring is relatively low.
Black cutworm remains a potential threat.
The moths migrating into Minnesota on frontal systems are attracted to untilled fields, especially those with small weeds, to lay eggs. We certainly have plenty of these around this spring. We have apparently not yet had the other component needed for an economic infestation. The numbers of black cutworm moths captured by the pheromone trapping coordinated by Dr. Ken Ostlie have been low and no traps have reported captures which would indicate the potential for an outbreak. Fields unworked at the time of moth migration would be at the greatest risk if a large migration of moths occurs.