In addition, cumulative catches of true armyworm during the month of April have been low throughout the state. Reports from Virginia indicate new cereal leaf beetle egg laying activity so be sure to continue to watch for beetle activity. There have been no reports of true armyworm or grass sawfly larvae. As temperatures increase, we should begin to see the first small larvae in the next week. No treatment will be needed for armyworm until you find 1-2 larvae per foot of row or grass sawfly unless you find 2 or more larvae per 5 foot of row innerspace.
Flies continue to lay eggs and are attracted to no-till situations.
A seed treatment containing diazinon should be used. The newer seed treatments containing permethrin should also provide control. Powdery mildew is increasing in severity on susceptible varieties at the present time. For the most part, the mildew is not advancing on the flag and the leaf below the flag leaf. I am also seeing brown leaf tips in some areas.