Some areas are still dry and sustained moisture is needed. Open bolls have been observed in a few early-planted fields. Reports of stink bug numbers and boll damage increased this week. We would expect stink bugs to be a primary pest for the remainder of the season. Corn earworm and tobacco budworm populations vary significantly across the state.
Pressure ranges from light to heavy and species makeup of infestations is a mixed bag.
Armyworms, both fall and beet, are generally light but sporadic. Scouts should pay close attention to blooms and bloom-tagged bolls. Eggs have been observed on square bracts and dried blooms in some areas. When examining bolls with stuck bloom tags, be sure to examine under and in the bloom itself for CEW larvae. In some situations, small larvae will be observed feeding in the top of the boll, actually penetrating the boll.