Track 7 Key Insect Pests with MU Extension’s Alerts

By Blake Jackson

University of Missouri Extension's Pest Monitoring Network provides a valuable service to farmers and gardeners by offering free, timely pest alerts.

Crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida emphasizes that early detection is crucial for effective pest management, allowing for swift action before infestations cause significant damage.

By actively scouting and monitoring fields, farmers can make informed decisions to minimize yield loss and reduce pesticide use.

The network currently tracks seven key insect pests: Japanese beetle, brown marmorated stink bug, black cutworm, corn earworm, fall armyworm, true armyworm, and corn leafhopper.

Starting in March, Extension field agronomists and faculty across Missouri set traps and submit weekly data to the MU Integrated Pest Management website.

This data provides insights into the abundance and distribution of insect pests captured in the traps. MU Extension then disseminates alerts via text messages, email, and mobile apps when insect populations reach critical levels.

Detailed information on scouting, identification, and other relevant topics can be found on the MU Integrated Pest Management website.

Specific pest information includes:

• Black cutworm: These larvae damage seedlings of corn, cotton, soybean, and other crops.
• Corn earworm: Moths appear in April, with three generations throughout the season, affecting corn, cotton, sorghum, and soybean.
• Brown marmorated stink bug: Present in Missouri since 2013, it impacts various crops and can cause "stay green syndrome" in soybean and reduce kernel quality in corn.
• Corn leafhopper: First confirmed in southwest Missouri in 2024, it carries corn stunt disease, which can lead to significant yield loss.
• Fall armyworm: Migrating from Gulf Coast states, they target late-planted corn and typically arrive in Missouri in late June.
• True armyworm: Primarily feeding on grass species, they pose a high risk to pastures, wheat, and corn, with the first-generation larvae causing the most damage.
• Japanese beetle: Growing in population since 1999, they damage corn tassels, soybean leaves, and fruit trees.

Valmorbida highlights the importance of this network in helping farmers stay ahead of potential pest problems, ultimately contributing to more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.

Photo Credit: university-of-missouri