Author Archives: Rod Youngman

Avipel Section 18 for VA: re-certification with data

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Micah Raub (VDACS) received an email recently from Mr. Howard (EPA). Mr. Howard said,…”the Avipel Section 18 is eligible for re-certification with data.” 2010 data from grower testimonials on bird injury to their corn seed and seedlings, carried the day for approval of our 2011 Section 18 for Avipel use in Virginia. This is where you come in. Attached is the same survey instrument about bird injury used on 2010 acres, with 1 difference. Its requesting data for your 2011 corn fields that suffered from bird injury. Hopefully, we will receive re-certification of our Section 18 in time for you to use it on more than 12,600 acres in Virginia.
Additional information: 2011-crop-year-docx

Handy Bt Trait Table: Midwest corn hybrids

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This came across my desk the other day, and I hope you find it as useful as I have. The “Handy Bt Trait Table”, by Chris DiFonzo, Michigan State University, and Eileen Cullen, University of Wisconsin, has a great summary table for MidWest hybrids. The table lists the traits currently available (last updated Feb. 2011), insects controlled, and refuge size per trait. The table does not address refuge information for corn planted in cotton designated counties. That information can be obtained by checking with your supplier and/or reviewing the product use guide. Additional information: cornbttraittable-difonzo-and-cullen-2011-pdf

Stink bugs in field corn

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Recent reports of stink bugs feeding in the whorl of field corn have come to my attention. There was no word on what species of stink bug they were, or how extensive the damage is, but whichever stink bug it is, their piercing-sucking mouthparts can reach the growing tip of young corn plants. Insecticides labeled to control stink bugs in field corn are available and can be accessed from Virginia Tech’s Cooperative Extension Pest Management Guide for field crops. Disclosure, I don’t have any efficacy data on stink bug control in field corn. This is largely due to the sporadic nature of these pests over the years.This picture has changed with the recent invasion of the brown marmorated stink bug in Virginia. That said, I tend to lean toward FMC products Hero 15EC and Stallion 15EC, which combine two insecticides. Hero contains two pyrethroids: bifenthrin and zeta-cypermethrin and Stallion contains one pyrethriod and one organophosate: zeta-cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos. One note of caution, if you’re going to use either of these products, I recommend using the high rates, because brown marmorated stink bugs have the tendency to re-invade. Also, the next potential threat to field corn from brown marmorated, or other stink bugs, is when corn begins to enter the reproductive stage. Contact: Rod Youngman, youngman@vt.edu, 540-231-9118 (office), 540-357-2558 (cell).

Second DD update for billbugs in orchardgrass

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The number of accumulated degree-days (DD) for bluegrass and hunting billbugs in orchardgrass since 1/1/11 are starting to move. As of 4/6/11, 214 DD have accumulated. Model forecast for 4/13/11 is 284 DD. Recall that at least 280 DD are needed before taking any action. Within the next week or so you need to start checking your field borders for paired-field holes. My contact information is, 540-231-9118 (office), 540-357-2558 (cell), youngman@vt.edu. Thank you.