Pest survey specialists at the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection collect and manage data on plant pests, including insects, that threaten agricultural production and pose trade barriers.
Entomologist Krista Hamilton says the insect surveys started this week, specifically with black cutworms that have likely blown in with spring storms.
The DATCP Pest Survey Program collects data through field-based sampling and from networks of cooperators across Wisconsin. The program conducts long-term historical pest surveys, while continually adapting and developing new surveys in response to emerging threats.
Hamilton explains that even before crop seeds go into the ground, the field surveys are underway. The goal is to predict insect pressure for May and June. Then, surveys continue through early October covering traditional row crops, like corn and soybeans, and specialty crops, such as apples and potatoes.
When it’s all said and done, Hamilton says the Pest Survey Program collects and manages data on roughly 200 insects.
Bugs can come out of winter dormancy well before spring officially begins, Hamilton explains. For example, most pests will emerge after a few consecutive days in the 50s. Alafla weevils can lay eggs as long as temperatures are above 33 degrees.
Hamilton says she didn’t see any red flags from last year’s pest survey indicating major issues for this year’s growing season. She does say that corn rootworm and corn borer are top of mind for her.
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