Seedcorn Maggot: Counts of SCM flies on sticky cards declined this week (see table). However, maggots are still actively feeding. We observed feeding by SCM on squash seed that was planted May 10 (see picture). However, the infestation was spotty, and damage was minor and limited to the cotyledons. Even though it would appear that SCM pressure is decreasing, recently planted fields of cucurbits, snap beans, and sweet corn may still be at risk.

Bean Leaf Beetle (BLB): On May 31 st we observed BLB at high levels in our earliest snap bean planting (1.0/plant) with extensive damage to unifoliate leaves (see picture). Populations of BLB have increased in alfalfa from 0.04/sweep to 0.14/sweep during the last week. We have also observed BLB activity in cabbage, sweet corn, and even grape vineyards, suggesting wide spread migration of BLB from overwintering sites, and an active search for leguminous crops (soybean/snap bean).

Flea Beetle: During the past 1-2 weeks, we have observed widespread activity by flea beetles in several crops, most notably cabbage. Both seeded and transplanted cabbage fields in the Rosemount area have been fed on by flea beetle, which overwinter as adults. Plants exhibit the typical damage symptoms referred to as shot-holing (see picture). Management of flea beetle populations is most important during the early growth stages of cabbage. For more information, see the VegEdge fact sheet on flea beetles in cabbage at http://www.vegedge.umn.edu/vegpest/colecrop/flea.htm.

Potato Leafhopper (PLH): Populations of PLH in alfalfa continue to increase, however, they are still low (0.28/sweep). To date we have not detected PLH in snap bean plantings, but expect to see infestations develop over the next several weeks.

 European Corn Borer (ECB): Catches of ECB in blacklight traps have been extremely low. We have only caught one ECB this season. There have been no reports of ECB moth catch from the ECB trap network cooperators in 2005. We will be updating moth catch graphs at http://www.vegedge.umn.edu/2005/moth.htm