The heat is making field work challenging and podcasting an attractive alternative. Erin covers a lot of ground, recapping reports of increasing (though sub-economic) soybean aphid populations, rootworm injury and new additions to the insects found in corn and soybean fields, including skipper sightings in soybeans (https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/blog/erin-hodgson/have-you-spotted-skipper). The hot and dry conditions in the western half of the state is making it challnging for corn and soybeans. We've seen this issue in the past, and this article reviews how to address spider mites that may be exacerbated by these weather conditions: https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2018/08/you-%E2%80%9Cmite%E2%80%9D-want-scout-drought-stressed-crops Matt highlights some observations from a cannabis farm, in which a Eurasian Hemp Borer was observed on several plants.  A summary of this pests biology, ecology and management can be found in this factsheet from the Colorado State University: https://webdoc.agsci.colostate.edu/hempinsects/PDFs/Eurasian%20hemp%20borer%20September%202018%20rewrite(1).pdf On 23 July, 2020, Matt is speaking at a webinar sponsored by the Liberty Prairie Foundation.  He wil talk about how the prairie strips practive in the Conservation Reserve Program (CP-43) can conserve pollinators on farm land. Details about this webinar and others hosted by the Liberty Prairie Foundation can be found here: http://libertyprairie.org/calendar/. Please feel free to join the webinar. See you next week and stay safe.  

Soybean Pest Podcast

(S11:E10): Breaking out, in a corn sweat.

Erin breaks it down for us, describing the increasing the number of pest species attacking soybeans in Iowa.  This includes, but not limited to, aflafla caterpillar, soyean gall midge, soybean aphids and why not, Japanese beetles. Matt shares a mythological inspired FIT. Erin will be at "Essential Row Crop Managment Summer 2020" Webinar series. This is a joint venture between University of Minnesota Extension and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, starts next week. This series of short, timely, and topic-specific webinars for farmers, ag professionals, Extension personnel and other interested parties will be held from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. on July 14, 16, 21, and 23.  To continue reading, view page: https://blog-crop-news.extension.umn.edu/2020/07/join-us-for-essential-row-crop.html   Matt will be featured in a webinar sponsored by the Liberty Prairie Foundation's summer lecturer series:  https://libertyprairiefoundation.salsalabs.org/PrairieStripsBenefitPollinatorsandFarmers/index.html Stay safe out there! Matt

(S11:E9): Alfalfa caterpillars, not just in alfalfa! All that and more.

Erin and Matt talk about the growing community of insects found in soybean and cornfields.  Erin shares updates from her field staff, including observations of several species of lepidoptera that are still in caterpillar form. For more details visit, https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/blog/erin-hodgson/caterpillars-noted-soybean She also gives an update on the frequency and growth stage of soybean gall midges.  For more information about the Soybean gall midge, visit https://soybeangallmidge.org/ Finally, Erin mentions her rootworm trapping network. Details can be found here: https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/blog/ashley-dean-erin-hodgson/new-trapping-network-corn-rootworm Matt shares a F.I.T. that was inspired by a 2019 interview of Saturday Night Live cast member Kate McKinnon, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63GC6z1RsQQ. Don't watch the clip until after you heard the clues, as Kate gives a way the name of the type of insect in her interview.  If you want a hint, names associated with this insect include, but are not limited to: biting, non-biting,  phantom, mountain, meniscus, and dung.  

(S11:E8): Its July, and there are more than fireworks in the air.

Erin and Matt are back. Erin talks about insect pests that are starting to show up in fields, including the soybean gall midge.  Matt shares a FIT inspired by a trip to a field of Iowa's newest crop.  

(S11:E7): More insects coming to the party, including soybean gall midges

Erin and Matt are back from a skipping a week. Erin shares a observations from around the state of a several different insect pest sightings, including japanese beetles, thistle caterpillars, and soybean aphids. This includes a discussion of Brian Lange's discovery of soybean aphids in north east Iowa. Erin also shares a first! Below is a link to the longer article about scouting for corn rootworm larvae. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/blog/erin-hodgson/scouting-corn-rootworm-larvae Matt's been writing grants and a little out of it, but he took some time to challenge Erin and our listener with a Fun Insect Trivia. (Hint: its an insect). Stay safe!      

(S11:E6): Did you see that beetle, caterpillar, aphid? We did. What does it all mean?

Erin and Matt talk about insects pests showing up in places other than soybeans, like alfalfa and the twin cities. Some are currently causing problems and others may be a problem in the future. Aphids in alfalfa: https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2020/06/aphids-observed-alfalfa-fields There are stalk borers on the move: https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2020/06/start-scouting-stalk-borers-southern-iowa Want to learn more about soybean gall midge (of course you do): https://soybeangallmidge.org/ Khapra beetle citing in MN:https://www.startribune.com/destructive-beetle-larvae-seized-at-international-falls-port-of-entry/570968452/ Matt gives a FIT with a bonus question and then goes on a historical tangent about the history of an ecological phenomenon described as "persistent and straightened-out movement effected by the animal’s own locomotory exertions or by its active embarkation on a vehicle.  It depends on some temporary inhibition of station-keeping responses, but promotes their eventual disinhibition and recurrence." This FIT was inspired by the recent book, Tne Next Great Migration written by Sonia Shah.        

(S11:E5): It's hot, humid and there are bugs everywhere

In this episode, Matt and Erin quickly review current pest activity given slightly behind degree days in 2020. 

(S11:E4): Early-season pest update

Matt and Erin welcome a special guest in this episode - Ashley Dean. The conversation revolves around early-season pests, like grubs, and scouting reminders. Also, Ashley shares updates on her moth trapping network and corn rootworm trapping network for Iowa. 

(S11:E3): Don’t snub those grubs

Matt and Erin are back in the swing of podcasting after a long winter. But the pandemic means they can record the episode in their sweatpants! Matt provides an update on brown marmorated stink bug, an invasive species on the rise in Iowa and Japanese beetle activity. Erin gives a short recap of recent pest conditions in soybean, noting wireworms. Matt wraps up the conversation with a newly-designed F.I.T. 

(S11:E2): M&M's and sweatpants

Matt and Erin took a 9-month break, but they promised to post more regular podcasts this year with Season 11. Erin provides a brief summary of statewide pest activity, including bean leaf beetle, seedcorn maggot, and alfalfa weevils. The first painted lady butterflies were also noted in Iowa over the weekend. Lastly, Matt poses the latest F.I.T. and talks about an invasive insect into North America.

(S11:E1): Starting up again with Season 11

Today, Matt and Erin recap insect activity around Iowa. They also discuss implications of the dry weather for 2019. 

(S10:E4): Is it August already?

After a break, Matt and Erin get together for episode 3 in 2019. Erin mentioned a flash drought is expected this week if high temperatures continue throughout Iowa. This could have implications for pest management - slowing down soybean aphid but perhaps accelerating twospotted spider mite. Erin also highlights current pest activity in field crops, including corn rootworm and Japanese beetle. But they spent some time talking about the newest pest in Iowa, soybean gall midge. So many unanswered questions, but it appears this will be an economic soybean pest. Matt comes back to an older podcast episode where they reviewed the cancellation of sulfoxaflor insecticide. It was recently registered (again) by the EPA and will be labeled in soybean. This insecticide offers an alternative mode of action for soybean aphid. Finally, Matt brings up a F.I.T. that is about isopods. 

(S10:E3): Flash drought: some like it hot

In the second episode of season 10, Matt and Erin talk about recent planting conditions in Iowa and the midwest. It's behind for corn and beans, and for their research this summer, too. Matt explores recent cool, wet temps and the Drought Monitor. He poses a question...what's the opposite of a drought? Lastly, Matt has an interesting F.I.T. from Cleveland, OH this year. 

(S10:E2): What's the opposite of drought?

Matt and Erin are back and starting Season 10! Erin kicks off the episode by summarizing current pest activity for 2019. It's been a cool, wet spring and delayed planting will influence early-season pest activity. Specific updates: Bean leaf beetle winter mortality was high. Seedcorn maggots are flying. Alfalfa weevils are active. Expected corn cutting dates from black cutworm are approaching. Soybean egg hatch is happening, most likely in northern Iowa, where most of the buckthorn is located.  Matt talked about a new F.I.T. (fun insect trivia), where he highlights the mosquito trapping network at ISU. Dr. Ryan Smith coordinated a mosquito and tick surveillance program to learn more about activity and disease incidence around the state every summer. Learn more about his historical data on his website. Matt also had an opportunity to podcast with group of Iowa Youth who entered an NPR challenge. You can hear the episode where they talk about using insects for food here later this summer! Upcoming events include Pollinator Fest at Reiman Gardens (22 June), pollinator workshop (25-26 July), and many field days throughout Iowa (stay tuned!).   

(S10:E1): Brown and down!

Drs. Matt O’Neal and Erin Hodgson created a podcast to promote IPM concepts, like identification, sampling, economic thresholds, and insecticide efficacy. They also talk about updates on invasive pests and regulatory news, and translate new research relative to insects in agriculture.

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Soybean Pest Podcast

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