Insects

Black cutworm (Agrostis ipsilon) is the most common cutworm species affecting Wisconsin corn, although outbreaks are infrequent and difficult to predict. Black cutworm larvae reduce stand counts and yield potential by cutting corn plants at the base or below ground.

It’s almost time to scout for early season insect pests in corn and soybeans. These pests can impact soybean crops above and below ground.

It’s almost time to scout for early season insect pests in corn and soybeans. These pests can impact corn crops above and below ground.

Slugs are becoming an increasingly challenging pest for Wisconsin farmers who use conservation cropping practices like no-till and cover crops. The increased adoption of these practices in recent years, along with milder winters and wetter springs projected for Wisconsin in the future, may increase the importance of slugs as pests of field crops.  

Soybean aphids (Aphis glycines) are an invasive pest that can significantly stunt plant growth and yield. Soybean aphids feed on the sap of plants and leave behind a sticky residue.

European corn borers (Ostrinia nubilalis) are destructive corn pests in Wisconsin. Larvae feed on corn leaves and in developing tassels, stalks, and ear tips. European corn borer damage reduces grain quality, increases grain loss, and leads to problems at harvest.

Corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) larvae feed on a variety of crops, mainly impacting sweet corn and hybrid dent seed corn. Larvae feed on the tips of corn ears, damaging kernels and contaminating the ears with frass.

Western bean cutworm (Striacosta albicosta) is an economic pest in dry bean and corn production. Despite its name, western bean cutworm (WBCW) does not naturally feed on field soybeans. Larvae feed on corn ears, leading to yield loss and reduced grain quality.