Insect Alert For

Black Cutworm

Risk Level:
Low
Affected Area:
Full page
Alert Details

Low black cutworm migration risks will remain in the forecast on a nightly basis through the early-middle portion of next week as a persistent southerly wind flow pattern is expected through the period. Much of the corn-growing region will be affected by the risk at some point, with locations west of Lake Michigan essentially included in the risk every night (especially south of I-90). Low risks are predicted mainly west of the I-69/65 corridor from southern lower Michigan into Indiana tonight into tomorrow, and then west of Lake Michigan and the I-57 corridor in eastern Illinois tomorrow night through Monday. As a new low pressure system organizes in the Plains and a cold front begins to move southeast by mid-week, the risk will eventually shift east into just the southern Great Lakes and eastern corn-growing region by next Tuesday into Wednesday. At this point, just Low risks are predicted given planting progress, time of year, and expected crop stage based on when new larvae from current flights may appear. An upgrade to the risk may be considered early next week especially in eastern areas that are lagging in planting progress compared to locations further west if conditions and timing continue to look favorable at that point.