Black Cutworm
Black cutworm migration risks are on the increase by late this week and into the weekend as no less than two low pressure systems are predicted to impact the corn-growing region by that time. With high pressure remaining in place across the east coast, a favorable setup for rather gusty southerly winds is likely into at least a portion of the corn-growing region to the east of these low pressure systems. Low migration risks are in the forecast tomorrow night into Friday mainly west of Lake Michigan from the eastern Plains states into Illinois and Wisconsin. By Friday night into Saturday, and also Saturday night into Sunday, forecast confidence has increased enough now to issue a Moderate migration risk especially for eastern Missouri, eastern Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, lower Michigan, and a good portion of Ohio for both nights as the low pressure systems are expected to take a similar path. Additional risks are possible Sunday night into Monday as the cold front moves southeast. Growers should be advised that additional new moth flights are possible this weekend, especially in the eastern two-thirds or so of the corn-growing region, and trapping efforts should continue as should heat unit accumulation efforts from any previous significant flights earlier this month.