Insect Alert For

Corn Earworm

Risk Level:
Low Risk
Affected Area:
Full page
Alert Details

A cold front will be pushing southeast through the corn-growing region in the next 2-3 days. Ahead of, or southeast, of the front, south to southwest winds and rather warm to hot conditions will be present. Scattered precipitation areas are anticipated along and ahead of the front, as well, and may serve as insect drop zones for any migrating insects from mid-south and southern Midwest source regions. Given the overall setup, crop stage, and source region moth activity, Low and Moderate corn earworm migration risks are in the forecast until this front clears the southeastern corn-growing region early next week. Low risks are in place tonight from the Plains into the southwest Great Lakes region, or from Kansas and Nebraska into southwest lower Michigan and Indiana and as far north as Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well. The greatest opportunity for migration comes tomorrow night into Sunday morning across the Mississippi River valley when a Moderate risk is predicted. The Moderate risk extends from far northeast Kansas into northern Missouri, eastern half of Iowa, far southeast Minnesota, southern Wisconsin, southwest lower Michigan, northern and central Indiana, and central and northern Illinois. Low risks extend east into southern Ontario, Canada and into Ohio. A Low risk continues across the Great Lakes and eastern corn-growing region Sunday night into Monday, but the risk has been reduced as a quicker frontal movement is now anticipated and winds may be more from the west in this region which would further reduce the migration risk. Growers located especially in or near the Moderate risk area should monitor traps closely over the next several days and be prepared to take any necessary action, especially with fresh-market fields at/near harvest or any field corn that is at a susceptible stage to damage right now.