Initial corn rootworm hatch risks are predicted from far eastern Missouri east into southern/central Illinois and far western Indiana beginning as early as tomorrow and continuing into the weekend and beyond. Accumulated soil temperature heat units either have or are expected to reach initial hatch thresholds in enough locations in the risk area to warrant the hatch risk at this time. Of primary concern initially will be sandier-soil fields as these have the higher heat unit accumulations. Hatches are not expected to be widespread in the risk area especially given recent heavy rainfalls so better drained soils or those higher in elevation may see hatches first. Growers are encouraged to begin their annual scouting efforts later this week both in corn and soybeans especially in or near regions that have had rootworm problems in the past few years.