For those who have paid for their subscription, please skip to "General Situation" section. For those who do not wish to subscribe to the "Pest Management Newsletter," this will be the last one. I hope you have enjoyed reading the newsletter I have been sending. You can still send your subscription fee in. Currently, there is a $10 subscription fee to cover the cost of postage. If you are interested in receiving this newsletter during 2001, please send $10 to "Pest Management News," P.O. Box 658, Ballinger, Tx 76821, payable to "Pest Management News" by April 23, 2001.

The weather cannot decide what it wants to do. It's 85° F one day and 45° F for the high the next. Hopefully, this is the last cold spell for a while. Rust continues to be a major problem in many small grain fields and, to add to this problem, armyworms can now be found in varying numbers in most fields.

We missed a good opportunity for additional rainfall this week when the cold front came through on Tuesday. Hopefully, we won't miss the next opportunity. Most wheat fields could use additional soil moisture now and will certainly need more before the grain matures.

Rust has really exploded and has caused significant damage in many fields. Economically justifying the control of Rust in dryland wheat with a yield potential of 20-25 bushels/acre is difficult. Another concern with the present wheat crop is how late it is this year. Many acres of wheat have just started head exertion or just beginning to bloom. This delay in grain fill could coincide with the hotter temperatures that would further reduce the yield potential of this year's crop. I think if your yield potential is above 30 bushels and moisture conditions are favorable, it will probably be to your advantage to spray. If your yield potential is less than 30 bushels, you are probably trading dollars. If you're keeping wheat seed for planting next year, it would be to your advantage to spray it. Quality is going to be much better.

Armyworms-They have found their way to the Concho Valley. No, they are not Beet Armyworms, but fall armyworms and several other species. They can be found in varying numbers in most small grain fields. Damage to lower leaves of wheat plants is easily found in some fields. Fields should be monitored closely for increasing armyworm infestations. Fields that were planted early that have produced more abundant growth are more likely to be infested. Go to the greenest most actively growing area of the field and check first. If they are present, they will be there first.

Armyworm outbreaks are favored during cool, damp weather. In taller wheat, with rank thick growth, armyworms can cause excessive

damage below the crop canopy before they are detected. Early detection is important. Damage includes defoliation, beard and head clipping or consumption of the whole plant. Armyworms can start in grassy weeds on the edge of wheat fields. After armyworms consume the foliage on these weedy plants, they then move into the adjoining wheat field. The last two larval stages cause most of the damage. Fully developed larvae are about 1.5 inches in length and 4-5 larvae per square foot can cause excessive damage. These types of armyworms are effectively controlled using light to mid-rates of pyrethroid insecticide. Seven® or Lannate® is also labeled for armyworm control in wheat. A pyrethroid is probably the most cost effective insecticide to use.

Cutworms and Armyworms in Sorghum- Many sorghum fields are up to a stand and progressing nicely. Monitor seedling sorghum regularly for cutworm and/or armyworm damage. With the good growing conditions early, we've had a nice crop of weeds and with weeds come insects so watch closely.

The typical cutworm larva attacking sorghum is plump and curls into a "C" shape when disturbed. Larvae vary in color from grayish white to grayish black or brown depending on species. Larvae remain underground during the day and feeds at night.

Cutworms in sorghum cut plants off at, slightly below or above, the surface of the soil. Cultural controls for cutworms include plowing under or using herbicides to control vegetation in late summer or early fall, destroying weeds and thoroughly preparing the seedbed at least three to six weeks before planting. Cutworms are more severe in weedy fields.

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Determining the presence of cutworms in sorghum is based on visible damage to plants. Determine the number of severed or dead and dying plants per foot of row. Base your decision to apply insecticide on the degree to which an adequate stand is threatened. For cutworms and armyworms that feed on aboveground plant parts, significant losses occur when more than 30 percent of the leaf tissue has been eaten.

Insecticide sprayed as a broadcast treatment on the ground and plants usually protects against cutworms. Late afternoon applications are more effective.

April 13-30, 2001
Insect Scout applications are being accepted right now for the 2001 Pest Management Program
growing season. Must have a driver's license, car and car insurance. Needs to enjoy working outdoors. You may pick up an application at the Tom Green County Extension Office at 113 W. Beauregard in San Angelo or at the Entomologist Office, Third Floor, at the Runnels County Courthouse in Ballinger, Tx. For more information, please call 915-365-5212. EOE.

April 24, 2001
Pond Management Seminar
9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. (noon fish fry meal)
Ballinger City Park

The Runnels County Extension Service in cooperation with the Runnels Soil and Water
Conservation District will sponsor a Pond Management Seminar to be held on Tuesday, April 24. The seminar will be held at the Ballinger City Park beginning 9:00a.m. and concluding at 12:00 noon with a fish fry meal.

The program will begin with a presentation on "Aquatic Weeds" by Steve Nelle, NRCS Biologist. Dr. Allan McGinty, TAES Range Specialist, will discuss "Water Management" strategies to increase water capture in ponds and tanks. The last presentation will be "Stocking Farm Ponds and Tanks" by Harold Arms. Three hours of continuing education credits will be offered to pesticide applicators in attendance.

The Runnels Soil and Water Conservation District will also be taking fish orders during the program. Cost of the program will be $5.00 per person and interested persons should contact the Extension Office and 915-365-2219 or the NRCS Office at 915-365-3415 to RSVP by Friday, April 20.

Educational programs conducted by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, handicap or national origin. The information given herein is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Cooperative Extension Service is implied.