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Articles by Andy Michel
Watch for insects in summer crops
By Andy Michel and Kelley Tilmon, Ohio State Extension entomologists Almost every field season has its particular insect problems and surprising‘ gotcha’ moments, but there is a seasonality to our common insect pests in agriculture. This article outlines a few of the things to look out for in the remaining months of summer. We will continue to monitor Ohio insect problems and provide more in-depth updates as needed.
August’s Stealthiest Insect Pest: Stink Bugs in Soybean
Crops, Ohio Field Leader, Top Headlines, Uncategorized By Dr. Kelley Tilmon and Andy Michel, OSU Extension Entomology, Adapted from C.O.R.N. 2023-25 Why are stink bugs the stealthiest insect pest near the end of summer? It’s because their method of feeding is so subtle. You won’t see damaged leaves or sickly-looking plants with stink bugs. They have straw-like mouthparts which they poke through the pod directly into the developing seed.
Maggots in corn generating questions
Crops, Top Headlines By Kelley Tilmon and Andy Michel, Ohio State University Extension entomologists We have received a few calls asking about small, slender, almost translucent maggots recently found in abundance on corn leaves and anthers. These are a curiosity but they are harmless to plants or people. These maggots are the larvae of hover flies (also called syrphids), a type of fly often found in agricultural and horticultural habitats.
August’s Stealthiest Insect Pest: Stink Bugs in Soybean
By Kelley Tilmon and Andy Michel Why are stink bugs the stealthiest insect pest near the end of summer? It’s because their method of feeding is so subtle. You won’t see damaged leaves or sickly-looking plants with stink bugs. They have straw-like mouthparts which they poke through the pod directly into the developing seed. If this happens early enough in seed development the seed will simply abort. If it happens later, the seed will be shriveled and shrunken.
Remember the Soybean Aphid?
Home/Crops/Remember the Soybean Aphid? Crops, Ohio Field Leader, Top Headlines By Dr. Kelley Tilmon and Dr. Andy Michel, OSU Extension Entomology, Adapted from C.O.R.N. 2023-23 You know how at the end of the horror movie there’s always some hint that the monster may come back? We don’t know if this year will be “Soybean Aphid 11: The Return,” but there are some hints that you might want to pay attention to your beans and keep an eye out for this pest.
Scouting for soybean aphid
By Kelley Tilmon and Andy Michel,OSU Extension, Field Crop Entomologists Edited by Mark Badertscher, OSU Extension, Hardin County. HARDIN COUNTY–You know how at the end of the horror movie there’s always some hint that the monster may come back? We don’t know if this year will be “Soybean Aphid 11: The Return,” but there are some hints that you might want to pay attention to your beans and keep an eye out for this pest.
Defoliation in soybean and corn, and Japanese Beetle Watch
By Kelley Tilmon and Andy Michel, OSU Extension Entomology, Adapted from C.O.R.N. 2023-22 We have been receiving reports of higher-than-typical Japanese beetle activity in horticultural settings (e.g., ornamentals, home gardens) and this may be a warning sign to watch for them in field crops too. Also, there are many weedy fields because of the difficulties with planting and weed management this season.
Watch for dry weather pests
By Kelley Tilmon and Andy Michel, Ohio State University Extension While nobody knows what the future holds regarding weather, recent dry conditions have made people think about the potential for drought this summer.
On the Watchlist: Seedcorn maggot and alfalfa weevil
There are two insect pests in particular to be wary of at the moment: Seedcorn maggot (in corn and soybean) and alfalfa weevil. Seedcorn maggot is most likely to be a problem in fields where cover crops or other green vegetation has been disked in, or manure applied, a handful of days previous to planting. The nice rotty smell attracts the adult flies to lay eggs in the soil, which hatch into the maggots that can feed on seeds and seedlings of corn and soybean.
Time to start scouting for alfalfa weevil
By Aaron Wilson, Kelley Tilmon, Mark Sulc, Andy Michel, Ohio State University Extension Even though some parts of Ohio have had a slow, cold spring, it’s still time to start thinking about alfalfa weevil scouting. Overwintered adults begin laying eggs when temperatures exceed 48 degrees F. Peak larval activity and feeding damage occur between 325 and 575 heat units (based on accumulation of heat units from January 1 with a base of 48 degrees F).
Late-planted soybeans can be magnet for pests
At the end of the growing season, when many soybean fields are shutting down, those still green can be a magnet for certain insect pests as they leave the mature fields. Double-crop soybeans and late-planted beans that are running behind and are still fresh can be attractive for stinkbugs, bean leaf beetles and sometimes grasshoppers when they leave yellowing fields for greener pastures.
Late soybeans can attract more pests
Home/Crops/Late soybeans can attract more pests Crops, Ohio Field Leader, Top Headlines By Kelley Tilmon and Andy Michel, Ohio State University Extension At the end of the growing season, when many soybean fields are shutting down, those which are still green can be a magnet for certain insect pests as they leave the mature fields.
Late-Season Soybeans Can Be Pest Magnets
By Kelley Tilmon and Andy Michel At the end of the growing season, when many soybean fields are shutting down, those which are still green can be a magnet for certain insect pests as they leave the mature fields. Double-crop soybeans and late planted beans that are running behind and are still fresh can be attractive for stink bugs, bean leaf beetles, and sometimes grasshoppers when they leave yellowing fields for greener pastures.
Soybean defoliation
Home/Crops/Soybean defoliation Crops, Ohio Field Leader, Top Headlines By Kelley Tillmon and Andy Michel, Adapted from C.O.R.N. 2022-24 Starting in July and through August, a number of different insect species (such as beetles and various caterpillars) can feed on corn and soybean leaves. Foliage feeding in corn is almost never economic, though economic damage from silk clipping by beetles is possible (though rare).
Defoliation in Soybean and Corn
By Kelley Tilmon and Andy Michel Starting in July and through August, a number of different insect species (such as beetles and various caterpillars) can feed on corn and soybean leaves. Foliage feeding in corn is almost never economic, though economic damage from silk clipping by beetles is possible (though rare).
Ohio Soybeans: To Spray or Not to Spray - Foliar Products at R3
When should I spray a foliar fungicide? First, consider the disease triangle. For a disease to develop, there must be: 1) a susceptible host (Is your soybean variety resistant or susceptible?), 2) a virulent pathogen (Is there a history of a certain disease in your field? Do you see any visual symptoms of disease?), and 3) conducive environmental conditions. Most foliar diseases, such as brown leaf spot and frogeye leaf spot, are favored by wet conditions.
To spray or not to spray?
By Laura Lindsey, Andy Michel, Horacio Lopez-Nicora, Ohio State University Extension For foliar fungicide, first consider the disease triangle. For a disease to develop, there must be: 1) a susceptible host (Is your soybean variety resistant or susceptible?), 2) a virulent pathogen (Is there a history of a certain disease in your field? Do you see any visual symptoms of disease?), and 3) conducive environmental conditions.
Ohio Corn, Soybeans: Summer Crop Insects - What to Watch For
Almost every field season has its particular insect problems and surprising‘ gotcha’ moments (we’re looking at you, fall armyworm). But there is a seasonality to our common insect pests in agriculture, and this article outlines a few of the things to look out for in the remaining months of summer. We will continue to monitor Ohio insect problems and provide more in-depth updates as needed.
Summer Crop Insects - What to Watch For
By Andy Michel and Kelley Tilmon Almost every field season has its particular insect problems and surprising‘ gotcha’ moments (we’re looking at you, fall armyworm). But there is a seasonality to our common insect pests in agriculture, and this article outlines a few of the things to look out for in the remaining months of summer. We will continue to monitor Ohio insect problems and provide more in-depth updates as needed.
Scout fields now for slugs
Cool, wet conditions have been the perfect weather to favor slug populations. Slugs are able to eat many types of plants, and even in fields that haven’t been sown yet slugs can successfully feed on weeds. Ohio State University Related: New modes of action sought for fighting weeds Late planting may cause more slug headaches than usual – as slugs get geared up, the small size of both soybean and corn will lead to a greater damage potential from them.
Ohio Corn, Soybeans: Watch for Slug Damage on Seedling Plants
Cool, wet conditions have been the perfect weather to favor slug populations. Slugs are able to eat many types of plants, and even in fields that haven’t been sown yet slugs can successfully feed on weeds. Late planting may cause more slug headaches than usual – as slugs get geared up, the small size of both soybean and corn will lead to a greater damage potential from them. So particular attention should be paid to late-planted corn and soybeans. Slugs can also damage un-germinated seed.
Two Causes of Brown Pods and Green Stems on Soybeans
By Laura Lindsey, Kelley Tilmon, Andy Michel Green stems on mature soybean plants may be the result of a source/sink problem. If there are a limited number of pods (sink), there are fewer places for the plant’s photosynthates (source) to go. From previously conducted work by Dr. Jim Beuerlein, when soybean pods were removed from a plant node when they first formed and started to expand, the leaf at that node stayed green after the rest of the plant matured.
More green stem syndrome in soybeans
October 6, 2021 Crops, Ohio Field Leader, Top Headlines By Laura Lindsey, Kelley Tilmon, and Andy Michel, Adapted from C.O.R.N. 2021-34 Green stems on mature soybean plants may be the result of a source/sink problem. If there are a limited number of pods (sink), there are fewer places for the plant’s photosynthates (source) to go.
Ohio: Soybean Aphids Might Be in Your Fields
Soybean aphid. Photo: Bradley Fritz, North Carolina State University Soybean aphids have always been around Ohio, but it has been a while since we have had many fields with high populations. Based on recent scouting, we have noticed increasing populations of soybean aphids. As we go into the critical growth stage of soybean, this is also the most important time to check your fields for soybean aphids and see if you have exceeded the threshold of an increasing population of 250 aphids per plant.
Soybean aphid populations rising around Ohio
Soybean aphids August 20, 2021 Crops, Ohio Field Leader, Top Headlines By Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon, Ohio State University Extension Soybean aphids have always been around Ohio, but it has been a while since we have had many fields with high populations. Based on recent scouting, we have noticed increasing populations of soybean aphids.
Leafhopper issues in alfalfa
August 11, 2021 Crops, Top Headlines By Andy Michel, Mark Sulc, Curtis Young, CCA, Kelley Tilmon, Ohio State University Extension Potato leafhopper (PLH) adults arrived in Ohio during the last week of June and first week of July. Since then, the eggs have hatched and we are now seeing late stage nymphs and adults infesting alfalfa fields. A few fields are showing the typical “hopperburn”, which is a triangular yellowing from the center of the leaf to the leaf margin.
Corn Rootworms and Fireflies
By Andy Michel and Kelley Tilmon et.al Most of us remember a connection between fireflies and corn rootworm hatch. This connection may not be absolute and could have changed since we’re now using different production practices than in the past. Nymph Corn Rootworm We also know a lot more about corn rootworm biology. In Ohio, western corn rootworms are by far the most common (although you may see some northern corn rootworms).
Are Stink Bugs in Your Soybean?
By Andy Michel As soybean begin to produce pods and seeds, it becomes a good food source for stink bugs. These insects like to feed on the developing seed, leading to wrinkled or shriveled seed. There are many types of stink bugs, but Ohio’s most common stink bugs include the green, the brown and the brown marmorated. Also, stink bugs have nymphal stages that can look very different than the adults—nymphs are smaller and lack wings but feed all the same, if not more, than the adults.
Are stink bugs in your soybean fields?
Ian Grettenberger, Penn State University As soybeans begin to produce pods and seeds, it becomes a good food source for stink bugs. Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon, Ohio State University | Aug 18, 2020 Stink bugs like to feed on the developing soybean seed, leading to wrinkled or shriveled seed. There are many types of stink bugs, but Ohio’s most common stink bugs include the green, the brown and the brown marmorated.
It is time to scout for insects
July 24, 2020 Crops, Top Headlines By Kelley Tilmon, Andy Michel, Ohio State University Extension As the summer progresses we are receiving reports of insect problems often encouraged by hot, dry weather. Last week we reported on spider mites and especially if you are in an area of continued dry weather we recommend scouting your soybeans and corn. For more visit https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-22/watch-spider-mites-dry-areas.
Watch for Spider Mites in Dry Areas
By Andy Michel and Kelley Tilmon Hot, dry weather encourages certain pests in field crops, in particular spider mites in soybean and occasionally corn. Spider mites are a sporadic problem that most often occurs in August, but infestations in July are possible with sustained periods of hot, dry weather like some parts of Ohio are experiencing.
Ohio Corn, Soybeans: Abundance of Leafhoppers, Grasshoppers, Beetles
As the summer progresses we are receiving reports of insect problems often encouraged by hot, dry weather. Last week we reported on spider mites and especially if you are in an area of continued dry weather we recommend scouting your soybeans and corn here. Some areas are also reporting increases in young grasshoppers in soybeans, another insect favored by dry weather. Grasshoppers of often start on field edges so early scouting may allow for an edge treatment.
Armyworms may still be at work in fields
True Armyworms. Photo by OSU Extension. June 22, 2020 Crops, Top Headlines By Andy Michel, Curtis Young, CCA, Kelley Tilmon, Ohio State University Extension We received many reports of true armyworm infestations in wheat, barley, and corn. These are black or green caterpillars with stripes along the side and orange heads. In the spring, true armyworm moths migrate from the south and lay eggs in grasses such as forage and weed grasses, winter wheat and barley, and rye cover crops.
Report of true armyworm infestations
We received many reports of true armyworm infestations in wheat, barley, and corn. These are black or green caterpillars with stripes along the side and orange heads. In the spring, true armyworm moths migrate from the south and lay eggs in grasses such as forage and weed grasses, winter wheat and barley, and rye cover crops. When the eggs hatch, the larvae can significantly damage wheat and barley before then moving to young corn.
Ohio: Reports of True Armyworm Infestations
We received many reports of true armyworm infestations in wheat, barley, and corn. These are black or green caterpillars with stripes along the side and orange heads. In the spring, true armyworm moths migrate from the south and lay eggs in grasses such as forage and weed grasses, winter wheat and barley, and rye cover crops. When the eggs hatch, the larvae can significantly damage wheat and barley before then moving to young corn.
Overwintering of pathogens and insects: What do winter temperatures tell us about next season?
Home / Crops / Overwintering of pathogens and insects: What do winter temperatures tell us about next season? February 12, 2020 Crops, Top Headlines By Anne Dorrance, Kelley Tilmon, Andy Michel, Ohio State University Extension Over the years we have developed databases of winter temperatures followed by scouting to indicate starting pathogen populations for Ohio.
What’s in my corn? Insect management traits in corn hybrids
January 2, 2020 Crops, Top Headlines By Kelley Tilmon, Andy Michel, Ohio State University Extension Corn hybrid selection is about more than maturity and agronomic properties. Many corn hybrids also come with a package of Bt traits for the management of various insects below-ground (for example corn rootworm) and above-ground (for example, corn borer) pests. These traits can add substantially to the cost of the seed so it’s worth evaluating which ones you really need.
Where’s the bean? Missing seed in soybean pods
Pictured left is damage that was found by Seed Consultant’s seedsmen in a central Ohio field, November 14, 2019 Crops, Top Headlines By Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon, Ohio State University Extension As soybean harvest progresses, a few growers are noticing poor yields in otherwise nice-looking plants and pods. While a visual inspection might lead to high estimations of seed quality, the inside may contain shrunken, shriveled or, even worse, missing seed.
Where’s the Bean? Missing Seed in Soybean Pods
By Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon As soybean harvest progresses, a few growers are noticing poor yields in otherwise nice-looking plants and pods. While a visual inspection might lead to high estimations of seed quality, the inside may contain shrunken, shriveled or, even worse, missing seed. Stink bugs can often cause this type of injury to soybean seed. They have piercing sucking mouthparts that poke through the pod wall, and then feed directly on the seed.
What Causes Missing Seed in Soybean Pods?
By Andy Michel, Professor, and Kelley Tilmon, Field Crop Entomologist As soybean harvest progresses, a few growers are noticing poor yields in otherwise nice-looking plants and pods. While a visual inspection might lead to high estimations of seed quality, the inside may contain shrunken, shriveled or, even worse, missing seed. Stink bugs can often cause this type of injury to soybean seed. They have piercing sucking mouthparts that poke through the pod wall, and then feed directly on the seed.
Ohio Wheat: 3 Planting Considerations for 2019
Wheat planter. Photo: Martin Nagelkirk, Michigan State University With the autumn rapidly approaching, wheat planting is likely to begin soon. Planting after the Hessian fly free date remains the best chance to avoid issues with insects and diseases, as well as helping ensure good agronomic quality. Some benefits of the fly free date: 1. Hessian Fly Adults of the Hessian fly lay eggs in emerging wheat. These eggs then hatch into small larvae that feed before spending the winter as a flaxseed.
Ohio Corn: Watch for Earworms, Molds
Corn earworms vary in color and focus their feeding at the tip of the ear. Photo: Ohio State University There have been recent reports of high corn earworm populations in certain grain corn fields. Corn earworm is a pest with many hosts including corn, tomatoes and certain legumes. In Ohio it is typically considered a pest of sweet corn rather than field corn, but this past week substantial populations have been found in certain field corn sites.
What Non-Uniform Crop Stages Means for Stink Bug Management in Soybean
By Kelley Tilmon, Andy Michel With all the planting difficulties in 2019 there are soybeans in a much greater variety of growth stages than usual this summer. What does this mean for stink bug management? First, it means that different fields will be in the danger zone at different times. Stink bugs feed on developing pods and seeds, with the potential for damage beginning in R3 and R4-R5 being prime damage time, with damage potential still lingering in early R6.
Stink bug management in non-uniform crop stages
Brown marmorated stink bug. July 24, 2019 Crops, Top Headlines By Kelley Tilmon and Andy Michel, Ohio State University Extension With all the planting difficulties in 2019 there are soybeans in a much greater variety of growth stages than usual this summer. What does this mean for stink bug management? First, it means that different fields will be in the danger zone at different times.
Ohio Soybeans: Stink Bug Management with Non-Uniform Fields
With all the planting difficulties in 2019 there are soybeans in a much greater variety of growth stages than usual this summer. What does this mean for stink bug management? First, it means that different fields will be in the danger zone at different times. Stink bugs feed on developing pods and seeds, with the potential for damage beginning in R3 and R4-R5 being prime damage time, with damage potential still lingering in early R6.
Insecticidal seed treatments in late-planted crops
June 11, 2019 Crops, Top Headlines By Kelley Tilmon and Andy Michel, Ohio State University Extension Many producers are planting late this year due to continued wet weather and may be wondering how insecticidal seed treatments should factor into their planting decisions. While individual situations vary, here are some rules of thumb to consider. The most commonly available class of insecticidal seed treatments are neonicotinoids such as thiamethoxam, clothianidin, and imidacloprid.
Insecticidal Seed Treatments in Late-Planted Crops
By Kelley Tilmon and Andy Michel Many producers are planting late this year due to continued wet weather and may be wondering how insecticidal seed treatments should factor into their planting decisions. While individual situations vary, here are some rules of thumb to consider. The most commonly available class of insecticidal seed treatments are neonicotinoids such as thiamethoxam, clothianidin, and imidacloprid.
Watch for slug damage on seedling plants (When there are plants to watch)
Home / Crops / Watch for slug damage on seedling plants (When there are plants to watch) Slug damage. Photo by OSU Extension. May 29, 2019 Crops, Top Headlines By Kelley Tilmon and Andy Michel, Ohio State University Extension Cool, wet conditions have been the perfect weather to favor slug populations. Slugs are able to eat many types of plants, and even in fields that haven’t been sown yet slugs can successfully feed on weeds.
Alfalfa Weevil | Farms.com
By Kelley Tilmon and Andy Michel Cool weather has slowed everything down including insect growth and development, and we could see problems with alfalfa weevil later than typical this year. Alfalfa fields should be scouted weekly for weevils until at least the first harvest. Followup scouting may be needed after harvest in heavily infested fields. Spot problem fields early by checking alfalfa tips for feeding damage – small holes and a tattered appearance.
AFBF Foundation’s Feeding Minds Press publishes first book
February 6, 2019 Country Life, Top Headlines Feeding Minds Press announces the publication of its first book, “Right This Very Minute: A Table-to-Farm Book About Food and Farming” by award-winning author Lisl H. Detlefsen. The book, stunningly illustrated by Renée Kurilla, explains to children how every minute of every day, someone, somewhere, is working to bring food to their table. “Right This Very Minute” is geared toward children in kindergarten through third grade.
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