Bruce Potter
Lamberton, Minnesota
IPM Specialist University of Minnesota Extension. IPM of MN corn, soybeans & etc., professional scapegoat.
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Articles by Bruce Potter
Northern Virginia accounts for 88% of Spanberger's victory margin
Northern Virginia accounted for about 88% of Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger’s victory margin on Tuesday, according to preliminary election results analyzed by InsideNoVa. In the region’s four counties and five cities, Spanberger, the Democrat, won 72.3% of the total vote to just 27.4% for her Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. Across the rest of Virginia, the margin was much tighter, with Spanberger winning 51.2% to 48.7% for Earle-Sears.
Black Cutworm Moths Arrive in Minnesota
By Bruce Potter Black cutworm (BCW) moths arrived in Minnesota right on schedule this spring. The first moth was captured April 6 in McLeod County. Cooperative Black Cutworm Trapping Network results from 2012 to 2023 show the earliest migration arrival detected was March 30, 2021, and the latest was April 13 in 2018. Numerous cooperators traps reported captures from April 6 through April 19. The number of moths captured in most traps has been low to moderate.
Northern Virginians named to over half of committee chair positions in House of Delegates
This article was republished with permission from WTOP’s news partner InsideNoVa.com. Sign up for InsideNoVa.com’s free email subscription today. This article was written by WTOP’s news partner InsideNoVa.com and republished with permission. Sign up for InsideNoVa.com’s free email subscription today. Northern Virginia legislators will chair more than half the committees in the Virginia House of Delegates in the 2024 session, following the Democratic takeover of the chamber in November’s election.
Spatial and temporal dynamics of soybean gall midge (Resseliella maxima) parasitism by Synopeas maximum
Soybean gall midge, Resseliella maxima Gagné (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is a pest that impacts soybean yield in the Midwest United States. While biological control using parasitoids may be a promising approach for managing this pest, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of parasitism dynamics to ensure effective implementation. We investigated R. maxima parasitism using a combination of three methods: rearing of field-collected hosts, dissection, and molecular assays.
Management of Soybean Aphids and Twospotted Spider Mites in Soybean: Scouting, Thresholds, and Insecticide/Miticide Considerations
Farms.com Home › News By Robert Koch and Bruce Potter Scouting of soybean for soybean aphids (SBA) and twospotted spider mites (TSSM) should be underway. However, do not just assume you have significant infestations of either or both pests. This year, infestations of these pests are variable across the state, due to variable plant development and weather conditions. In addition, populations of both pests can rapidly change (increase or decrease). This is why scouting is particularly important.
Northern Corn Rootworm and Extended Diapause Problems Increase in Areas of Minnesota
Farms.com Home › News By Dr. Fei Yang and Bruce Potter A new old problem In southern Minnesota, western corn rootworm (WCR) tends to be the dominant species in continuous corn. Likely due to greater cold tolerance of overwintering eggs, the northern corn rootworm (NCR) increasingly becomes the dominant species as one moves north within the state.
Black cutworms pose risk in 2023
The spring of 2023 has been unusual in how long fields remained snow-covered, but throughout much of Minnesota growers have recently made rapid planting progress. I received my first picture of 2023 emerging corn yesterday. It was a good reminder that crops should be scouted as they emerge. kAmpD D?@H =67E E96 7:6=5D[ 2 ?6EH@C< @7 G@=F?E66CD 3682? >@?:E@C:?8 A96C@>@?6 EC2AD E@ EC24< E96 2CC:G2= @7 3=24< 4FEH@C> Wqr(X >@E9D >:8C2E:?8 :?E@ |:??6D@E2 7C@> E96 D@FE9]k^Am kAm|:??6D@E2 92D 366?
Black Cutworm Risk in 2023
By Bruce Potter The spring of 2023 has been unusual in how long fields remained snow-covered, but throughout much of Minnesota growers have recently made rapid planting progress. I received my first picture of 2023 emerging corn yesterday. It was a good reminder that crops should be scouted as they emerge. As snow left the fields, a network of volunteers began monitoring pheromone traps to track the arrival of black cutworm (BCW) moths migrating into Minnesota from the south. Fig. 1.
Minnesota: Soybean Aphids Present but Variable
Although aphid populations are increasing in some areas of western and southern Minnesota, many areas still have low populations. Even in those locations that have seen economic threshold soybean aphid populations, aphid populations vary among fields. Planting date, soybean growth stage, rainfall/soil moisture and soil fertility management practices all affect soybean aphids. Assume many of these aphid populations are resistant to pyrethroid insecticides (e.g. warrior, asana, bifenthrin).
Management of Soybean Aphids and Twospotted Spider Mites in Soybean: Scouting, Thresholds, and Insecticide/Miticide Considerations
Farms.com Home › News By Robert Koch and Bruce Potter Scouting of soybean for soybean aphids and twospotted spider mites should be underway. Some fields are approaching treatable (threshold) levels for soybean aphid. If drought conditions persist, spider mite outbreaks could occur in some areas. However, do not just assume you have significant infestations of either or both of these pests.
Minnesota: Soybean Gall Midge Field Day, Luverne, July 13
Soybean gall midge larvae and damage under soybean stem epidermis. Photo: University of Minnesota It is later than typical, but we finally detected the emergence of overwintering generation adults in SW MN on June 23. Apparently, our emergence cages missed the beginning of the emergence by a few days. While we did not notice any obvious symptoms, soybean stem dissections revealed some small white larvae. By June 27, we were starting to see a few 3rd instar larvae.
Pest Alert: True Armyworm
By Bruce Potter Scout any corn planted into a rye cover crop for armyworm now! The first true armyworm infestation in corn has been reported in south central Minnesota. These larvae survived the heat wave. Winter rye is a magnet for armyworm, but dense, lodged grasses, including cereals, may also be attacked. Mowing roadside or ditch hay may actually drive larvae into susceptible grass crops.
True armyworm causing issues in cover crops/corn
June 21, 2022, LAMBERTON, Minn. – Several reports of true armyworm infestations have come in from a fairly wide area in southern and into west central Minnesota. There are likely fields in other geographies that saw armyworm moth immigrations. Based on the descriptions of larval size and moth captures, this current round of infestations is likely related to moths arriving with a series of storms about three weeks ago. Subsequent winds from the south continue to bring armyworm moths into Minnesota.
Minnesota: Extension Soliciting Cooperators for 2022 Corn Rootworm Trapping Project
Adult western corn rootworm. 2021 saw root injury and lodging caused by the feeding of corn rootworm larvae in many Minnesota fields. The resulting rootworm beetle populations were also high. Western corn rootworm populations and root injury appeared to be larger in continuous corn, particularly in geographic areas where a large proportion of fields were planted to long-term continuous corn. Northern corn rootworms and extended diapause populations in rotated corn also increased.
Minnesota Corn: Time to Start Scouting for Cutworms
To this point in 2022, migratory flights of black cutworm moths into Minnesota have been relatively light. However, from April 29 to May 1, significant captures (eight or more moths/two nights) were detected in six counties. These captures followed weather systems and rainfall patterns through the SW part of Minnesota (Table 1). It is important to include cutworms in your scouting efforts as you are evaluating crop and weed emergence.
Blister beetles in alfalfa and when to worry
The drought conditions affecting some forage-producing areas of the country have seen an uptick in blister beetle activity. Blister beetles are rarely problematic in the Upper Midwest, but drought conditions increase the concern for blister beetle-infested alfalfa. If consumed in hay or haylage, blister beetles can cause health problems and death in horses, cattle, sheep and other livestock. Key points Blister beetles tend to be more problematic in dry, droughty conditions.
Reducing Bt Trait Acres in 2022 Minnesota Corn Production? Implications for European Corn Borer
By Bruce Potter and Ken Ostlie et.al The economics of corn production challenge many farmers to minimize production costs. Hybrid selection is one way to reduce costs. Planting corn hybrids without Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins for protection against European corn borer (ECB), corn rootworm, or both will reduce seed costs. However, if not careful, farmers could inadvertently reduce crop revenues if they select hybrids without considering yield potential or insect populations in their fields.
Implementing a Unified Communication Platform to Build Community Trust
Share this Page IT Trends Implementing a Unified Communication Platform to Build Community Trust New York district overhauls school-to-home communications efforts with a unified, data-rich communication platform to improve disconnected communications with families. By Bruce Potter 07/01/21 New York district overhauls school-to-home communications efforts with a unified, data-rich communication platform to improve disconnected communications with families.
Minnesota: Be on Lookout for Black Cutworms
Black cutworm larvae. Photo: J. Obermeyer, Perdue University Black cutworm (BCW) moth arrivals into Minnesota increased during the week of April 24 to 30. Southerly wind flows from April 26 to 28 brought moths to southern Minnesota and particularly to an area in SW and SC Minnesota. The area where moth captures were large enough to indicate the potential for damage from larvae (nine or more moths/2 nights) includes Nobles, Cottonwood, Watonwan, Martin, and neighboring counties.
Minnesota Extension Requests Volunteers to Participate in Insect Trapping Networks
Black Cutworm Moth For the past few years, Minnesota farm families and their checkoff investment have helped support insect trapping networks in Minnesota for several corn insect pests. We would like to continue and expand this network in 2021 and would appreciate your help. Black cutworm This insect cannot overwinter in Minnesota and the moths migrate into Minnesota each spring. The larvae attack several crops including corn and soybeans.
Minnesota: Reducing Bt-Trait Acres in 2021 Corn Production? Implications for European Corn Borer
European corn borer feeding damage. Photo: Ohio State University The recent economics of corn production have challenged many farmers to minimize production costs. Hybrid selection is one way to reduce costs. Planting corn hybrids without Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins for protection against European corn borer (ECB), corn rootworm, or both will reduce seed costs.
Reducing Bt-trait Acres in 2021 Minnesota Corn Production? Implications for European Corn Borer
By Bruce Potter and Ken Ostlie et.al The recent economics of corn production have challenged many farmers to minimize production costs. Hybrid selection is one way to reduce costs. Planting corn hybrids without Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins for protection against European corn borer (ECB), corn rootworm, or both will reduce seed costs.
The biggest myths of co-managed security event management
Maybe you already have a security information and event management (SIEM) service and you are looking for help managing it. Maybe you are thinking of buying a SIEM and concerned it might be too much to handle on your own. Or maybe you are using a managed security service provider (MSSP) and thinking of gaining more control of your data by working collaboratively in your SIEM rather than letting them do all the work.
Minnesota: Soybean Gall Midge - Late Season Scouting Tips - Video
Minnesota: Soybean Gall Midge – Late Season Scouting Tips – Video August 13, 2020 By Bruce Potter, University of Minnesota Extension IPM Specialist Soybean gall midge larva. Photo: Iowa State University With a large number of adults emerging at research sites in southwestern Minnesota this past week, now is a good time to find the soybean gall midge larvae. A short video has been updated to include late season scouting.
Will Two-spotted Spider Mites Throw a Curve Ball at the 2020 Minnesota Crop?
By Bruce Potter and Bob Koch et.al Two-spotted spider mites are taking advantage of the 2020 growing season’s hot weather. Mite infestations have been observed in soybean fields in Brown, Carver, Dakota, Le Sueur, McLeod, Lac Qui Parle, Redwood, Stearns and Yellow Medicine Counties. Several of these infestations have been economic. Twospotted spider mites adults and eggs. Spider mites are likely present in other areas as well, particularly where conditions have been dry.
Minnesota: Soybean Aphids - Scouting, Thresholds, Insecticide Selection
Soybean Aphid. Photo: Purdue University Entomology Extension Soybean aphids can be found in many fields, but we are aware of only one small field where infestations were large enough to require insecticide applications. However, we all know that this can change over a short period of time, because this pest’s potential for high reproductive rates. Therefore, you should be scouting your soybean fields for soybean aphids.
Foliar Fungicide Decisions For Corn and Soybeans
By Bruce Potter and Dean Malvick et.al As corn begins to tassel and soybeans near the R3 stage some may still be deciding whether a fungicide application to their fields will be helpful. Over the past several years we have been conducting a study on potential yield benefits from insurance application of fungicides. These studies were conducted from 2016-19 (soybean) and 2017-19 (corn) and located at University of Minnesota Research and Outreach Centers. Frogeye leaf spot on soybean. SWROC, 2018.
Pest alert: Scout for Armyworm and Soybean Gall Midge
By Bruce Potter Armyworm Economic threshold populations of true armyworm have been reported in Minnesota. Photos I received show a significant infestation in a sweet corn field that was planted into an oat cover. From the photos, the armyworms were above both corn and small grain thresholds. Adult moths are attracted to areas of dense grass vegetation to deposit eggs. These grasses can include live rye or wheat cover crops, lodged grains or grasses in field borders. Early instar true armyworm.
How to manage soybean gall midge
The first detection of adult soybean gall emergence for 2020 was June 10 in Cass County, Neb. Emergence is expected soon in Minnesota. Emergence of the adults of the overwintering generation will be tracked in infested states (Figure 1 below). Updates can be found at soybeangallmidge.org. Map: Justin McMechan, UNL Counties where the soybean gall midge has been observed. Biology and damage It is unlikely you will observe the tiny (2-3 mm) adults in the field.
Minnesota: Soybean Gall Midge - What You Should Know
Soybean gall midge larva. Photo: Iowa State University The first detection of adult soybean gall emergence for 2020 was June 10 in Cass County, Nebraska. We expect that emergence will soon begin in Minnesota. Emergence of the adults of the overwintering generation will be tracked in infested states, including Minnesota (Figure 1). Updates can be found here. Counties where the soybean gall midge has been observed. Map: Justin McMechan, UNL.
"Bunches" of Black Cutworm Moths Finally Arrive in Minnesota: Start Scheduling Scouting
By Bruce Potter Once again this spring, cooperators across Minnesota have been checking pheromone traps for black cutworm (BCW) moths migrating into the state from overwintering areas in the south. Last week, their traps have picked up more immigrating black cutworm moths; particularly in the western part of the state where two traps had significant captures (Figure 1). The southerly system on May 4-6 provided the largest number of moths.
Minnesota: Black Cutworms Arrive, Start Scheduling Scouting
Black cutworm larva. Photo: Michigan State University Once again this spring, cooperators across Minnesota have been checking pheromone traps for black cutworm (BCW) moths migrating into the state from overwintering areas in the south. Last week, their traps have picked up more immigrating black cutworm moths; particularly in the western part of the state where two traps had significant captures. The southerly system on May 4-6 provided the largest number of moths.
Minnesota Corn: European Corn Borer - Implications of Reducing Bt Acres
European corn borer - tip feeding. Photo: Ohio State University Extension The economics of 2019-2020 corn production has challenged many farmers to minimize production costs. Hybrid selection is one way to reduce costs. Planting corn hybrids without Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins for protection against European corn borer (ECB), corn rootworm, or both will reduce seed costs.
Two Additional Effective Insecticides Now Available for Use Against Soybean Aphid
By Robert Koch and Bruce Potter Soybean aphids can now be found in some soybean fields, particularly in fields where soybeans were planted early. Generally, both the percent of plants infested and the average number of aphids per plant remain low. It is too early to know what will come of these soybean aphid infestations for 2019. However, if fields reach treatable levels this year, there are now two additional insecticides available for soybean aphid management.
Minnesota: Soybean Aphids - 2 New Insecticides Available
Soybean Aphid. Photo: Purdue University Entomology Extension Soybean aphids can now be found in some soybean fields, particularly in fields where soybeans were planted early. Generally, both the percent of plants infested and the average number of aphids per plant remain low. It is too early to know what will come of these soybean aphid infestations for 2019. However, if fields reach treatable levels this year, there are now two additional insecticides available for soybean aphid management.
Minnesota: 2 Soybean Gall Midge Scouting Clinics, July 11
Soybean gall midge larvae and damage under soybean stem epidermis. Photo: University of Minnesota The soybean gall midge is new soybean insect pest in Minnesota. At this time, it has been identified in relatively few Minnesota fields but the potential for damage to Minnesota soybeans is significant. The early season damage caused by this insect is easy to miss but it is also easy to identify once you have seen it.
Soybean gall midge make it through a Minnesota winter
By Bruce Potter and Bob Koch As part of a multi-state project funded by the soybean checkoff, three adult soybean gall midges were captured between June 17 and June 20 in emergence cages placed in a field in Rock County, MN. Another adult was captured in that field between June 20 and June 24. This was one of three Rock Co. fields, infested with soybean gall midge during 2018, where we are currently tracking emergence of this pest.
Minnesota: Soybean Gall Midge Make It Through Winter
Soybean gall midge larvae and damage under soybean stem epidermis. Photo: University of Minnesota As part of a multi-state project funded by the soybean checkoff, three adult soybean gall midges were captured between June 17 and June 20 in emergence cages placed in a field in Rock County, MN. Another adult was captured in that field between June 20 and June 24.
What to know about soybean gall midge
By Bruce Potter, IPM specialist and Bob Koch, Extension entomologist Recently described as a new species, the soybean gall midge, Resseliella maxima (Gagné), is the first member of the genus Resseliella reported from soybean. It is a member of the rather large and diverse family of flies, the gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). The larvae of many gall midges feed on galls formed in plant tissues. However, some species do not form galls.
Pest alert: Black Cutworm
By Bruce Potter This has been an active spring for black cutworm (BCW) flights into MN. Pheromone trap captures indicating that moth flights are large enough to pose risk to crops have occurred through the past few weeks and are continuing. The southern tiers of counties have seen the most activity but traps located in more northern areas have seen issues as well. The NWS precipitation forecast shows conditions likely favorable for more insect migration from the south.
The race is on between corn and black cutworm development
The colorful map (Figure 1) shows some impressive captures by Minnesota standards. Larger, single night reports came from Olmstead (14 moths), Steele (11 moths) and Meeker (10 moths) Counties. Several other counties had significant 2-night capture totals of eight or more moths over a 2-night period (other red counties). Remember that negative captures in a county do not mean there are no black cutworm moths.
Minnesota Corn: Black Cutworms Moving In
Black cutworm larva. Photo: Michigan State University Migrating black cutworm moths found their way into southern MN this past week (April 20-26). In many cases, the number of moths captured indicate increased risk of black cutworm damage to susceptible crops planted into fields attractive to egg-laying moths. The colorful map (Figure 1) shows some impressive captures by Minnesota standards. Larger, single night reports came from Olmstead (14 moths), Steele (11 moths) and Meeker (10 moths) Counties.
Black Cutworm Migration and Risk in 2019
By Bruce Potter The black cutworm can be a significant pest of corn, sugarbeets and other crops. Because they cannot survive our Minnesota winters, the risk of economic crop loss depends on how many moths arrive and when they arrive with respect to crop development. In some areas of Minnesota, planned fall tillage that did not happen and the later start to 2019 spring fieldwork both increase the proportion of fields that are attractive egg-laying sites for early-arriving migrant moths.
Minnesota: 8 Steps for Safe Handling of Treated Seed
Treated seed should be cleaned up or covered with soil to prevent exposure to birds and other wildlife. Photo: Liz Stahl, University of Minnesota A significant amount of seed planted this year will have been treated with one or more fungicide, insecticide, nematicide, or biological seed treatments. The following are some key precautions and reminders to follow when working with treated seed to help prevent pesticide exposure to handlers, non-target organisms, and the environment. 1.
Minnesota Corn: Reducing Bt Trait Acres in 2019? Implications for European Corn Borer
European corn borer larva and damage. Photo: Bruce Potter Editor’s Note: For accompanying charts and figures see original article at the Source URL below. The economics of 2018 corn production challenged many farmers to minimize losses per acre. One area some farmers have targeted for reducing costs is hybrid selection. Planting corn hybrids without Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins for protection against European corn borer (ECB), corn rootworm, or both will greatly reduce seed costs.
Farmers, states work diligently to control Palmer amaranth
Palmer amaranth, a noxious weed that’s prevalent in the Southwest, was spotted in two new places in South Dakota this year, and producers are being encouraged to check their seed tags, especially if they come from anywhere south of the state.Since it was first found in South Dakota in 2014, Palmer amaranth has stayed mostly in the central part of the state. The state’s first infestation was discovered in Buffalo County and has since been found in spot areas in Brule, Hughes and Sully counties.
Soybean/Orange Gall Midge: A New Insect Aassociated with MN Soybeans
A new potential pest, the soybean (or orange) gall midge, is causing injury to soybean in parts of the Midwest. Reports of this insect from Minnesota soybean are summarized here. Please inform us if you are aware of any additional infestations in Minnesota soybean fields. Earlier this month, we received samples from a Rock County soybean field where stems were infested with small, pale to bright orange gall midge (Diptera:Cecidomyiidae) larvae (Figure 1).
Minnesota: Soybean Gall Midge - A New Pest to Worry About
Soybean gall midge larvae and damage under soybean stem epidermis. Photo: University of Minnesota A new potential pest, the soybean (or orange) gall midge, is causing injury to soybean in parts of the Midwest. Reports of this insect from Minnesota soybean are summarized here. Please inform us if you are aware of any additional infestations in Minnesota soybean fields.
Minnesota: Soybean Aphids - Scouting and Managing Insecticide Resistance
Scouting for soybean aphids in Minnesota soybean fields should be underway. While aphid populations are low in most fields, we have received reports of increasing soybean aphid numbers. In parts of central Minnesota, some of these fields are nearing threshold levels and will likely require insecticide treatment soon to protect yield. Early-planted soybean in areas with moderate rainfall this year might see significant aphid populations first.
Evaluating Responses of Soybean to Foliar Fungicides in Minnesota
Why worry about the disease control benefits of fungicides? Soybean growers and their advisors are faced with a bewildering array of information, from many sources, about products and practices that might increase yield and profits. Management of soybean diseases is no exception. Foliar fungicides are valuable soybean disease management tools. However, when applied in the absence of controllable, yield-limiting plant disease, they are typically not a profitable input.
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