Look Out NY!

barkeater · June 19, 2012

US: New York bracing itself for armyworm infestation

Farmers in Northern and Western counties of New York State are being warned over a possible infestation of armyworms. The insects are expected next month and it is thought they could cause significant damage to crops. Though cereal crops are usually the worst affected the caterpillars also attack various vegetables, fruits, legumes, including beans, cabbage, cucumbers, lettuce, onions and peas.

State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel Aubertine said the Department of Agriculture and Markets has received numerous reports from farmers and the New York State Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program have verified that true armyworms have severely impacted parts of New York State, especially in western New York counties. Additional reports have established the presence of armyworms in northern New York, the Finger Lakes and Eastern New York.

The last serious infestation was in 2008 and, before that, 2001, however the first generation of this year's infestation suggests that it will surpass both of those.

The unusual Spring weather, which has already caused so much difficulty to farmers, is being blamed for the infestation.

Source: northcountrynow.com

Publication date: 6/19/2012

**carolyn137** · June 19, 2012

Sheesh Bark, I mean thanks for sharing that and the info you gave, and if so weather related is obviouly going to be relevant to other areas where there were similar lousy Springs like we had here in NYS.

What next?

I'm looking out at my tomatoes, they need water, I can't do that myself anymore, there's a tad of rain headed this way according to the radar but it seems to be fizzling out, and then there are the several plants out there that were eaten by the woodchuck family and , well, heat wave coming, , OK, enough is enough.

dpurdy · June 19, 2012

I received this email from Cornell this morning and might be of some interest to New York State growers.

Armyworm Invasion!
-Jennifer Grant, NYS IPM with contributions from Keith Waldron and Dave Shetlar
http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/pest_alert/armyworms.asp

What’s happening?
True armyworm (aka Common armyworm) larvae are being found across New York State. They do not overwinter in NY, but fly north from states to our south in the spring. Armyworm moth migrations are somewhat sporadic, cyclic from year to year, and difficult to predict. Our last notable infestations in NY occurred in 2001 and 2008. True armyworms are primarily a pest of plants in the grass family: forage / pasture /grasses & lawns, small grains and corn.

True armyworm larvae appear smooth, cylindrical, pale green to brownish when they are still small. Mature larvae are smooth and marked with two orange, white-bordered strips on each side. Larvae range in size from 1/8 inch to 1 1/2 inches long.

It seems that the adult moths blew into western NY on some storm systems in late May, and perhaps a week or two later in the North Country and Hudson Valley. From my observations, moths appear to have laid their eggs preferentially in wheat and pasture, and are now moving forward in large numbers (hence the “army” name) to mow down other fields of corn, pasture, and lawns! We are noticing caterpillars most in field crops, but in many sites they may have started in turfgrass.

Although the field crops folks have been abuzz about this problem for almost 2 weeks, I received my first call from a distraught homeowner on June 7th. The caterpillars had gone through a wheat field across the road, had decimated her neighbor’s lawn and were now marching into her 5 acre property. Later that day, I was riding my bicycle in the Geneva area and noticed the pavement moving… Believe my bike rides haven’t been the same since! You can easily see large infestations at bike speed, but even driving in a car. Is the white stripe particularly marked up? Is the road slick and greasy (with smooshed caterpillars)?

Natural enemies, parasites and diseases are having a field day with the extremely high numbers of caterpillars. They will significantly reduce the impact of the next generation, but will certainly not eliminate them.

Turfgrass—what to look for
If you are managing turf, beware! Properties bordering susceptible field crops are prime targets for the migrating large caterpillars that are on the move now. Once this batch becomes adults, all turf is fair game. So scout your lawns and golf courses. Use soap flushes (1-2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap in 1 gal. of water). If populations are caught early, they are relatively easy to control.

If the initial influx of moths laid their eggs in turf, you may notice higher populations of caterpillars near lights where the adult moths congregated and lazily laid their eggs. These will be prime areas for looking for caterpillars in the next generation, and homeowners may be able to minimize infestations by leaving lights off at night when the moths are flying again in a few weeks.

Turfgrass—caterpillar management
Armyworms are affected by endophytically enhanced grasses. If chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn) was applied to protect the grass from grubs and other insects, you will also be in luck. Otherwise, you will likely need to apply an insecticide to protect the grass. Many products available for use on turfgrass in NYS kill caterpillars. Acelepryn will still be effective if applied now (and will give season longinsect control). Several pyrethroids such as lambda-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin will work well with quick know down. Beware that pyrethroid applications typically result in a lot of dead caterpillars on the grass surface, which in high populations can really stink! Spinosad will also be effective, and should be used at the high rate for large (>1 inch) caterpillars, and is available in organically-approved formulations. Bt products may be effective.

Turfgrass—saving the lawn
If armyworms have already ravaged a lawn, it will probably come back. Watering the lawn to cool it down and protect the crowns from baking in hot weather will increase your likelihood of regrowth.
DP

lakelady · June 19, 2012

holy cow. Will they eat my plants if I've sprayed with Spinosad? I just did this today.

Sounds gross, like the gypsy moth caterpillars that ravaged my area 2 or 3 years ago and defoliated all the oak trees. there was caterpillar poop everywhere and believe me, disgusting when it rained.

dpurdy · June 19, 2012

lakelady,
Spinosad, according to their label, is supposed to control caterpillars (lepidoptera). I believe it will be beneficial for you.
DP

June 19, 2012	#1
barkeater Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NE Kingdom, VT - Zone 3b Posts: 1,439	Look Out NY! US: New York bracing itself for armyworm infestation Farmers in Northern and Western counties of New York State are being warned over a possible infestation of armyworms. The insects are expected next month and it is thought they could cause significant damage to crops. Though cereal crops are usually the worst affected the caterpillars also attack various vegetables, fruits, legumes, including beans, cabbage, cucumbers, lettuce, onions and peas. State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel Aubertine said the Department of Agriculture and Markets has received numerous reports from farmers and the New York State Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program have verified that true armyworms have severely impacted parts of New York State, especially in western New York counties. Additional reports have established the presence of armyworms in northern New York, the Finger Lakes and Eastern New York. The last serious infestation was in 2008 and, before that, 2001, however the first generation of this year's infestation suggests that it will surpass both of those. The unusual Spring weather, which has already caused so much difficulty to farmers, is being blamed for the infestation. Source: northcountrynow.com Publication date: 6/19/2012 __________________ barkeater

June 19, 2012	#2
carolyn137 Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Upstate NY, zone 4b/5a Posts: 21,169	Sheesh Bark, I mean thanks for sharing that and the info you gave, and if so weather related is obviouly going to be relevant to other areas where there were similar lousy Springs like we had here in NYS. What next? I'm looking out at my tomatoes, they need water, I can't do that myself anymore, there's a tad of rain headed this way according to the radar but it seems to be fizzling out, and then there are the several plants out there that were eaten by the woodchuck family and , well, heat wave coming, , OK, enough is enough. __________________ Carolyn

June 19, 2012	#4
lakelady Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: northern NJ zone 6b Posts: 1,862	holy cow. Will they eat my plants if I've sprayed with Spinosad? I just did this today. Sounds gross, like the gypsy moth caterpillars that ravaged my area 2 or 3 years ago and defoliated all the oak trees. there was caterpillar poop everywhere and believe me, disgusting when it rained. __________________ Antoniette

June 19, 2012	#3
dpurdy Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Norwich, New York Posts: 255	I received this email from Cornell this morning and might be of some interest to New York State growers. Armyworm Invasion! -Jennifer Grant, NYS IPM with contributions from Keith Waldron and Dave Shetlar http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/pest_alert/armyworms.asp What’s happening? True armyworm (aka Common armyworm) larvae are being found across New York State. They do not overwinter in NY, but fly north from states to our south in the spring. Armyworm moth migrations are somewhat sporadic, cyclic from year to year, and difficult to predict. Our last notable infestations in NY occurred in 2001 and 2008. True armyworms are primarily a pest of plants in the grass family: forage / pasture /grasses & lawns, small grains and corn. True armyworm larvae appear smooth, cylindrical, pale green to brownish when they are still small. Mature larvae are smooth and marked with two orange, white-bordered strips on each side. Larvae range in size from 1/8 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. It seems that the adult moths blew into western NY on some storm systems in late May, and perhaps a week or two later in the North Country and Hudson Valley. From my observations, moths appear to have laid their eggs preferentially in wheat and pasture, and are now moving forward in large numbers (hence the “army” name) to mow down other fields of corn, pasture, and lawns! We are noticing caterpillars most in field crops, but in many sites they may have started in turfgrass. Although the field crops folks have been abuzz about this problem for almost 2 weeks, I received my first call from a distraught homeowner on June 7th. The caterpillars had gone through a wheat field across the road, had decimated her neighbor’s lawn and were now marching into her 5 acre property. Later that day, I was riding my bicycle in the Geneva area and noticed the pavement moving… Believe my bike rides haven’t been the same since! You can easily see large infestations at bike speed, but even driving in a car. Is the white stripe particularly marked up? Is the road slick and greasy (with smooshed caterpillars)? Natural enemies, parasites and diseases are having a field day with the extremely high numbers of caterpillars. They will significantly reduce the impact of the next generation, but will certainly not eliminate them. Turfgrass—what to look for If you are managing turf, beware! Properties bordering susceptible field crops are prime targets for the migrating large caterpillars that are on the move now. Once this batch becomes adults, all turf is fair game. So scout your lawns and golf courses. Use soap flushes (1-2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap in 1 gal. of water). If populations are caught early, they are relatively easy to control. If the initial influx of moths laid their eggs in turf, you may notice higher populations of caterpillars near lights where the adult moths congregated and lazily laid their eggs. These will be prime areas for looking for caterpillars in the next generation, and homeowners may be able to minimize infestations by leaving lights off at night when the moths are flying again in a few weeks. Turfgrass—caterpillar management Armyworms are affected by endophytically enhanced grasses. If chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn) was applied to protect the grass from grubs and other insects, you will also be in luck. Otherwise, you will likely need to apply an insecticide to protect the grass. Many products available for use on turfgrass in NYS kill caterpillars. Acelepryn will still be effective if applied now (and will give season longinsect control). Several pyrethroids such as lambda-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin will work well with quick know down. Beware that pyrethroid applications typically result in a lot of dead caterpillars on the grass surface, which in high populations can really stink! Spinosad will also be effective, and should be used at the high rate for large (>1 inch) caterpillars, and is available in organically-approved formulations. Bt products may be effective. Turfgrass—saving the lawn If armyworms have already ravaged a lawn, it will probably come back. Watering the lawn to cool it down and protect the crowns from baking in hot weather will increase your likelihood of regrowth. DP