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

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