Recent cool and wet conditions may increase the risk of seedcorn maggot infestation in some soybean and corn fields.

As we gear up for planting this week and next there are two insect pests that need to be on our radar. First, reports from Purdue, Penn State and elsewhere have noticed significant flights in black cutworm. This is a migrating moth that lays eggs in corn, which can cause severe cutting of the plant. Stand loss of corn is generally associated with below-ground feeding injury, which occurs below the growing point.