Just a quick note: Reports of corn flea beetle activity continue to filter in. An overview of the corn flea beetle and its potential injury was given in previous issues of the Bulletin (issue no. 1, March 20, 2003, and issue no. 5, April 24, 2003). Heavy populations of flea beetles have been found feeding on seedling corn. The corn flea beetle vectors the bacterium that causes Stewart's wilt, to which most commercial field corn is resistant. Systemic seed treatments are also being used as feeding deterrents. One observer has noted a difference in flea beetle activity in a comparison of treated plants and an untreated check. Continue scouting fields, and keep your eyes open for these tiny black beetles and their feeding on seedling corn.--Kelly Cook