No. 04/April 17, 2003
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IN THIS ISSUE:
	University of Illinois Plant Clinic to Open Its Doors The clinic provides impartial plant-problem diagnosis across a range of disciplines. Diagnoses are also available electronically; see http://plantclinic.cropsci.uiuc.edu/.
	On the Move: Black Cutworm Moths Are Here As reported last week, black cutworm moths are beginning to make themselves known in the southern counties; recap of the "intense" captures. Watch emerging seedlings for early signs of cutworm feeding. Looking for cooperators to send weekly counts traps.
	Captures of Insects Other Than Black Cutworms Also Noted Observers also monitor flights of other important Lepidoptera adults, such as corn earworm, European corn borer, fall armyworm, and southwestern corn borer. Keep in mind, however, that reports of captured insects do not necessarily translate into projections of crop damage.
	DuPont and Monsanto and Rootworm-Protected Corn On April 15, 2003, DuPont and Monsanto agreed to a worldwide licensing agreement to Monsanto’s recently approved YieldGard Rootworm insect-protected corn technology; therefore even more hybrids than had been anticipated will be available.
	Pollen Drift and Refuge-Management Considerations for Transgenic Hybrids Unseasonably warm weather has hastened the pace of planting, or at least the preparations for planting. Despite the lingering concerns among many, YieldGard Rootworm hybrids are being planted. Summarizes facts about the physical characteristics and longevity of corn pollen, questions of how far the pollen will drift, likelihood of cross pollination, strategies to minimize pollen drift.
	Remain on the Watch for Alfalfa Weevil Although confirmed reports of alfalfa weevil larvae have been almost absent, the warm weather is sure to have accelerated weevil development. Discusses feeding patterns, what to look for.Although confirmed reports of alfalfa weevil larvae have been almost absent, the warm weather is sure to have accelerated weevil development. Discusses feeding patterns, what to look for.
	Spring Alfalfa Diseases Basic information on three diseases of alfalfa that are often seen in the spring: Sclerotinia crown and stem rot, Aphanomyces root rot, and spring black stem and leaf spot. Also see http://cropdisease.cropsci.uiuc.edu.
	Insect-Weed Interactions in 2002 In various fields, weeds such as giant ragweed, Pennsylvania smartweed, horseweed (marestail), common lambsquarters, and common waterhemp were not effectively controlled by glyphosate. The culprit in many of these fields with “poor control” was not herbicide resistance or poor herbicide performance but insects feeding within the stems of these plants. Implications.
	PPO-Resistant Waterhemp in Illinois At least one (and most likely several more) waterhemp population in western Illinois is now confirmed to be resistant to PPO inhibitors. We are concerned that resistance may be more widespread than initially perceived; but poor waterhemp control is not necessarily attributable to herbicide resistance. Discusses field experiments.
	Notes on the Wheat Crop Travels in southern and northern Illinois over the past 2 weeks have shown the 2003 wheat crop to be in mostly good condition, after a rather slow start last fall. One problem been noted in several fields, mostly in northern Illinois, is that of injury from nitrogen application. As the crop enters the jointing stage and moves toward heading, yield potential will start to become clearer.
	Corn Planting Under Way Soil moisture conditions are generally good for planting, with more worry in some places about lack of rainfall over the past months than about its being too wet. Discusses risks of early planting, compares to last year.
	Regional Reports Reports are provided this issue for northern, southern, and west-central Illinois.

The Pest Management and Crop Development Bulletin
Executive Editor: Kevin Steffey, Extension Entomologist

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