Answers are from the Indiana certified crop adviser panel: Gene Flaningam, Flaningam Ag Consulting, Vincennes; Carl Joern, Pioneer, Lafayette; Greg Kneubuhler, G&K Concepts, Fort Wayne; and Dan Quinn, Purdue Extension corn specialist.

 

Wireworms have been a problem in our area in recent years. Should I put out bait stations to see if I need a seed insecticide? Or should I skip the bait stations and go straight to a seed insecticide?

 

Flaningam: Wireworms can be an issue where there is decaying organic matter in the top 2 to 3 inches of the soil profile. Corn following wheat straw that has been tilled into the soil profile would be a great place to start scouting. You can add extra insecticide to the seed treatment on those problematic fields. I would not suggest a “shotgun” approach to applying any inputs with today’s tight profit margins.

 

Joern: If wireworms are a known issue in your fields and you haven’t been using a seed treatment that targets them, I strongly recommend discussing your options with your seed supplier. Most mid-rate treatments provide adequate protection. But if you are dealing with a particularly aggressive population, upgrading to a high-rate treatment may be necessary. As for the flour in bait stations, I’d rather save that for some homemade baked goods!

 

Kneubuhler: If you suspect wireworms, putting out bait stations a few weeks ahead of planting can help determine the need for management. Most people won’t take the time to place bait stations, but if you wanted true confirmation, this is a recommended practice. Bait stations consisting of premoistened corn, wheat and/or oats placed under the soil surface under black plastic can help identify if wireworms are present. Thresholds are subjective, but if more than one wireworm is present, there is potential for crop injury.

 

There is no rescue treatment for wireworms. Control is achieved through neonicotinoid insecticide-treated seed. Most corn seed is treated with neonicotinoids anyway. Under known extreme wireworm pressures, an in-furrow insecticide can provide more consistent control.

 

Quinn: It is always a good idea to place bait stations to get an accurate estimate of insect populations in your area and fields and dictate if you need a seed insecticide. Bait stations can be placed in your fields two to three weeks before planting and can be checked immediately prior to planting to see if additional control methods are required. Overall, you may be able to save the additional cost of a seed insecticide through using bait stations, and they also will provide you with additional information on specific levels of pressure in your fields.