Aphid. Photo provided by Wayne Bailey

Aphid numbers are rapidly declining in southwest Missouri wheat fields as beneficial insect populations rapidly build. Several species of ladybird beetles, predatory insects, and parasitic wasp have quickly decimated greenbug and bird cherry-oat aphid numbers. Some fields with early infestations of aphids did require insecticide applications to protect yield and prevent barley yellow dwarf (BYD) virus. Producers should continue to scout wheat fields as we move toward maturity. Although it is likely that aphids will not be a problem in the next few weeks, populations of pests such as true armyworm and cereal leaf beetle may develop.

Wayne Bailey
Entomology
573-882-2838 office
573-864-9905 cell