As we prepare for warmer, dryer weather, producers should look out for pests.
Minnesota crop scientists say that farmers should especially monitor for grasshoppers, spider mites, and soybean aphids. Aphids and spider mites can quickly ramp up their populations, so scouting will be important.
Grasshoppers are prone to large outbreaks after consecutive years of dry weather. They can develop one new generation of insects a year. A lot of egg-laying occurred in the fall in Minnesota, so if they have a dry spring, there will be a successful hatch.
Related:
USDA Allocates more than $70 Million for Pest Detection
Using dogs to sniff out agricultural pests