Cereal Leaf Beetle

Cereal Leaf Beetle has hit Fairfield County, current scouting reports are showing the eastern half of the county have seen more activity than north and west. 
Don't panic, how often are you out looking at your wheat this time of year.  Usually we have some numbers of CLB in our wheat that never hits threshold.
Take the time to evaluate the damage the insect is causing.  It is really unknown why we have seen increasing numbers of CLB over the past few years, some say mild winters, and follow theory that decreasing numbers of beneficial (wasps) have some effect.  Regardless, checking you wheat over the next 5 - 10 days should be at the top of you list. 

If you haven't seen CLB larvae before, it looks very similar to a small tan or black slug, usually feeding upon the flag leaf.  As you walk out of a wheat field with CLB you will notice black tar like stains on you pants and boots. This is a layer of slimy fecal material. They feed on the leaf surface between veins, removing all the green material down to the lower cuticle, resulting in an elongated windowpane in the leaf. Severe feeding damage gives the field a frosted appearance (see pic).

Treatment thresholds occur when 3 or more larva are present per stem, or for larger plants, treat when greater than 1 larva per flag leaf.
Be very careful with insecticides as they vary with PHI's as far out as 30 days.
If you have questions or would like help scouting you wheat please call as always :
These pics were taken today

740-808-2108
Auggie Smith CCA