MSU Extension Drought Resources

Insects

• 

  2025 Regional Crop and Pest Management Update locations and dates announced

  Published on October 29, 2024
  Register now for one of six in-person Crop and Pest Management Updates scheduled across Michigan this winter.

• 

  What’s that black mold on my wheat?

  Published on July 6, 2023
  Sooty mold and black point are appearing on wheat.

• 

  Thrips, aphids and mites: Piercing-sucking pests that thrive in dry weather

  Published on July 5, 2023
  Due to the warm, dry nature of this summer, concerns of insect problems are on the horizon for field crops.

• 

  Consider water source when irrigating vegetables during dry conditions

  Published on June 20, 2023
  Phytophthora capsici can be introduced to crops when irrigating with surface water.

• 

  Mite management in tree fruits under hot and dry weather conditions

  Published on June 13, 2023
  There are many options available for mite control in fruit crops.

• 

  Surviving the dry spell: MSU Extension's drought website provides vital resources

  Published on June 8, 2023
  Drought conditions are always troubling, but MSU Extension resources are available to help producers and landowners make the best management decisions for them.

• 

  Dry forecast: How will that impact weed control?

  Published on June 1, 2023
  Weeds under environmental stress are hard to control.

• 

  Pesticide Cost Comparison Decision Tool for Field Crops

  Published on October 13, 2022
  The Pesticide Cost Comparison Decision Tool for Field Crops provides farm producers with an ability to consider pesticide products and their costs within integrated pest management strategies.

• 

  Spider mite spraying in Michigan field crops: Brand new cheat sheet

  Published on August 1, 2016
  We’ve got perfect spider mite conditions due to this summer’s dry weather and the arrival of August. Irrigation can complicate decisions. Here are tips to get any sprays right.

• 

  Grub damage to lawns is being reported now in drought-stricken parts of Michigan

  Published on November 2, 2015
  White grub damage is being reported now because drought conditions in some areas have weakened and thinned turf root systems, making lawns much more susceptible to grub-feeding injury. Insecticide treatments may or may not be effective at this time.

• Help shade trees recover from July 2012 drought

  Published on September 7, 2012
  Drought-stressed trees may be more susceptible to borers. Protect them by watering during dry periods and using a systemic insecticide treatment.

• Yellow, stunted alfalfa may not be entirely due to drought

  Published on July 25, 2012
  Potato leafhopper numbers are above threshold levels in some alfalfa fields around Michigan.

• Spider mite populations thrive in hot dry summers

  Published on July 13, 2012
  Begin scouting vegetable gardens, berries and landscape plants for the first signs of a spider mite problem.

• Does a dormant lawn need to be treated for grubs?

  Published on July 12, 2012
  Home lawns are the most susceptible to grub damage under dry conditions. If you have seen turf damage caused by grubs in the last two years, plan on applying an insecticide for grubs before August 1.

• Sprayer considerations for improving spider mite control in soybeans

  Published on July 12, 2012
  Equipping and operating your sprayer correctly is critical to controlling spider mites in soybeans.

• Gypsy moth caterpillars damaging spruce trees

  Published on July 11, 2012
  Spruce trees provide haven for low populations of gypsy moth.

• Drought: Implications for near-term management decisions in field crops

  Published on July 5, 2012
  The recent trend in higher than normal temperatures paired with lower than normal precipitation puts Michigan field crops at risk.

• Potential for spider mites, especially in southern Michigan

  Published on June 21, 2012
  The upcoming dry weather may set up a potential outbreak of spider mites. Judging the need to treat an infested field can be difficult. A descriptive rating system can help you make a treatment decision.

• The hidden costs of insurance pesticide applications to field crops

  Published on June 21, 2012
  Some growers may be considering preventative applications of fungicides and insecticides to field crops. But just what are the impacts of preventative or insurance pesticide applications on insect or mite control?

• Scouting for potato leafhoppers in alfalfa

  Published on June 18, 2012
  Know your options for insect control prior to a problem.