MSU Extension Drought Resources

Insects

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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?

• 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.

• Scouting for potato leafhoppers in alfalfa

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