With the very warm weather, the sugarbeet root maggot development is far ahead of the norm. NDSU Extension Entomologist Mark Boetel expects peak activity to be seen one week ahead of the average. The biggest concern for severe infestation is in North Dakota is in the Grand Forks, Merrifield, St. Thomas and Thompson areas. For the Minnesota side of the border, Boetel is focused on East Grand Forks and Euclid. For those in a moderate-to-high risk area and are equipped to put on a post-granular insecticide “they can put that on anytime between now and up to five days before their anticipated peak in fly activity.” A post-emergence spray insecticide is another option. In addition, Boetel is reporting springtail issues in the newly-emerged beets in the Hillsboro area and cutworm development in the Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative area.
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