The wheat stem sawfly is commonly seen in western North Dakota and Montana, but it is typically not seen in the Red River Valley. That changed last year when heavy infestations were seen along field margins in the Crookston, Minnesota area. This insect typically damages the integrity of the stem, resulting in significant problems with lodging. University of Minnesota Extension Educator Phil Glogoza says there is no recommended pest management option. “We know the females started emerging and we’re doing some monitoring to determine numbers. It’s not one that we can actively manage while it is out there because the emergence window is too wide.” It will soon be time to scout for soybean aphids. Glogoza doesn’t expect major problems, but hot spots may be seen next to field margins or wooded areas with buckthorn.
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