As expected with the big increase in corn acreage we are seeing a jump in bollworm activity in our late planted soybeans. Bollworms moving out of corn have hit the late planted soybeans that are just beginning to bloom and set pods.

Most problems are in the soybean fields that are lapping the middles.

Growers should be scouting their soybean fields for this pest. This can be done with a shake sheet of a sweep net.

Treatment thresholds are when you can find 4 bollworms per row foot on a standard 38” rows.

This will be equivalent to 2 worms per row foot on 19” rows and 1 per row foot on 9.5” rows.

Bollworm can occur in a variety of colors. They will have small hairs on the back. One of the distinguishing characteristics is they will curl up unto a “C“ when disturbed.

For a list of recommended insecticides Contact your local county Extension Office and ask for our MP 144 Insecticides Recommendation for Arkansas.

This is Eugene Terhune, Woodruff County Extension Agent with the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture