Crop diseases and pests : article
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Despite suspending all face-to-face programming due to COVID-19, University of Missouri Extension recognizes the continued need to provide university research and knowledge to help farmers and consumers alike.
Farmers faced challenges during the 2023 drought as soybean diseases like sudden death syndrome, red crown rot, and charcoal rot exhibited similar symptoms.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri livestock and forage specialists are reporting ergot infestations that can cause major losses in livestock, said MU Extension state forage specialist Craig Roberts.
Soybean farmers in Missouri should scout for stink bugs in 2025 to prevent yield losses and maintain seed quality.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Killing common annual weeds in winter wheat may or may not be a good financial decision, especially when input costs are high, says University of Missouri Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley.Winter wheat is one of the most competitive crops planted, Bradley says.
New 2025 rules require private pesticide applicators to complete training and licensing for safe RUP use.
Blister beetles are appearing in large numbers, posing risks to horses and livestock due to their toxic cantharidin.
Brazilian farmers and crop consultants toured Missouri soybean fields, research farms, and labs to exchange knowledge on crop production.
Researchers test heat treatment to combat citrus greening, aiming to save trees and support global citrus production.
Musk and bull thistles have spread across Missouri fields, requiring control. Learn strategies for thistle management, including mowing and biological methods.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – It may be too early to think about replanting corn yet, but it’s a good time to look at guides from University of Missouri Extension or seed dealers, said MU Extension agronomy specialist Bill Wiebold.
Unseasonably cold April weather in Missouri has delayed corn planting, stressed wheat fields, and strained pasture and hay supplies for farmers.
Wheat in southeast Missouri is near or at flowering, which suggest that wheat in many other regions of the state is roughly 1 to 2 weeks away. Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) (Figure 1) is a disease that can cause yield loss, reduced test weights, and reduced seed quality in wheat.
Brown marmorated stink bugs threaten crops, reducing yields in soybeans, corn, fruits, and vegetables across Missouri.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
Do not plant unsolicited seeds. They may carry pests, diseases, or invasive species. Report or safely return unknown seeds.
Early alfalfa weevil activity signals growers to scout fields and take action if infestations exceed economic thresholds.
Explore cost analysis of owning drones for agricultural spraying to determine if buying or hiring is more cost-effective.
Expect high Japanese beetle activity this year, damaging corn, soybeans, and over 400 garden plants. Control may require multiple treatments.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish reports confirmation of red crown rot, a yield-robbing soybean disease, in Marion County in northeastern Missouri.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Integrated Pest Management reports the capture of its first Japanese beetles of the season, says MU Extension crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida.
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University of Missouri Extension, SCN Diagnostics and Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council are again offering free testing for soybean cyst nematode (SCN), the No. 1 pathogen of soybean in the United States.
Researchers confirmed glufosinate-resistant Palmer amaranth in Missouri, raising concerns for weed control and crop yields.
The University of Missouri’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to strengthen its reach to diverse clientele with sustainable pest management practices.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – An exotic pest that hitchhikes on train cars, trucks and boats could suck the life out Missouri crops.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Drones are higher in quality and lower in price than they were just a few years ago when farmers began using them, says University of Missouri Extension natural resources engineer Kent Shannon.
Japanese beetles are rising in corn and soybean fields, causing defoliation and silk clipping. Scouting and timely control are key.
Kochia, a highly competitive weed that can reduce yields by as much as 70%, has been found in northwestern Missouri soybean fields. Kochia is not new to Missouri, but this may be the first report of kochia showing up in cropland.
Watch for corn leafhoppers in 2025, as they spread corn stunt disease and reduce yields.
Missouri farmers should monitor pests like soybean gall midge, Dectes stem borer, and Japanese beetles to protect crops.
Corn leafhopper, an invasive pest in Missouri since 2024, spreads corn stunt disease, causing yield loss. Scouting and early management are crucial.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri farmers have a new tool to alert them to insects, crop diseases and other important information from University of Missouri Extension specialists.
Farmers can get free text alerts for six key insect pests to monitor crops and prevent damage.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension is offering online town hall meetings led by agronomy, livestock and horticulture specialists.
Farmers in northeastern Missouri can get free crop and forage updates from specialists at an August Palmyra event.
Warns people not to plant unsolicited seeds from abroad to avoid invasive pests, diseases, or viruses.
Corn and wheat producers are alerted to emerging risks from black cutworm and true armyworm; monitor early and sign up for pest alerts.
Offers training and tools so pesticide applicators safeguard people, land, and Missouri’s agricultural economy.
On-site crop health clinic at Clark Produce Auction offering Amish growers insect, disease diagnosis and tailored guidance.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Like humans, plants can get sick and need someone to diagnose their illnesses, says Peng Tian, the new lab director of the University of Missouri Plant Diagnostic Clinic.
Submit photos of plants showing symptoms to get a fast diagnosis. Save time and money by uploading digital samples for expert review and treatment suggestions.
Free plant disease and pest diagnostic services help Amish and Mennonite farmers manage crops in Missouri counties.
Free wheat virus screenings available this spring to help growers assess disease severity and prepare for future control measures.
Free tool helps farmers compare PLC and ARC-CO program payments for corn, soybean, and wheat in 2025.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Soybean growers can’t rely on seed treatments alone to combat soybean cyst nematode (SCN), says University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish.
PALMYRA, Mo. – “The genie’s out of the bottle” on the spotted lanternfly, University of Missouri Extension entomologist Kevin Rice told farmers Feb. 8 at the second annual NEMO Soils and Crop Conference in Palmyra.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – New University of Missouri Extension plant pathologist Kaitlyn Bissonnette brings research on soybean cyst nematode (SCN) management to Missouri.
MU Extension state crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida has confirmed the presence of a new soybean pest in Missouri, soybean tentiform leafminer. Valmorbida encourages farmers to scout soybean fields for the pest.
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Kill seeds before they become hard-to-kill weeds. That plan will be studied by Kevin Bradley with help from Missouri farmers.
No spotted lanternfly detected in Missouri yet, but residents and growers are urged to stay vigilant and report sightings.
Plan wheat management by growth stage for fertilization, weed control, and disease scouting this winter and early spring.
Excess rainfall can pond in fields, damaging corn and soybean seedlings and reducing crop yield.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As corn yields exceed commercial storage space, farmers will likely store some of this year’s crop in on-farm bins and in unconventional ways.
2024 has not been an ideal year for thrips management due to the consistent overcast during the daytime hours. This restricts thrips movement, and in hand can increase injury. Hot and sunny conditions are ideal not because thrips are more active, but because cotton and growth development occur more…
Red crown rot confirmed in Maries and Phelps counties; scout fields for irregular patches, especially in wet areas.
Red crown rot in soybeans has no cure. Manage spread with crop rotation, drainage, and equipment sanitation.
Report unsolicited seed packages to Missouri officials. Do not plant or open seeds and follow MDA guidance.
Ensure farm chemicals are stored safely: keep accurate inventory, follow label instructions, control temperature, secure storage, rotate products.
Scout crops regularly to detect pests early, protect yields, and make informed pest management decisions.
Missouri growers urged to scout corn for invasive corn leafhopper, a tiny yellow pest that spreads corn stunt disease, causing deformed grain and yield loss.
Good scouting is the best way to identify tar spot in corn, says University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish. Tar spot was confirmed in June of 2023 and 2024 in Missouri, which is earlier than in previous years, when the disease showed up in August or September. This earlier…
Missouri corn growers should scout for bacterial leaf streak and tar spot, two emerging diseases causing significant yield losses in neighboring states.
LAMAR, Mo. – Now is the time to scout for fall armyworms in pastures and hayfields, says University of Missouri Extension entomologist Kevin Rice.Agronomists in southeastern Missouri and northern Arkansas report sightings of fall armyworm in grass and legume crops, says Jill Scheidt, MU Extension…
LAMAR, Mo.– There are foliar diseases that can cause yield loss in winter wheat, said Jay Chism, an agronomy specialist with University of Missouri Extension in Barton County.
Sudden death syndrome is appearing in Missouri soybean fields. Monitor, scout, and use resistant varieties to reduce yield losses.
Sign up for free 2025 crop pest alerts to protect fields and gardens from Japanese beetles, armyworms, stink bugs, and more.
Justin Calhoun joins the Delta Research Center to advance soils and cropping systems research in southeastern Missouri.
Southern rust, a fungal disease, can reduce nutrients and lower digestibility in infected corn fed to livestock, says MU Extension agronomist Nick Wesslak. Early dry down caused by southern rust can cause problems with proper silage packing, which increases risk of poor fermentation and higher mold…
Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) can substantially reduce yield, but it is not always obvious when the nematodes (Figure 1) are present. Leonardo Da Vinci's quote: "We know more about the movement of celestial bodies than about the soil underfoot" seems somewhat appropriate when discussing SCN levels in…
Note: Revised to correct spelling of “sclerotinia.”
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist Wayne Flanary says about 160 acres of soybean in northwestern Missouri show symptoms of sclerotinia stem rot.
Soybean gall midge is spreading in the Midwest, causing plant death and yield loss; scouting and crop rotation can help manage it.
Spotted lanternfly may arrive in Missouri this summer, threatening grapes and vineyards—early detection and control are vital to protect industry.
Spotted Wing Drosophila threatens small fruits by laying eggs in ripening crops. Learn how to identify and manage this invasive pest effectively.
Frequent spring rains set up favorable conditions for seedling and root rotting diseases in corn, soybean and wheat fields across Missouri.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Raise the temperature and run fans in grain bins now to avoid condensation and mold.Keep your stored grain in condition by increasing the temperature inside the bin to the outside monthly average temperature in May, says University of Missouri Extension entomologist Wayne Bailey.
Brown marmorated stink bugs seek to overwinter indoors; prevent entry with caulking, screens, and vacuuming to reduce nuisance infestation.
Tar spot, a fungal disease, has appeared in NE Missouri cornfields. Growers should scout fields and monitor for spread.
Tar spot, a fungal disease affecting corn, has been confirmed in 19 Missouri counties in 2024. Early detection and fungicide application are crucial.
Tar spot of corn has spread to 31 Missouri counties since 2019, with early detections in Holt and Marion counties in June 2023.
In June 2023, tar spot of corn was confirmed in Holt and Marion counties, Missouri, marking the earliest detection in the state.
Tar spot, a corn disease that can reduce yields, is confirmed in northeastern Missouri. Monitor crops for early signs.
NEVADA, Mo. – Now is the perfect time to test for the No. 1 soybean disease in the U.S. and Canada - soybean cyst nematode (SCN), says University of Missouri Extension field agronomist Pat Miller. It is also a good time to test your IQ on this yield-reducing disease.
Missouri farmers can submit two free soybean cyst nematode tests after harvest to monitor and manage this costly pest.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Craig Roberts says now is the time to check for ergot in the seed heads of grasses.
#1 Tar spot of cornWho: Tar spot of corn, Phyllachora maydis
Treat spider mites early to prevent crop damage. Drought conditions can cause rapid population growth. Learn to manage infestations and protect your fields.
Winter grain mites, an unusual pest, have appeared in southwestern Missouri wheat fields, potentially affecting crop health.
LAMAR, Mo. – When COVID-19 paused face-to-face programming, University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist Jill Scheidt knew producers would still need assistance with the growing season. Living by MU Extension’s mission of taking university research and knowledge to the people, Scheidt began…
Obviously, our season so far has been one for the books. Our state climatologist Pat Guinan tells us that last month was the wettest May on record ever! We’ve been fielding a number of questions over the past several weeks related to the wet weather and how this affects our herbicides and weed…
Cold, wet weather and hail are damaging Missouri corn, soybeans, and wheat. Learn causes, risks, and steps to assess crop injury and recovery.