— From the Panhandle Pest Update, Texas AgriLife Extension and Research
Wheat preparations for wheat planting are beginning to take place. Now is a good time to develop plans for managing potential insect pests this coming season. Historically, greenbugs are our number one, key pest and plans should be directed at managing them first. Then implement strategies for other pests.
Management strategies for the greenbug (GB) are 1) delay planting, 2) plant GB resistant wheat (Tam 112 or Tam 110), and/or 3) use insecticide seed treatments for early season seedling protection.
The use of insecticide seed treatments will also provide protection against wireworms and other aphids (Russian wheat aphid, Bird cherry-oat, and English grain). The insecticides available for use to treat seeds contain either thiamethoxam (Cruiser 5FS) or imidacloprid (Goucho XT, Raxil MDW, Enhance AW, Attendant 600, Gaucho 600, Gaucho 480). While there are no registered insecticides for white grub control in wheat, limited field tests suggest that these two active ingredients can be effective. Consider using these products if a field has a history of damaging infestations.
Additional information about managing wheat pests are available in the Texas AgriLife Extension publication E-399, Managing Insect and Mite Pests of Texas Small Grains.
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