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Dry, breezy, and cool conditions prevailed in Wisconsin in the past week. Temperatures were slightly below normal for late April, as highs reached the 40s to mid-60s and lows dropped below freezing on several nights. In addition to an elevated fire risk due to low relative humidity and gusty southerly winds, the threat of widespread frost was a concern for much of the state overnight on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Crop producers continued making progress on spring field preparations and planting, with tillage approximately 22% complete statewide (up from 10% last week). Early corn and soybean planting was reported in the southern counties, while potato planting gained momentum in the Central Sands and is currently 25% complete—one week ahead of last year and five days ahead of average. Conditions during the week were generally favorable for fieldwork, gardening, and spring yardwork.
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In anticipation of the Brood XIII periodical cicada emergence this spring, UW has introduced a new Wisconsin Periodical Cicada website: cicadas.wisc.edu. The site covers the biology, ecology, and distribution of these insects, with photos, historical videos, and other useful resources.
UW-Madison Entomologist PJ Liesch sifted through 150 years of books, newspaper articles, university and government records, and specimens in the Wisconsin Insect Research Collection to develop an updated map of Wisconsin periodical cicada reports. While the map is an improvement over older ones, additional data would help. To that end, he has created a citizen science project on the site and is encouraging the public to report sightings and submit photos from Wisconsin when the highly awaited emergence of 17-Year cicadas begins next month.
Brood XIII is the only brood of periodical cicadas in Wisconsin and their emergence has been documented in 11 southern counties since the earliest observations were recorded in the state in 1837. |
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Black cutworm moths arrived in significant numbers for the second week in a row. The DATCP network of 50 pheromone traps collected 126 moths during the reporting period ending April 25. Intense flights were documented at three of the monitoring sites. An “intense” capture of nine or more moths in two nights indicates a large flight has occurred and that a corresponding increase in cutworm egg laying can be expected. The first intense flight also marks the point to begin counting degree days to forecast the peak seedling corn damage window. From the date of an intense capture, an average of 300 degree days (modified base 50°F) is required for the black cutworm to develop from the egg stage to the damaging fourth-instar larval stage.
The black cutworm migrates northward each spring from overwintering areas near the Gulf of Mexico and Texas. When appropriate weather systems occur, the moths can reach Wisconsin from Texas in only two days. The first moths were recorded in traps on March 31 this spring and the cumulative count as of April 25 is 296 moths. This total count compares to 166 moths captured by the same time last year. A forecast of the peak seedling corn damage window will be issued next week. |
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