By Andi Anderson
As corn planting moves forward across Illinois, experts from the University of Illinois are sharing timely advice to help farmers manage pests and diseases in the 2025 season.
Dr. Nick Seiter, an entomologist, explains that pest outbreaks vary yearly, especially for insects like corn leaf aphids and corn rootworms. These pests migrate from southern states, and their presence in Illinois depends more on early-season weather in places like Texas and Oklahoma than on the local winter conditions.
Dr. Seiter urges farmers to scout their fields now for early-season pests such as seed corn maggots, white grubs, wireworms, grape colaspis, black cutworm, and true armyworm. These pests pose a greater threat when the weather is cool and wet, slowing plant growth and increasing vulnerability.
According to Dr. Seiter, fast-growing crops can often outgrow the damage. However, slow-emerging fields require more attention and detailed inspection to prevent significant loss.
Meanwhile, Dr. Boris Camiletti, a plant pathologist, is focused on managing tar spot — a serious fungal disease in Illinois corn. “Tar spot is here to stay,” he states. His team is working on validating fungicides, refining application timing, and using weather-based apps to guide spray decisions.
Last season, southern Illinois saw a rise in tar spot after Hurricane Hilary, but dry weather slowed its spread. This showed that timing is key — and spraying too early or too late can reduce effectiveness without helping yield.
Dr. Camiletti is also researching mycotoxins, a growing concern for the ethanol industry. His work, in collaboration with other Midwest experts, aims to improve understanding and control of these harmful toxins in corn crops.
Early scouting and science-based decisions remain crucial for crop health.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Illinois, Crops, Corn, Sustainable Agriculture