Spider mite population could increase in field crops

Christina DiFonzo<difonzo@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension, Department of Entomology -

Recent dry conditions could increase spider mite populations in corn and soybean.

As I type this Wednesday morning, July 6, 2016, the radar shows rain moving across Lake Michigan, but I don’t believe the radar anymore! Instead, I am increasingly worried about the possibility of spider mites, which I have already found on some ornamentals around my house. Last week, the U.S. Drought Monitor reported that in central and southern Michigan, 60-day rainfall was 50-70 percent of normal, while topsoil moisture was 60 percent short to very short. This deficit will only get larger because dry weather continued over the Fourth of July weekend across much of the state. While dry conditions are unfavorable for many insects, this is not the case for spider mites (the last spider mite outbreak was in 2012).

Dr. DiFonzo’s work is funded in part by MSU’s AgBioResearch.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Did you find this article useful?

You Might Also Be Interested In

Tag List
  • agriculture,
  • corn,
  • field crops,
  • integrated pest management,
  • msu extension,
  • pest management,
  • soybeans
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).