ABSTRACT
Problems with slugs, deer mice and lesser clover leaf weevil have been detected in fields of conservation tillage, and problems with armyworm and the stalk borer complex have increased where grass weeds have been a problem in such fields in Michigan. The numbers of Michigan's field and forage crop insects rise and fall erratically. The greatest problem with no-till and insects is the increasing damage to corn from insects associated with grass weeds. The stalk borer, usually found only in the margins and grassy areas of conventionally tilled fields, is increasing in direct proportion to the weed grasses. There is a positive side to the effects of no-till on insects. The increased soil moisture in the no-till was the primary factor that suppressed this borer. A program of cooperators reporting through Cooperative Crop Monitoring Service (CCMS) and aided by a good identification service would be a big aid in heading off problems before too many people get hurt.
