Dry weather helps bugs flourish in Iowa crops

Iowa’s corn and soybean fields need rain, partly to help the crops withstand attacks from insects. Spider mites have been found in a 20-acre plot in Howard County. George Cummins, an I-S-U extension crop specialist, says spider mites were a big problem in Iowa’s last drought year.Cummins says a bit ‘o rain would help the crops withstand the pesky pests, as they don’t seem to fare as well in dry weather.Cummins says there are also reports the potato leaf hopper is attacking alfalfa fields. If the dry weather continues, Cummins says I-S-U extension offices will host meetings to educate farmers on the best methods for attacking the pests.