Matt and Erin are back and starting Season 10! Erin kicks off the episode by summarizing current pest activity for 2019. It's been a cool, wet spring and delayed planting will influence early-season pest activity. Specific updates:

• Bean leaf beetle winter mortality was high.
• Seedcorn maggots are flying.
• Alfalfa weevils are active.
• Expected corn cutting dates from black cutworm are approaching.
• Soybean egg hatch is happening, most likely in northern Iowa, where most of the buckthorn is located. 

Matt talked about a new F.I.T. (fun insect trivia), where he highlights the mosquito trapping network at ISU. Dr. Ryan Smith coordinated a mosquito and tick surveillance program to learn more about activity and disease incidence around the state every summer. Learn more about his historical data on his website.

Matt also had an opportunity to podcast with group of Iowa Youth who entered an NPR challenge. You can hear the episode where they talk about using insects for food here later this summer!

Upcoming events include Pollinator Fest at Reiman Gardens (22 June), pollinator workshop (25-26 July), and many field days throughout Iowa (stay tuned!).