Will Grasshoppers Be an Issue for Winter Wheat Emergence in 2021?

Grasshoppers were an issue in some areas of South Dakota during 2020 and continue to be an issue for several parts of the state in 2021. The drought conditions that are being experienced throughout much of South Dakota aren’t helping, as the grasshoppers’ populations are limited on available food. These populations have required management in other crops and should be monitored prior to and during winter wheat planting. Most observations have been of the two-striped and red-legged grasshoppers (Figure 1 and Figure 2), but differential grasshoppers are also being observed (Figure 3). As the season progresses, there will be even more limited food availability due to crop senescence, and grasshoppers will be forced to seek out green plants, such as wheat seedlings.

Figure 1. Adult two-striped grasshopper. Courtesy: Adam Varenhorst.

It is important to scout emerging winter wheat for grasshoppers and feeding injury, especially in areas where large populations are being observed. Newly emerged winter wheat is a very attractive host to grasshoppers.

Grasshoppers are capable of causing stand loss by clipping the emerging plants. This type of injury will be more noticeable along the field margins, as grasshoppers reside in the nearby vegetation.

To minimize the impact of grasshoppers on emerging winter wheat, it is important to monitor fields and determine grasshopper densities before and after planting.

Gasshopper Management Options

PRIOR TO PLANTING

Before planting, scout the vegetation around the field edges and count the number of grasshoppers that are present in approximately one square yard. Management should be considered if 11–20 grasshoppers per square yard are present in the non-crop borders. Here are a few management options to consider:

1. Delay planting in areas where grasshopper populations are high to reduce the time that grasshoppers will be feeding on the emerging wheat.
2. In areas with increased grasshopper population densities, winter wheat planting population can be doubled in a 60 to 120 feet-wide strip around the field edge. As grasshoppers move into the field, they will feed on the emerging wheat. However, the increased plant stands around the edge will slow the movement of the grasshoppers into the rest of the field. The increased plant stand will compensate for the lost seedlings and allow for a reasonable stand to exist after grasshoppers have finished foraging for the year.
3. Insecticide seed treatments are labeled for grasshopper management in winter wheat and can provide protection during emergence. For grasshoppers, treated seed can be planted along field edges in a strip that is 60 to 120 feet-wide, or it can be planted to the entire field. For effective management of grasshoppers, the highest registered rate of the product should be applied to the seed. Please refer to the latest South Dakota Pest Management Guide: Wheat for insecticide seed treatment options and recommended rates.
4. Foliar insecticide sprays may be applied to the non-crop field edges to prevent the grasshoppers from moving into the wheat fields. Before selecting an insecticide, check the label to ensure that it can be sprayed on non-crop areas. See Table 1 for a list of non-crop and pasture insecticide options.