September 17, 2024
K-State Entomologists Need Help Collecting Corn Leafhopper Samples
Corn Stunt Disease caused by Corn Leafhoppers, has been identified in Kansas. So far, the disease and associated symptoms have been confirmed in Sedgwick, Pratt, Stafford, Edwards and Riley Counties. More can be found on that topic in this article.
To help entomologists better understand the CLH lifecycle, they’re asking for assistance identifying possible cases of Corn Stunt Disease and collecting CLH samples. State specialists put together this video on the pest and explain how to identify and capture CLH samples.
In areas with corn that is still green:
- sweep the area using the method in the video above,
- put contents into a plastic zip lock bag,
- seal the bag,
- label the date and location with a sharpie, and
- put sealed, labeled zip lock bag into a freezer to freeze the sample.
In the December 3rd Tuesday Letter, the Department of Entomology will follow up with further instruction on having these samples processed. You can also subscribe to the Kansas Insect Newsletter for the most up-to-date sampling information.
If you have questions about CLH or need additional resources to assist with sampling, please contact Anthony Zukoff, Entomology Extension Associate at azukoff@ksu.edu or (620) 275 9164.
Rachel Wilkins, State Entomologist with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, is also available for CLH-related questions Rachel.wilkins@ks.gov.
Additional resources/information on Corn Stunt Disease and CLH: