Podcast summary generated using Claude.ai and Perplexity.ai

The conversation today covers weather forecasting challenges, severe weather impacts on crops, insect pest management for specialty crops like onions, and the unique biology and emergence patterns of the periodical cicadas in 2024.

1. A discussion of Iowa's weather history, including a deadly tornado outbreak in 1918 that caused significant damage and casualties in eastern and northeastern parts of the state.
2. A forecast for cooler temperatures and less active weather over the next few days, followed by warmer temperatures and increased rainfall chances in mid-May, which is typical for Iowa's wet season. The chances of a late frost after the next couple of nights are considered very low based on climate outlooks and soil moisture conditions.
3. Impacts of recent severe weather like high winds, hail, and heavy rainfall on specialty crops like cover crops, onions, and weed pressure.
4. An interview with Zach Schumm from the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic at Iowa State University, who shares insights about the periodical cicadas, how to identify them, and the rarity of both broods emerging together this year across a few counties in Illinois.
5. Details on the upcoming emergence of periodical cicadas in Iowa (Brood XIII and Brood XIX), expected in late May or early June. The 13-year brood will appear in southeastern Iowa, while the 17-year brood will be seen in eastern Iowa along rivers and forests. Details are provided on their life cycle, synchronization, and minimal impact on plants as adults with functional mouthparts.
6. Information on submitting plant and insect samples to the Iowa State University Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic (PIDC) for identification and diagnosis, including the option to send insect photos for free identification.