Tracking the western bean cutworm moth flight wouldn’t be possible without the many pheromone trap cooperators in our network, see following “Western Bean Cutworm Pheromone Trap Report.” To those volunteers, we are so grateful! Please thank any of those cooperators that you may know for their efforts in helping us track this pest to better time scouting efforts. Buy them a sandwich, or ice cream!
In looking at a comparison of the 5-year moth captures (see graph below), there were plenty of moths flying the third week of July (week 5 of trapping). Over our years of trapping this pest, that period has consistently been the peak moth flight. Soon after that time, we were getting reports of egg masses being found on pre-tassel corn. Since then, no reports of larval ear infestations have been received from northern Indiana counties, where risks are greatest. We are likely through the vast majority of egg-laying and the treatment window has passed. The uncertain news is what this pest will do next year, as the previous two years were very low counts. Stay tuned and happy scouting!!!
Young larva, and early ear tip damage, revealed after pulling down the husks. (Photo Credit: John Obermeyer)
