Multiple intensive black cutworm moth captures, 9 or more caught over a 2-night period, around April 12, signaled for us to begin tracking heat units (Base 50), see “Black Cutworm Pheromone Trap Report.”
John Obermeyer
Moth flights for both black cutworm and armyworm have been impressive this spring. Unworked/untreated fields are plentiful, and so is the plant life, meaning that there has been no shortage of egg-laying opportunities for these pests. Once soils dry, there will be no luxury of time to prevent a green-bridge, that is to starve the small larvae before they switch from feeding on the dying weeds/cover crops to the emerging crop. So, should one be tempted to be proactive and add some “cheap” insecticide in with the burn-down herbicides. A few factors to consider: First, seed-applied insecticides and many varieties of Bt-traited corn offer some suppression of black cutworm. The systemic activity of the seed-applied insecticide, and/or the protein production of the Bt-corn are optimal when the corn seedling is actively growing, not so much when corn is stressed. Their performance against larger larvae, >0.5”, is greatly reduced, meaning the[Read More…]
In looking over the black cutworm and armyworm pheromone reports, it is obvious that many moths have arrived into Indiana. This, coupled with a delayed planting season, increases the likelihood that high-risk fields may experience damage.
Armyworm Pheromone Trap Report – 2019
2019 Black Cutworm Pheromone Trap Report Form
Black cutworm trap cooperators have detected that moths are beginning their traverse to Indiana this past week.
As I write this, spotty showers are moving through the state. At this time of the year, my interest is where those fronts are moving from.
A wonderful reference to understand which Bt-traited corn has efficacy against specific insects is the “Handy Bt Trait Table.” New in this update are the known insects resistant to Bt toxins.
Pest&Crop Survey for 2018.
Armyworm has been an occasional, yet unpleasant, surprise throughout this summer to those with grass crops, e.g, corn, orchardgrass, etc. One instance of late planted corn was documented in Pest&Crop 2018.17 (July 27).
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