By Clint Schroeder – OSU Extension Allen County
OSU Extension will be monitoring for Western Bean Cutworm (WBC) moths again during the 2020 growing season. Western bean cutworm moths overwinter in the soil and emerge as adults in late June or early July. Adults then mate and lay eggs in clusters on the top surface of the upper third of a corn plant. The eggs require five to seven days to develop, during which time the egg color changes to tan and then to purple immediately before hatching. As the eggs hatch the larvae will look to feed on the exposed tassels and then make their way into the husks to feed on the developing corn ear. Scouting is critical as larvae that hatch prior to tasseling have a low survival rate, and larvae that have entered the husk will be protected from insecticide applications.
Western Bean Cutworm Moth
The WBC monitoring program is a state-led initiative to better understand insect populations, and develop management recommendations for growers. Moths are trapped by placing pheromone traps at the edge of corn fields throughout the county, and checked on a weekly basis beginning late June and proceeding through August. By tracking the moth flights we can predict when to ramp up field scouting to look for egg masses and larvae. Each week, WBC numbers will be published in the C.O.R.N. newsletter, and shared in this blog.
Western Bean Cutworm Trap
In Allen County we are looking to expand our monitoring capacity. We are looking for a farm in the Bluffton-Beaverdam-Rockport area, and another farm located north of Elida between Delphos and Gomer. By adding traps in these areas we will have coverage in all corners of the county to help make more precise recommendations to growers. If you are interested in participating please email me at schroeder.307@osu.edu