The Western bean cutworm weekly update ending July 24 showed high moth flight continued in southwestern Nebraska and declined in parts of the Panhandle. Scouting highly recommended for all corn across Western Nebraska and dry beans in Dundy/ Scotts Bluff Counties.
Western bean cutworm can be a serious pest in corn and dry beans.When their populations or infestations exceed thresholds, insecticide treatment is warranted, and timely application is crucial for successful management. Moth flight data can be used to inform timing of in-field scouting and treatment. However, insecticide treatment should not solely rely on moth flight data.
For corn, a match between moth flight and the late whorl to early tassel stage of corn can result in high levels of infestation. For beans, if the cumulative moth catch at the peak moth flight (50 percent emergence) per green bucket trap is < 1200, between 1200 and 1700, and > 1700, the risk of significant damage is low, moderate, and high, respectively. Note that it is a risk assessment; actual bean damage and economic risk from larval feeding require scouting.
