By Adam Sisson, Corn and Soybean Initiative and Laura Jesse, Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic
Western bean cutworm (WBC) is a corn pest that has been expanding it's range across Iowa and into more eastern states. Beginning in 2003, Iowa State University set up a network of pheromone traps to monitor WBC range expansion and to provide moth emergence data to enhance scouting efforts. Pheromone trap cooperators included local seed corn dealers, private corn and soybean agronomists and others interested in pest management issues.
Cooperators are needed in 2010 to monitor traps and record data for the Iowa State University Western Bean Cutworm Monitoring Network. Anyone interested in becoming part of the monitoring network this year should send an email to wbcutworm@iastate.edu with their name, address, and email. The trapping program is explained in detail in the ICM article, Western bean cutworm: Pheromone trapping program. The 2009 trap captures were reported earlier this year in the article Summary of 2009 Western Bean Cutworm Trapping Program.
Western bean cutworm adult moth
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