Black cutworm moth captures spiked again during Week 5 (April 28 to May 4). A total of 182 BCW moths were reported by our cooperators during Week 5. The most moths were reported on April 29 (81 moths), but captures were scattered throughout the week. Six significant flights occurred last week, adding to the numerous significant flights that have already occurred during the first month of moth trapping:
- April 29 – Benton County (2 sites), Boone County, Washington County, and Marshall County
- May 3 - Muscatine County
Figure 1 shows where moth traps are established throughout Iowa and black cutworm trap captures by county. Figure 2 shows the maximum 2-night capture in each county. This is an important distinction because although total moth counts tell us a bit about moth activity in the region, we determine whether a significant flight has occurred based on total captures over two nights. The red coloration on both maps indicate significant flights occurred, but Figure 2 gives a better sense of where large flights occurred even if they were not significant.
What is a significant flight? A significant flight of BCW occurs when 8 or more moths are captured over a two-night period; this serves as the “biofix” for degree-day accumulation and indicates an increased risk of black cutworm injury in corn. A degree-day model for black cutworm development predicts that larvae are large enough (4th instar or larger) to cut corn plants once 300 degree days (base 50°F) have accumulated since a significant flight occurred. I will predict cutting dates across the state by mid-May and share them on ICM News, so make sure you are subscribed! In the meantime, you can see predicted cutting dates for counties with significant flights here.
Follow the links to see reports from Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, and Week 4. You can also track moth flights, black cutworm significant flights, and projected cutting dates for Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin at https://corn.ipmpipe.org/insects/.
Surrounding states also monitor and report BCW and TAW captures. If you live near the state border, it may be beneficial to check these resources periodically. More resources may be available than what is listed here:
Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Integrated Crop Management News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on May 7, 2024. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.
- Extension Education Specialist, Entomology