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Lep Monitoring Network Update #14 – High WBC Numbers in Eastern OH Counties

The Ohio Lep Network is continuing to monitor moth pests across Ohio. We are in our 14th week of monitoring, and we are continuing population reports for Western bean cutworm (WBC), corn earworm (CEW), and both variations of European corn borer (ECB - IA & NY).

While black cutworm (BCW) and true armyworm (AMW) monitoring for this season have both finished in June, Van Wert County, which had been seeing an increase in population numbers for several weeks after the typical peak, saw a decline in numbers for both BCW and AMW moths. Van Wert reported an average of 4.3 BCW (from last week's 8.2); and an average of 4.9 AMW (from last week’s 5.9).

For more information on these pests and many more, check out our website: https://aginsects.osu.edu

Writing on the Western Bean Cutworm
This is our seventh week reporting on adult Western bean cutworm (WBC) populations across Ohio. In total, 22 counties monitored using 72 total traps. Several counties across northern Ohio have seen decreasing numbers since last week, but there are still a number of counties reporting high numbers. The highest average reports were from Ashtabula County, with an average of 42 moths in 2 traps. Ashtabula also reported the highest number of WBC in a single trap with 50. In addition, Geauga, Lucas, and Wayne counties should all continue scouting for egg masses.

For more information on how to scout for WBC and what to look for, see Lep newsletter #11: https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2023-23/lep-monitoring-network-update-11-%E2%80%93-time-scout-wbc

Western Bean Cutworm Moth Map
July 31st – August 6th, 2023

Figure 1. Average western bean cutworm moths (WBC) captured from July 31st – August 6th. The bold number on the left indicates the average number of moths captured. The second number on the right indicates the number of traps monitored in each county. Scouting should occur when your county has an average of 7 or more moths in a week.

Counting the Corn Earworm
This is our ninth week reporting on corn earworm (CEW) populations across Ohio. This week, 10 counties monitored for CEW, using 18 total traps. Brown county, which reported 0 CEW last week, now has the highest of 10 average CEWs reported, and should scout fields for CEW.

For more information on CEW as well as the threats they pose, see our previous newsletter: https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-27/corn-earworm-field-corn-watch-molds

Corn Earworm Moth Map
July 31st – August 6th, 2023

Figure 2. Average corn earworm moths (CEW) captured from July 31st- August 6th. The bold number on the left indicates the average number of moths captured. The second number on the right indicates the number of traps monitored in each county. Scouting should occur when your county has an average of 7 or more moths.

Exhibiting the European Corn Borer
This is our twelfth week reporting on European corn borer (ECB – IA & NY) populations across Ohio. This week, 10 counties have been monitoring ECBs using 35 traps. Hardin county was the only county to report ECB-NY moths, with an average of 2. No ECB – IA moths were reported this week.

For more detailed information about the European Corn Borer visit our previous article at: https://aginsects.osu.edu/sites/aginsects/files/imce/ENT_15_14.pdf

European Corn Borer (NY) Moth Map
July 31st – August 6th, 2023

Figure 3. Average European corn borer (ECB - NY) moths captured from July 31st - August 6th. The bold number on the left indicates the average number of moths captured. The second number on the right indicates the number of traps monitored in each county for both ECB variants. No ECB – IAs reported.

Crop Observation and Recommendation Network

C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.