We are in the second week of monitoring for black cutworm (BCW) and true armyworm (AMW) moths in Ohio. Both pests are being monitored using wing traps with a pheromone lure located at the edge of corn fields.
Black cutworm
Over the past week BCW adults were on the rise in Ohio, as many monitoring counties reported moths in their traps. The adult BCW is attracted to fields with broadleaf weeds, such as chickweed (Figure 1) and purple dead nettle (Figure 2), where they will lay eggs. Eggs then hatch in 5 – 10 days, and larvae go through 6 instar stages over the next 28 – 35 days. Counties with high trap numbers should plan to scout for BCW larvae after corn is planted until V6 stage, especially in fields with a lot of broadleaf weeds (such as chickweed and purple dead nettle). For more information on how to scout BCW please visit: https://aginsects.osu.edu/sites/aginsects/files/imce/ENT_35_14 BCW.pdf
Figure 1. Common chickweed. Photo credit: Curtis Young.
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Figure 2. Purple dead nettle. Photo credit: Amy Raudenbush. |
The second week of monitoring took place from April 22nd through April 28th and monitored a total of 48 traps in 14 counties (Figure 3). Overall, we saw an increase in moths in the majority of counties compared to data from last week. This week Hardin and Muskingum counties reported an average of 7 moths or more.
Black cutworm moth map
Week 2, April 22nd to April 28th, 2024
Figure 3. Average black cutworm (BCW) moths captured from April 22nd to April 28th. The bold number on the left indicates the average moth count for the week, followed by the standard number on the right which indicates the total traps set up in that county.
True Armyworm
True armyworm was also monitored from April 22nd to April 28th using 24 traps in 14 counties (Figure 4). Counties with a weekly average of 7 moths or more included: Van Wert (17.5), Putnam (11.8), Wood (8.0) and Auglaize (7.7). Adult AMW lay eggs in grasses and rye cover crops. The eggs hatch and the feed on young corn plants. Counties with high trap numbers should monitor for AMW larvae after corn is planted, especially in areas of grassy no-till fields or fields that had rye cover crop.
True Armyworm moth map
Week 2, April 22nd to April 28th, 2024
Figure 4. Average true armyworm (AMW) moths captured from April 22nd to April 28th. The bold number indicates the average moth count for the week, and the standard number in parentheses is the total number of traps set in that county.