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Integrated Pest & Crop Management Newsletter
University of Missouri-Columbia Vol. 16, No. 7 Article 3 of 6 April 28, 2006
Numbers of moths captured in pheromone traps in central Missouri remain high (see http://www.ipm.missouri.edu). Moth captures in other locations throughout the state are much fewer in number, although windy conditions may be limiting moth flight and subsequent capture. Using the IPM Black Cutworm Predictive Model, first cutting by 4th instar black cutworm in central Missouri counties is predicted for May 9, 2006. Corn producers in the central Missouri region are encouraged to begin scouting for this pest around May 1 and continue for the next few weeks. The predictive model is based on 30-year average temperatures and may either under or over estimate the time of first cutting by black cutworm larvae depending on current weather conditions. In other regions of the state where moth captures have been limited, producers still are encourage to scout for foliar feeding and cutting from black cutworm larval. Moth captures do not always accurately reflect actual moth activity in a specific area of the state. Fields with winter annual weed cover prior to planting, heavy crop residue levels, or late planted corn are at higher risk of BCW egg laying and subsequent damage from larval feeding. It is unknown what effect dry field conditions in central Missouri may have on BCW larval populations. Seed treatments will help reduce BCW larval number, although trials conducted in Missouri suggest control to be 50 percent at best. If a rescue insecticide application is necessary for management of BCW larvae in field corn, one of the following insecticides is should be selected.
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