Since 2007 Ohio State University Extension has been monitoring the progression of Western Bean Cutworm moths as they move from the mid corn belt areas to the east. The first moth catch was in 2007 for Fulton County and the state. In 2008 we caught 13 moths in Fulton County and 105 in Northwestern Ohio. As of August 3rd we have caught 37 moths in Fulton County and 212 in the Northwest Ohio.Western Bean Cutworm is an economic pest on corn in western states feeding on the ear and more specifically the grain on the developing and mature ear. This pest has a greater capacity to feed than our traditional corn earworm because multiple larvae survive in the case of Western Bean Cutworm versus one larvae per ear with corn earworm. A full description of WBC can be found in this fact sheet from Wisconsin.
We should not expect economic problems from this pest in 2009 but might see evidence of feeding which would be a first time for Ohio. The feeding of larvae on the ear is the most identifiable stage. If you are out in corn this year, whether it is sweet corn, popcorn or field corn and see holes through the husk and multiple worms feeding on the ear please call the extension office 419-337-9210 or send an e-mail to labarge.1@osu.edu. We want to confirm this activity so we can modify recommendations and future monitoring programs.
Dr Ron Hammond has produced a video on identification of injury from Western Bean Cutworm based on a visit to Michigan to observe the injury in 2008.
Pictures in this article are from a University of Nebraska posting on the web.
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