Western Bean Cutworm in corn - Scouting tips and treatment options
As the corn in northwest Kansas continues to move through the final vegetative stages of growth and tassels have just started to emerge, Western Bean Cutworm is a pest to monitor. Reports of western bean cutworm egg masses in northwest and west central Kansas began over the last week and scouting has begun.
Western bean cutworm activity in Kansas
Western bean cutworms are primarily a pest of corn in Kansas and activity is generally isolated to the western part of the state. Early detection of egg masses is important, as any chemical control needs to happen before larvae enter corn ears. When the field is almost fully tasseled, an average of 8% of plants with eggs or small caterpillars justify control measures.
Western bean cutworms are active in western Kansas
Western bean cutworm moth flights have started in western Kansas, with activity ramping up in the northwest. This pest can cause significant kernel damage in corn, but insecticide timing is critical. Applications must occur before larvae enter the ears. Learn how to scout and when to act.