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Extension Enables the Expansion of a Lepidopteran Monitoring Network

Agronomy & Pest Management

Beth Scheckelhoff
Extension Educator
The Ohio State University
Ottawa

Abstract

The Ohio State University began utilizing a network of Extension Educators to help monitor peak flights for the western bean cutworm (WBC) (Striacosta albicosta), whose larvae are a pest of agronomic crops, in 2016. This pest was monitored each year from 2016 to 2021. Participation in the monitoring network grew from 60 traps in 15 counties in 2016 to 100 traps in 27 counties in 2021. In addition to monitoring for WBC, six additional lepidopteran pests of agronomic importance were added to the monitoring network in 2022 and 2023. These pests included black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon), true armyworm (Pseuduletia unipuncta), European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalisi), including Indiana and New York variants), corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), and fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). The trapping network was coordinated through the Department of Entomology and conducted by county-based Extension Educators who collected data and maintained traps. Bucket traps or wing traps contained a corresponding pheromone lure for each species. Educators recorded weekly moth counts during the monitoring season. Pest updates were provided weekly via the Ohio State University Extension Crop Observation and Recommendation Network (C.O.R.N.). This network allowed team members to inform producers and encourage them to scout and make timely pest management decisions. The network has demonstrated the importance of monitoring for pests of interest as population numbers vary from year to year, resulting in changes in pest management practices. Trends in peak flight numbers for pests in Ohio, including resulting outbreaks, outreach efforts, and plans for the monitoring network will be discussed in detail.

 

Authors: Beth Scheckelhoff, Clifton Martin, Amy Raudenbush, Kelley Tilmon
  1. Beth Scheckelhoff Extension Educator, The Ohio State University, Ohio, 45875
  2. Clifton Martin Extension Educator, The Ohio State University, Ohio, 43701
  3. Amy Raudenbush Researcher, The Ohio State University, Ohio, 44691
  4. Kelley Tilmon Professor, The Ohio State University, Ohio, 44691