Corn Insects

Western bean cutworm adult

Degree-days for Prediction of Western Bean Cutworm Flight

June 21, 2022
Measuring the amount of heat between an upper and lower threshold to which an insect has been exposed, degree-days models can provide a high level of precision in predicting western bean cutworm peak flight.

Read more

Seed corn maggots
Figure 1. Seed corn maggots. (Photo by Jim Kalisch)

Avoiding Injury from Seed Corn Maggot

April 7, 2021
For producers concerned about seed corn maggot, these recommendations could help reduce injury in soybean fields this year. 

Read more

western bean cutworm moth

Scouting and Treatment Recommendations for Western Bean Cutworm

July 13, 2022
Scouting should be prioritized in fields that are at the preferred growth stage for egg-laying and/or do not have the VIP3A Bt trait to protect them from western bean cutworm injury.

Read more

western bean cutworm larvae

Western Bean Cutworm Flight Predictions for 2020

June 17, 2020
The growth stage of corn during WBC flight is critical as moths prefer to lay their eggs on corn plants between the late whorl to early tassel stage. Survival of young WBC larvae is highest if they can feed on newly emerged tassel prior to moving into the ears.

Read more

CW Podcast: Late-Maturing Crops and Insects

September 13, 2019
In this month’s CropWatch Podcast Extension Educator Michael Sindelar is joined by entomologist Robert Wright to discuss insect issues in late maturing corn and soybeans.

Read more

Western corn rootworm beetle feeding on a leaf of corn

Western Corn Rootworm Beetles Emerging, Time to Scout

July 7, 2020
Western corn rootworm beetles began emerging in southeast and south central Nebraska at the end of June. Beetles emerge somewhat later in northeastern and western Nebraska.

Read more

Crop progress and conditions for corn from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service indicating predicted timing for corn growth stages (2019).

Using Degree-Day Models to Predict Western Bean Cutworm Flights

June 21, 2019
With late planting, slow emergence, and cooler summer temperatures affecting corn development, will corn be spared from western bean cutworm damage in 2019. Unfortunately, models indicate WBC growth is also delayed. See a table of predicted dates for 2019 WBC flights in Nebraska and surrounding states.

Read more

ECB adult female

Light Trap Data Available Online

June 8, 2021
UNL Extension Entomology is monitoring crop insect pests (primarily moths) using black light traps at university facilities at North Platte, Clay Center, Mead and Concord.

Read more