Western Bean Cutworm

The Biology and Management of Ear-Feeding Lepidopteran Pests of Corn in Nebraska January 9, 2019

A guide to Identification and management of European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), western bean cutworm (Striacosta albicosta), corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), and fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda).

Figure 1. Western bean cutworm moth (Photos by Julie Peterson)

Scouting and Treating Western Bean Cutworm July 11, 2018

Western bean cutworm egg masses have been reported on field corn in a number of locations across the state this week. Here's what to look for in the field, treatment thresholds and recommendations.

Using Degree-Day Models to Predict Western Bean Cutworm Flights June 21, 2018

By using a degree-day model, growers can account for the effect of temperature on insect development and approximate when certain insect stages will occur. See predicted cutworm flights and recommended scouting periods for 14 Nebraska locations.

Western bean cutworm larvae on an ear of corn

Efficacy of Foliar Insecticide Treatments for Western Bean Cutworm in Corn April 11, 2018

Researchers report on three years of field research in west central Nebraska where 4-14 insecticide treatments were tested under irrigated conditions.

Establishing a Western Bean Cutworm Colony in the Laboratory October 4, 2017

The western bean cutworm is an important pest of corn and dry beans in Nebraska and is a major focus of research at the Agroecosystems Entomology Laboratory at the West Central Research and Extension Center in North Platte. Because WBC has only one generation per year, researchers are now growing their own population to use in laboratory and field studies.

Scouting and Treatment Recommendations for Western Bean Cutworm July 11, 2017

Scouting is urged for Western bean cutworm in corn as moth flights are active and particularly heavy in south central Nebraska this week. This article includes trapping reports and recommendations for scouting and treatment.

Using Degree-Day Models to Predict Western Bean Cutworm Flights June 15, 2017

Learn how degree-days are calculated and used to predict insect development and specifically, what they indicate for the timing of western bean cutworm development in Nebraska this year.