Dry Bean Growers – Scout for WBC NOW!

These next two weeks are critical for western bean cutworm scouting and management in dry beans.  Peak moth flight took place at the end of July and pod feeding is typically expected 10 to 21 days after peak flight.  Huron County is particularly at risk given the very high moth count for that county this […]

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It’s All in the Ears Now

I am still hearing from people who are looking for WBC egg masses on corn leaves.  But unless they are scouting very late corn that is not in tassel yet, most of the WBC will already be larvae on the tassel or more likely in the ear.  So focus on scouting the ears and tassels […]

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Fall Armyworm, True Armyworm and Others

I was sent a message today from Deb Campbell of Syngenta Seeds, that they are finding fall armyworm in corn in Grey, Perth, Oxford, Huron and Simcoe counties.  Infestations are low and the larvae are small but it is something to keep an eye on.  There could be fields with heavier infestations. Also, both Michigan […]

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Western Bean Cutworm and Beans This Week

Based on scouting observations and trap counts so far, it looks like we have finally passed the peak for western bean cutworm moth activity.  Egg masses are difficult to find now in corn which tells us that the moths are no longer interested in laying eggs in that crop…unless of course there is an extremely […]

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WBC Pod Feeding in Dry Beans Found

Jim Barclay at Hensall District Co-operative Inc. reported that an early planted otebo bean field in Tavistock has been found with WBC pod feeding injury and will be sprayed. This is a reminder to growers with early planted dry beans to get out and scout either neighbouring pre-tassel corn fields for egg masses and  if […]

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WBC Infosheets and Maps

I realize that I am bombarding you guys with WBC blog entries but we are entering a critical time for scouting and WBC management.  I don’t want to find out that you couldn’t find all of the information you needed to effectively monitor and determine if you needed to control this pest. Here are some […]

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WBC Management in Dry Beans

We are nearing or at peak flight for WBC.  This is nearly 3 weeks ahead of last year.  Much of the corn crop is starting to be less attractive for them.  Late planted fields not in tassel yet will still be their target but if those are not available, then they will move on to […]

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DO NOT Spray Field Based on Trap Counts!

I have heard of grower who is going to spray his corn next week because there have been a lot of WBC moths flying around.  This is not an acceptable practice.  Trap counts do not necessarily reflect what is going on in the field.  It simply tells us when to expect peak egg laying.  Scouting […]

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WBC Eggs Found in Fields in Ontario

I was starting to doubt my abilities to properly scout for WBC eggs, given my height.  I walked a lot of fields last year with zero success.   I was really good at finding larvae in the fall though so clearly there were eggs to be found earlier that year.  You start to feel somewhat […]

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