Western Bean Cutworm Levels High in Michigan

Some counties in Michigan have been given the recommendation to spray their dry beans due to the high moth counts and observations of pod feeding at some locations.  Montcalm County (central Michigan) in particular is at the highest risk with some trap sites capturing over 400-500 moths in the last few weeks.  Isabella, Gratiot and Mecosta counties are also considered at risk.  Current Michigan WBC Trap Map:  http://www.msuent.com/files/WBCmapAug15.pdf

Thankfully Ontario has not yet experienced these kind of levels yet.  Current Ontario WBC Trap Map: http://www.cornpest.ca/?LinkServID=848D2ECA-188B-3AFA-083F4B11E7B95388&showMeta=0

Only one trap site near Appin has accumulated more than 50 moths so far in Ontario.  Others have been ranging from no catches to about 30 moths so far.  We have been scouting for egg masses and feeding damage at most sites that have captured moths but have not found anything yet in corn or dry beans.  However, given what Michigan is dealing with this year, I don’t think we have many more growing seasons to go before we are see levels high enough that management will be needed in at least some fields.