2020 New York Sweet Corn Pheromone Trap Network (SCPTN)

NYS IPM Type: Project ReportIn 1993 the Sweet Corn Pheromone Trap Network (SCPTN) began monitoring the flight of European corn borer (ECB) E and Z race moths. In 1997 corn earworm and fall armyworm were added and in 2010 Western bean cutworm. In 2020 we also started trapping for the hybrid ECB at six locations. All these insect pests can cause damage to sweet corn ears in their larval stage. These pests are moths in their adult stage and can be monitored using traps baited with pheromone lures specific for each species. Traps are placed near sweet corn fields to monitor moth flights. The weekly trap catch information allows growers, consultants, Cooperative Extension and vegetable processor field staff to track the flights and make informed decisions about when sweet corn fields need to be scouted or treated with an insecticide. This project was funded in part by in-kind contributions from growers and consultants who host and check traps