INSECT MONITORING PROGRAM – 2023
We are monitoring for corn earworm in multiple Virginia locations this year using the Heliothis (mesh) trap baited with the Hercon pheromone lure. These moths can damage numerous crops including sweet corn, tomatoes, cotton, soybeans and green beans. Traps of 7 or more moths per week indicate the need for intensive scouting of crops for the pest.
Thank you to all of our trap monitors.
Northampton County and Eastern Shore AREC – Led by Helene Doughty, Research Specialist Sr. | Entomology, Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center
Bill Tiver monitoring in Clover, VA (Halifax County)
Brian Currin (Montgomery County, VA)
Week July 20th – July 27th 2023 Helitothis traps have been set up in 4 locations in Northampton County as well as one location each in Accomack County, Montgomery County, and Halifax County to monitor the activity of the corn earworm moths. Pheromone bucket traps have also been set up in Northhampton County to monitor the flight activity of the fall armyworm.
| Corn Earworm Trap Location | CEW weekly moth catch 7/27/23 | Pest pressure |
| Townsend (Northampton Co.) | 4 | Low |
| Cheriton (Northampton Co.) | 1 | Low |
| Machipongo (Northampton Co.) | 2 | Low |
| Nassawadox (Northampton Co.) | 2 | Low |
| Painter (Accomack Co.) | 20 | High |
| Blacksburg (Montgomery Co.) | 10 | Moderate |
| Clover (Halifax Co.) | 46 | High |
Fall armyworm trap catch has been low so far, although it’s a little early for that tropical moth.
| Fall Armyworm Trap Location | FAW Count 7/27/23 | FAW Count 7/20/23 |
| Townsend | 1 | 0 |
| Cheriton | 0 | 0 |
| Machipongo | 1 | 0 |
| Nassawadox | 0 | 0 |