Attention:  Please refer to this updated CEW pheromone map for the weekending 9/30/20.  We were able to procure some late data from traps in the southwestern portion of the state.  These indicate a significant influx of CEW moths on the recent storm system.  At this time, these migratory individuals appear to be limited to southwestern NJ (see CEW pheromone map at left).  The blacklight network is still indicating a 3-day silk spray schedule in the northern counties, while the pheromone network is at 5-6 day.  In the south, the pheromone map is now indicating a 3 day spray schedule.  Under cold night conditions, it is possible to adhere to a more relaxed schedule, but growers should tighten up by a day if we return to warmer nights.   The number of pheromone traps deployed is much lower, resulting in much broader color bands on the map.    Additionally, several of the northern pheromone trap sites no longer have silking corn nearby.  This influences the catch, resulting in fewer moths captured.   The current population continues to be an economic threat.  It is important to use effective materials to manage this pest on silking corn.  Insecticides in the IRAC 28 class (Coragen, Besiege, Exirel) and IRAC 5 (Radiant, Blackhawk, Entrust (OMRI approved)) remain among the most useful insecticides against CEW.

The highest nightly trap catches of CEW in pheromone traps for the week ending 9/30/20 are as follows:

Silking Spray Schedules*:
South – 3 days

Central – 3-4  days

North – 4-5 days

*These recommendations are based on regional catches.  Adhere to tighter spray schedules if indicated by local trap catches.  Synthetic pyrethroids alone should NOT be used for corn earworm (CEW) protection on silking corn, or for fall armyworm (FAW) management at any stage.  Control with these materials is very inconsistent.

Note:  Next week (10/07/20) will be the final regular edition of the Vegetable IPM Update for 2020.  We will post alerts should special pest situations arise.

Sweet Corn

Corn earworm (CEW) moth captures continue to decline, although with temporary increases on warm nights.    Growers should consider this pest to still be at moderate population levels in the state, with higher risk during stretches of warmer nights.   The current population poses a significant risk to silking corn.  Green areas on this map (see map at left)   represent a 3-day spray schedule.  However, night temperatures in the 40 to low 50 F range, may permit the extension of that spray interval by a day.  For further information on CEW activity, see pheromone trap information below.

The highest nightly trap catches of CEW in black light traps for the week ending 9/30/20 are as follows:

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Sweet Corn

Corn earworm (CEW) moth captures have declined dramatically with cold night temperatures.  As nights warm again toward the weekend, we may see some recovery in adult activity.  Growers should consider this pest to still be at moderately high population levels in the state unless warmer nights indicate that the threat has diminished.     The current population poses a significant risk to silking corn.  Green areas on this map (see map at left)   represent a 3-day spray schedule.  However, night temperatures in the 40 to low 50 F range, may permit the extension of that spray interval by a day.  For further information on CEW activity, see pheromone trap information below.

The highest nightly trap catches of CEW in black light traps for the week ending 9/23/20 are as follows:

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