Corn earworm (CEW) activity has increased significantly as of this Tuesday (8/9/23). While some trap numbers (blacklight and pheromone) in the northern counties are not excessively high, there have been much higher counts almost everywhere, with a number of very high trap catches. The number of pheromone traps reporting since the beginning of the week is low, but what we have indicates that silk spray schedules should tighten at this time. Blacklight catches in parts of Middlesex, Mercer and northern Burlington counties are all indicating 3 day silk spray schedules at this time. Areas south of this should adjust to that interval as well. Northern areas, with the exception of some parts of Hunterdon and Somerset counties are somewhat lower. Morris, Warren and Sussex counties should manage with 4 day schedules for now. All is subject to change and will be updated when we have further trap catch information.
The highest nightly pheromone trap catches of CEW for the period ending 8/10/23 are as follows:
| Tabernacle 275 | Georgetown 16 |
| Elm 71 | Dayton 11 |
| South Branch 44 | |
| Snyder Farm (Hunterdon) 32 |
Silking Spray Schedules*:
South – 3 days
Central – 3 days
North – 4 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.
