Watch For Western Bean Cutworm In Ontario Corn Fields

The next two to three weeks are key for scouting and managing Western Bean Cutworm for the bulk of the Ontario corn crop.

OMAFRA’s Tracey Baute points out WBC damage was more widespread in Ontario last year than in previous years.

Scouting involves inspecting 20 plants in five areas of the field, focussing on the top three-to-four upper leaves of the plant.

The WBC eggs are the size of a pin head, pearly white when first laid and shaped like a tiny cantaloupe.

Baute recommends spraying if 5 per cent of the plants have eggs or small larvae.

In other words – 5 eggs found on 100 plants inspected.

Baute also reminds growers that if spraying is needed, it should be timed to minimize bee exposure.