Navigating the cornfield: Progress and future directions of Helicoverpa zea management

Helicoverpa zea, corn earworm, is an important pest of corn and many other crops. We will tell the story of H. zea integrated pest management (IPM), including cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control strategies and tactics. Management measures have been challenged due to insecticide resistance, as well as public demand for more sustainable farming practices. The future of H. zea management involves exploring biological control through parasitoid release, implementing precision agriculture, educating growers about refuge, collaborating with seed companies about better non-Bt seeds, and researching RNA and gene editing techniques. A cross-disciplinary approach by combining all aspects of IPM and technology will be essential for effectively managing H. zea in the future.