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Member Symposium

Plant-Insect Ecosystems

Toward a More Holistic Management of the Western Bean Cutworm, Striacosta albicosta

Best practices for insecticide applications for western bean cutworm management

Wednesday, November 13, 2024
9:55 AM – 10:15 AM MST
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, 131 B, PCC
Oral Presentation

The western bean cutworm Striacosta albicosta (Smith) is a native insect in North America that is recognized as an economically important maize pest. High western bean cutworm (WBC) pressure, lack of effective Bt toxins in corn hybrids, inadequate application methods, and WBC infestation can result in devasting yield losses. 


The current management of WBC in Nebraska frequently relies on insecticide applications. Hence, most farmers apply insecticides by airplane, although spray coverage is not uniform. Some farmers apply insecticides by chemigation (using an overhead irrigation system) despite the lack of information on their efficacy against this pest. Another challenge that farmers face with WBC management is the effectiveness of foliar-applied insecticides. The efficiency and efficacy of insecticides greatly depend on application technique and timing. Additionally, exposing this pest to sublethal dosages may cause insecticide resistance.


Reports from stakeholders indicate that satisfaction with chemical applications is highly variable. To understand current chemical control practices, we distributed a survey to Nebraska corn growers, crop consultants, and professional pesticide applicators. The survey had 55 questions that covered respondent demographics, details about how aerial application and/or chemigation is practiced, and factors that they believe are leading to successful or unsuccessful applications. 


The combination of field, laboratory, and human dimensions of research can allow for a synergy in improving insecticide applications. This leads to improved stewardship of insecticide active ingredients and resistance management, reduction in the off-target movement of insecticides and impacts on non-target organisms, and improved economic viability for producers.