Abstract The western bean cutworm, Striacosta albicosta ((Smith); Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a key pest of corn in North America. Management takes the form of the prophylactic use of transgenic corn or the application of foliar insecticides. It is generally recommended that corn is scouted for the presence of western bean cutworm egg masses. Typical thresholds state that a foliar application should be made if 5% to 8% of plants have western bean cutworm egg masses or larvae. However, it is unknown how many pest management practitioners implement these practices, as well as how they perceive alternate control methods (eg biological control) or the development of resistance to control measures. Thus, a survey was distributed to stakeholders to ascertain their thoughts, perceptions, and practices surrounding western bean cutworm management. The questions discussed topics such as demographics, ranking of problems, scouting practices, control methods, and biological control. Previous surveys have demonstrated growers tend to be less knowledgeable and confident than crop consultants. However, consultants tended to prefer a lower-than-recommended application threshold, possibly due to economic considerations. Despite these differences, both groups stated that local research trials are important for the implementation of a new practice.
Cluever et al. (Thu,) studied this question.