May 9th IPM Session at BCCAC

One of the most import tasks we completed during our last IPM session was the setting of the insect traps.  Insect traps can be divided into two categories: passive and active.  Passive traps do not use a lure to attract insects. Examples of passive traps are sticky traps, pit-fall traps and water traps.  Active traps use a lure of some kind, such as color, food, light and pheromones.  The traps we set this week were active traps that use pheromones. 

What is a pheromone? Pheromones are chemicals released into the environment in small amounts through special glands in the insects.  Pheromones are species specific and may stimulate one gender or all genders.  Male moths can detect pheromones using their antennae.

A pheromone trap at BCCAC

The pheromone traps we set are for:

• Cutworms
• Corn Earworms
• European Corn Borer
• Fall Armyworm

Each week we will examine the traps and record our observations.   Our observations will be shared in this blog and used by the farmer in making pest control decisions.

Setting a pheromone trap

Bill Bamka, Rutgers County Agricultural Agent demonstrates the use of a square for measuring thresholds

Another important segment of our session was devoted to the discussion of thresholds.  For IPM,  the threshold is the level that a pest population must reach before some action must be taken.

Types of Thresholds

• Economic Thresholds
• Damage Thresholds
• Economic Injury Thresholds
• Aesthetic Thresholds 

Thresholds can vary throughout the season.  Thresholds are constantly revised as the crop reaches different development stages, as new pests appear and as the commodity prices change.  As the season progresses we will be reporting on the thresholds of the crops were are monitoring.

Using a square to evaluate ground cover

Additional Information

Antennae used to detect pheromones, find mates: moths

Insect Traps and Barriers - Cornell University

Economic thresholds - Texas A&M