Economic and Biological Evaluation of Pheromone Trap Types for Western Bean Cutworm, <i>Striacosta albicosta</i> , Monitoring in Dry Edible Bean Fields

ABSTRACT Monitoring pest populations is essential to integrated pest management. However, adopting tools like pheromone traps is often stymied by a lack of clear information. For instance, one may use different trap types and change lures at various frequencies. Furthermore, the correlation of trap capture with crop damage may be unclear. Additionally, a perceived lack of need, high cost, and time commitment may reduce trap use. Therefore, this study focuses on Striacosta albicosta (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), western bean cutworm monitoring in dry bean to determine the (1) effectiveness of four trap types on the number and timing of moth capture, (2) the relationship amongst moth catch, crop damage, and insecticide timing, (3) the ideal pheromone change frequency, and (4) trapping cost and labor. Trap types were compared on three (2020) and four (2021) fields in Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska, USA. Insecticide application timing was compared on three of these fields in both years, and S. albicosta damage was assessed. The bucket trap caught the most moths in three of four fields in 2021. Unfortunately, there was a low correlation between S. albicosta counts and feeding damage. Insecticide application after peak moth flight was more effective at reducing feeding damage than an application before canopy closure, where sufficient pest pressure occurred. In summary, pheromone trapping is a poor predictor of S. albicosta damage in dry bean; however, it can facilitate accurate insecticide timing. Further, manual trapping techniques remain the most effective and cost‐efficient, with further efficiencies realized with pheromone replacements at 4‐week intervals.