Determine the magnitude and distribution of Western bean cutworm and the risk to dry beans, in the major production areas in New York.

Abstract

Western bean cutworm (WBC) moth counts were monitored with traps at 11 dry bean fields in Western NY in 2021. Traps were located in Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Steuben, Wyoming, and Yates counties. WBC numbers continued to increase in 2021, catching the highest average moth numbers to date in the region. This year, we saw a 72% increase in average trap catch compared to last season, and a 17% increase in average trap catch from 2018 which had previously been the highest year for WBC numbers. All repeated trap locations saw similar catch numbers if not large increases this season compared to numbers caught in 2020.