DINGY CUTWORM (FELTIA JACULIFERA) PHEROMONE LURES ARE NOT HIGHLY EFFECTIVE IN ATTRACTING THE CLOSELY RELATED GRANULATE CUTWORM (FELTIA SUBTERRANNEA)
Rethwisch, M. D.1; Allan, K.W.21Farm Advisor - Crop Production and Entomology, University of California Cooperative Extension, Blythe, CA, 92225
2Student Laboratory Assistant, University of California Cooperative Extension, Blythe, CA, 92225
Abstract:
Pheromones of four differing races (A, B, C &D) of the dingy cutworm (Feltia jaculifera) were obtained to determine if any are highly effective in attracting adults of the closely related granulate cutworm moth (Feltia subterranea). The latter species can be a very damaging pest of low desert alfalfa, especially on bedded alfalfa trying to regrow after a harvest. The caterpillars feed at night and hide during day, making detection difficult. While many species of moth pest moths have commercial pheromones available for utilization in monitoring, there is no commercial pheromone available for granulate cutworm. Sets of 5 traps (Races A-D, + blank) were placed in a line along the field edge of six (6) alfalfa fields located throughout the Palo Verde Valley of California. Traps were approximately 150 feet apart to reduce pheromone scent overlap. Moths were collected from each trap twice/week during July-August, 2019, counted and recorded. Very few granulate cutworms were captured in bucket traps during 2019, even though moths were prevalent and many fields needed treatment for granulate cutworm caterpillars. No significant differences were noted for any lure. Number of moths collected from traps with no pheromone exceeded two race lures (A & D). Pheromone lures of dingy cutworm from Race A, B, C or D were not highly effective in attracting adult male granulate cutworm moths.