Comparison of Pheromone Trap Designs for Monitoring Z-Strain European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Several pheromone trap designs have been reported as being effective for monitoring European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner). Field experiments were conducted during 1995-1996 at Rosemount and Le Sueur, MN, to determine the most efficient pheromone trap design for monitoring Z-strain O. nubilalis males. Designs tested included several versions of the Hartstack wire-mesh cone trap, a nylon-mesh cone trap, an aerial water-pan trap, and a bucket trap. In addition to total catch, we compared the timing of O. nubilalis flights based on Hartstack and blacklight trap data. The conventional Hartstack trap, with a 75-cm base, was the most efficient pheromone trap for O. nubilalis males. There was also no significant difference between the Hartstack trap counts and the number of males captured in the blacklight trap at both Rosemount and Le Sueur during 1995. However, the Hartstack trap detection of 50% peak moth flight was delayed 4-15 d when compared with nearby blacklight traps.