Helicoverpa reports and trapping network

Native budworm (Helicoverpa punctigera) has been reported in early peas in the Mitchellville area. They are currently only feeding on the green leaf and not on pods.

The spring trapping network

The SARDI Entomology Helicoverpa moth pheromone trap network is currently being organised to help identify when Helicoverpa flights occur this spring. Understanding the timing of moth flights can provide:

• early warning of potential caterpillar activity in crops
• insight on when to monitor for target size caterpillars.

Flights of native budworm moths are not an indication that control is needed in paddock. Early sprays based on moth flight numbers alone will not be beneficial as target size caterpillars won’t be in the paddock and won’t be controlled. Always monitor actual insect pressure before deciding on management.

At each location, we are separately trapping the two common Helicoverpa species:

• native budworm (H. punctigera)
• corn earworm (H. armigera).

Once the network is finalised and set up, we will provide weekly updates of moth trapping data during spring – watch the PestFacts Twitter for updates.

How you can help

Do you have pulse crops that you regularly monitor? Join our network of volunteer trappers and help strengthen our insights.

If you are happy to set up and monitor moth pheromone traps weekly, get in touch today. We are particularly looking for pulse monitoring from:

• Lower Yorke Peninsula
• Kangaroo Island
• Mallee.

If you would like to be part of the trapping network or would like more information, please contact:

Rebecca Hamdorf
Mobile: 0429 547 413
Email: rebecca.hamdorf@sa.gov.au.