Western bean cutworm (WBC) is a growing threat that creates challenges for growers across the Corn Belt. Growers may find it arduous to scout for WBC as infestations may be difficult to predict and egg masses can be hard to find.  Once WBC larvae hatch, treatments must be accurately timed in the narrow window available before larvae enter the ear. Infestations can occur in multiple areas of a field over the span of several weeks and require several scouting visits and treatments.

Moths lay masses of up to 200 eggs in the upper leaves of corn plants. The eggs mature quickly, turning from white to tan and then purple before hatching within a few days. The hatched larvae feed on tassels, pollen, and silks before they chew holes through the ear husk and devour developing kernels. Once the larvae have entered the ear, insecticide treatments can’t easily penetrate the corn husk to reach the insect. In addition to yield reductions, kernels damaged by insect feeding are left vulnerable to mold and mycotoxin development (including aflatoxin and fumonisins), leading to decreased grain quality, lower profits, and potential harm if fed to livestock. Damaged grain with mycotoxins such as aflatoxin or fumonisins may result in dockage when marketing grain, resulting in less income for growers.

Agrisure Viptera® is the only trait on the market that effectively helps control WBC, reducing feeding damage to ears and can minimize the resulting mold and mycotoxin development that would have entered insect-damaged kernels. Agrisure Viptera trait stacks offer growers better crop stand and lower levels of disease, helping to increase yield and profit potential.

Caption: Agrisure Viptera performs under WBC pressure all season long

Trait stacks available with Agrisure Viptera include Agrisure Duracade® 5222 E-Z Refuge®, Agrisure Viptera 3220 E-Z Refuge, Agrisure Viptera 3111, and Agrisure Viptera 3110.  Many options in combination with Agrisure Artesian® technology are also available as indicated by an ‘A’ at the end of the trait stack name.

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