EFFECT OF PHEROMONE TRAP PLACEMENT ON CAPTURE OF MALE EUROPEAN CORN-BORER (LEPIDOPTERA, PYRALIDAE) IN 3 NORTH-CAROLINA CROPS

Modified screen mesh versions of the Hartstack pheromone trap were placed within and adjacent to fields of potato, corn, and cotton to investigate the effect of trap placement on male capture during the first, second, and third flights of Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner). During the first flight in 1988, traps within potato fields captured greater numbers of males than traps outside of the field in the grass border. In 1990, total captures were few and capture rates were equal between locations. Weekly trap captures within the field were significantly correlated with weekly egg mass numbers sampled in the field in 1990. During 1989 and 1990, traps within cornfields at ear level captured greater numbers of second-flight males than traps in the field at canopy height and traps in the field border. Weekly trap captures within the field at ear and canopy level and adjacent to the field were significantly correlated with egg masses. In cotton, traps within the field captured more males than traps outside the field during 1988 and 1989, and captures were equal between locations in 1990. These results confirm that in North Carolina, 0. nubilalis males seek mates both within and outside of field boundaries and indicate the potential merit of trap placement within the field.