Overview of insect pest activity from monitoring traps:

• Refer to the table with moth numbers indicating the average moth activity across 26 locations in Alabama. The larger the bubble, higher is the activity in the region. We have collected and removed nearly 10,000 moths in the summer of 2022 using these traps!
• The average activity of beet and fall armyworms continued to rise in small increments. These along with the cabbage loopers and diamondback moths could be some of the major pests producers may find on leafy greens and brassica crops. Multiple generations of these insects cause outbreaks in winter crops. Harvesting of summer crops also drives armyworms in search of other host plants that become infested. Slowdown of natural enemy activity with shortening day length and cooler weather can also contribute to the increased caterpillar abundance on crops; therefore, it is important to conserve natural enemies by sequential harvesting of crops, planting appropriate habitats, and reduce insecticide applications.
• The average activity of lesser cornstalk borer moth, as a drought indicators species, has nearly doubled across all locations. Activity may slow down as fall progresses.
• IPM recommendations: It is very important for producers to practice sanitation, that is, removal of excess crop debris and weeds that may harbor pests. This prevents early infestation of fall crops and slows down buildup.