Professor Clemson University Florence, South Carolina
Several species of stink bugs, primarily the brown stink bug, Euschistus servus, and the southern green stink bug, Chinavia hilaris, as well as the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea, are major pests of field corn in South Carolina. Effective and efficient sampling plans are an important part of implementing integrated management strategies. Understanding the spatial distribution patterns of target pests and their interactions can significantly improve the quality of a sampling plan. In 2021 and 2022, ten commercial corn fields were selected in South Carolina representing a range of within field and surrounding conditions. A sampling grid was established in each field with one point for every 0.37 hectares of the field to sample stink bugs and corn earworm throughout the growing season. Insect numbers and injury were recorded bi-weekly from V2 through R3 and prior to harvest. Results from this study will help improve to understand the ecology and the efficiency and effectiveness of sampling plans for major pests of corn in South Carolina.