There are three different European corn borer (ECB) areas in southwestern Ontario – a 1-generation (univoltine) area, a 2-generation (bivoltine) area, and an overlap area that has both univoltine and bivoltine populations (Baute, 1999). Degree Days (DD) are heat accumulations using a base temperature (i.e. a minimum temperature required for development). A DD model was validated to predict flight patterns of ECB in southwestern Ontario (Baute, 1999). This model gives us an idea when ECB flight begins, peaks and ends based on moth captures and can be used to guide scouting efforts and management decisions. Below are the estimated accumulated DD for ECB in some regions of southwestern Ontario.
Please find attached the estimated accumulated degree days (DD) for European corn borer (ECB). There are three different European corn borer (ECB) areas in southwestern Ontario – a 1-generation (univoltine) area, a 2-generation (bivoltine) area, and an overlap area that has both univoltine and bivoltine populations (Baute, 1999). Degree Days (DD) are heat accumulations using a base temperature (i.e. a minimum temperature required for development). A DD model was validated to predict flight patterns of ECB in southwestern Ontario (Baute, 1999). This model gives us an idea when ECB flight begins, peaks and ends based on moth captures and can be used to guide scouting efforts and management decisions. Below are the estimated accumulated DD for ECB in some regions of southwestern Ontario.
Essex & Chatham-Kent Areas (2-generation/bivoltine area): As of Wednesday, June 14, DD accumulations were approximately 295 in Harrow, 325 in Windsor, and 259 in Ridgetown. Peak flight of the 1st generation has begun near Windsor, and will likely begin soon in the next few days in Harrow and Ridgetown, depending on temperatures. Populations of the 1st generation will be greatest during peak flight. Be sure to monitor for ECB by getting your black light traps or pheromone traps set up and train your scouts for signs of larval entry holes in the peppers.
London & Sarnia Areas (overlap area): As of June 14, the DD accumulations were approximately 267 in London, and 231 in Sarnia. For the 2-generation population, peak flight of the 1st generation will likely begin in the next week or two, depending on temperatures. Populations will continue to increase until peak flight. Start planning for ECB monitoring by getting your black light traps ready and training your scouts for signs of larval entry holes in the peppers. First flight of the 1-generation population is likely a week or two away.
Vineland Area (1-generation/univoltine area): As of June 14, the DD accumulations were approximately 241. First flight is likely a week or two away. Start planning for ECB monitoring by getting your black light traps ready and training your scouts for signs of larval entry holes in the peppers.
N.B. Warm, calm evenings are best for flight which usually begins shortly after sundown and ceases by midnight. High winds, thunderstorms and temperatures less than 180C (650F) can delay or stop egg-laying outdoors. Also, grassy areas or areas of dense vegetation are best for mating activities which usually begins by 10 p.m., peaks at 1 a.m., and ends at dawn. So please remember to clear the areas around the greenhouse of grass and other vegetation.
ECB flights have been confirmed in Chatham-Kent based on moths captured in pheromone-baited traps by a University of Guelph research team. For more information on pheromone trap catches, the Great Lakes and Maritimes Pest Monitoring Network is a helpful resource (look under moth counts): here
For more information on monitoring for ECB: here