What pest is often monitored using a pheromone trap in corn fields?

The European corn borer is commonly monitored using a pheromone trap in corn fields due to its lifecycle and behavior. Pheromone traps are designed to attract specific pests, and in the case of the European corn borer, they effectively lure adult males, allowing for monitoring of their population levels. This pest can be particularly damaging as it burrows into corn stalks and ears, leading to significant yield losses.

Pheromone traps work by utilizing synthetic versions of the mating pheromones released by female European corn borers to attract males. Monitoring these traps can help farmers make informed decisions regarding pest management strategies, including the timing of potential insecticide applications.

In contrast, other pests mentioned do not rely on pheromone traps for monitoring in the same effective manner. For instance, while western corn rootworm is an important pest in corn, it is usually monitored through other means, such as sticky traps or soil sampling, rather than pheromone traps. Similarly, black cutworms and soybean aphids have different monitoring techniques and behaviors, making them less suited to pheromone traps compared to the European corn borer.