Integrating biological and social sciences to improve western bean cutworm (Striacosta albicosta) management

The majority of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) studies analyze purely biological data. While these studies are essential for developing IPM programs, they do not consider the perceptions, practices, and decision-making processes of the farmers for whom the programs were designed. Thus, a more complete understanding may be gained by gathering qualitative and quantitative social and biological data. We used this strategy for a more complete understanding of western bean cutworm (Striacosta albicosta) management. We gathered biological data in 2020 and 2021 from seven dry bean fields in Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska. The data gathered include pheromone trap catches and dry bean injury samples. Quantitative social data were obtained from a nationwide survey released in 2022. Qualitative social data were obtained from focus groups conducted across the High Plains region. Cumulative moth captures at peak flight ranged from an estimated 691.5 to 1,656 over three fields in 2020. In 2021, moth capture ranged from 1,210 to 2,576 over four fields. Damage to the dry bean crops ranged from 0.16 to 0.86 percent of injured seeds by weight in 2020 and from 0.00 to 0.63 percent in 2021. Social data indicate that the degree of concern varies among dry bean growers and that indirect harvest may predispose dry beans to western bean cutworm damage. The increased damage is likely due to increased exposure time in the field. Social data such as this allows for a more clear understanding of how to fit an IPM program into existing practices.