Evaluation of various operational aspects for sex pheromone trapping of beet armyworm

Evaluations were conducted to determine optimum height and placement of Uni versal Moth(R) traps (Unitraps) relative to cotton and the effect of trap a ge and two killing-agent formulations for sex pheromone trapping of beer ar myworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner). Optimum height for traps operated appro ximate to 1 m outside and along the edge of a cotton field was 1.0 m above ground level when compared with 0.5, 1.5, and 2.0 m. Placing the traps 5-m outside the field in a vegetated roadside, 5 m inside or at the edge of a c otton field between the turn row and cotton did not significantly affect ca ptures. Unitraps (green cover, yellow top, and white bottom) that had been used for one growing season were as effective as new traps. Two killing-age nt formulations containing DDVP, Hereon Vaportape(R) or 2.54 cm pieces of P est Strip(R), did not differentially affect captures of beet armyworm males in Unitraps. This information should be considered in developing monitorin g or research protocols for beet armyworm sex pheromone trapping using Unit raps.