Research on the Flight Dynamics of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner
in Maize Crops from the Transylvanian Plateau

Adina Tărău¹, Camelia Urdă¹, Ana-Maria Vălean¹, Felicia Mureșanu²,
Laura Şopterean¹, Loredana Suciu¹, Florin Russu¹, Felicia Chețan¹

¹Agricultural Research and Development Station Turda
²Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences
“Gheorghe Ionescu-Şişeşti”, Bucharest

Keywords: maize, Helicoverpa armigera Hübner, pest monitoring, abundance, polynomial regression.

Abstract: Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is one of the most important pests of maize crops, with a wide geographical distribution and a high capacity to adapt to different climatic conditions. Through the activity of its larvae, the species causes direct damage to the female and male inflorescences, and indirectly promotes fungal infections, leading to significant economic losses. Under the pedoclimatic conditions specific to the Transylvania Plateau from Romania (approximately 45°15′-47°00′ N latitude and 22°00′-25°30′ E longitude), information regarding the population dynamics of Helicoverpa armigera is limited, indicating the need for local studies to support the integrated pest management strategies.
Monitoring adult flight represents an essential step, as it provides the basic information needed to make accurate decisions regarding the timing and type of interventions, thereby preventing yield losses and reducing control costs. One of the most effective methods is the use of pheromone traps. In this regard, a study was carried out at the Agricultural Research and Development Station (ARDS) Turda during the period 2022-2024, using FUNNEL-type pheromone traps installed in maize crops. The experimental data regarding the abundance and flight dynamics were statistically analyzed using polynomial regression, based on the main climatic variables: minimum temperature, maximum temperature, relative air humidity, and minimum air humidity.
The results of the study revealed a significant influence of climatic conditions on the flight dynamics of Helicoverpa armigera adults, with higher abundance recorded in years characterized by high temperatures and dry periods. Minimum temperatures between 13-15°C and maximum temperatures between 23-28°C favored the flight dynamics, whereas extreme temperature and high relative humidity had a negative effect on the catches. These results highlight the importance of climatic conditions in population dynamics, and based on the four analyzed climatic parameters. Based on the four analysed climatic parameters warning bulletins can be developed to support the adoption of the most appropriate management decisions.