Heavy infestations occurred in the southeast quarter of the state in '93, and during '94, large moth flights were observed and treated by producers. BSM begin to emerge form the soil about mid July. Peak activity normally occurs about the last week of July or the first week of August.
Moths fly from last years field to the current years field.
At this time moths congregate around field margins. The moths move to fields in the mid to late bud stages. Eggs are laid on the back of the bud and the outside of the bracts. The newly hatched larvae move from these sites to the face of the flower and begin feeding on bracts and florets. In the past, the procedure for determining infestation potential is based on surveying for moths in the field early in the morning or evening.