If a cutworm problem is severe or persists in a nursery, the seedlings have to be protected by the application of a suitable insecticide.
Cut Worms and
Army Worms
(Lepidoptera:
Noctuidae)
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| Severe pests of seedlings in nurseries and in the
field are the larvae of Noctuidae, called cutworms
or army worms due to their voracious appetite. The naked,
grey, blackish or colourful larvae have five or sometimes
three pairs of abdominal prolegs. The phytophagous
caterpillars live in the upper layer of the soil during
the day. The caterpillars emerge from the soil during the
night and feed on their host. Typically, a young plant is
neatly cut off right above the soil but partial or
complete defoliation or bending of the seedling is also
common. Noctuidae pupate in the soil, hence Lepidoptera
pupae found in the soil of gardens quite likely belong to
this family. Many species are common and serious pests of
agricultural and horticultural significance. The cutworms
feed on foliage, but also bore fruits and other parts of
plants such as tomatoes, corn, rice, citrus, etc. Common
pests are Agrotis,
Helicoverpa, Spodoptera, Mythimna and many more. If a cutworm problem is severe or persists in a nursery, the seedlings have to be protected by the application of a suitable insecticide. |
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© Michael F. Schneider, 1999