Cutworms

Afghanistan Agriculture UC Davis eAfghanAg Cutworms Pest Identification IPM

1. There are three common cutworm varieties Granulate Cutworm: Feltia subterranean Black Cutworm :  Agrotis ipsilon Variegated C utworm :  Peridroma saucia

2. Cutworms are the larvae of various species of Noctuidae moths. They are usually green, brown, grey, or yellow, often with longitudinal stripes, up to 5 cm in length.

3. The larvae are soft and fat, and roll up when disturbed. In many climates, cutworms will winter under the soil, while they transform from larvae to  pupae. Lifecycle

4. Cutworms usually emerge in the spring, and start feeding when temperatures rise . They develop into adults (moths) in 20-40 days. Lifecycle

5. Cutworms cut seedling plants off at the soil surface, causing the plants to fall over. Crop Damage Photo: umn.edu

6. They can also occur later in the season, feeding on foliage and occasionally on fruit. Crop Damage Photo: ipm.missouri.edu Corn and Tomato Damage

7. The worms feed mostly at night. During the day they may be found curled up in the damaged fruit or in the soil clods around the plant.   Crop Damage

8. Control cutworms by tilling at least 2 weeks before planting to destroy plant residue that may be harboring larvae . Management This is especially important if the previous crop was alfalfa or other legumes, or weeds.

9. In vegetable gardens, protect seedlings with cardboard collars, screen, or protective cloth. Management Photo: joenesgarden.com A toilet paper tube or newspaper wrapped around seedling stems will block cutworms from attacking