Record number of cutworms chew through control technologies
Multiple species of cutworms have descended upon Indiana cornfields in record numbers this spring and have been chewing right through corn control technologies. Farmers should be scouting their fields for damage. (Photo courtesy of John Obermeyer)
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Multiple species of cutworms are abundant in Indiana cornfields right now, and a Purdue Extension entomologist says Bt traits and seed-applied insecticides are providing only suppression of the insects - not control.
John Obermeyer has received numerous reports of emerging corn that has been damaged by cutworms and he says growers need to be scouting their fields - especially the newly emerging corn - to determine if rescue foliar insecticides are necessary.
"Black cutworm is not the only species of cutworm present and damaging fields," Obermeyer said. "We've received many reports of claybacked cutworm, as well. This species overwinters as a partially grown larva, so it is larger when corn is emerging, as compared with black cutworms, which begin their annual Indiana cycle as eggs in the spring."
Black cutworm is the only species labeled for control on these particular traited-seeds, but larvae one-half inch long or longer are not controlled by Bt proteins. Other species of cutworms also are eating through this built-in protection, leaving rescue treatments the grower's responsibility.
"As we've learned in the past and are hearing again this spring, the seed-applied insecticides provide only suppression of cutworms," Obermeyer said. "They likely do a fine job of suppressing light to moderate infestations, but severe infestations are not controlled – even by the higher rate."
Corn growers may need to apply a control if they find that 3-5 percent of the seedlings in a field have obvious foliar feeding or plant cutting and live larvae can be found while digging around damaged plants.
Obermeyer said higher label rates of insecticides should be considered if the soil surface is crusty and most of the cutworm activity is below ground.
Purdue Extension's "Corn Insect Control Recommendations – 2011" offers a list of foliar fungicides for rescue control. The free publication is available online at https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-219.pdf
More information about cutworms is available in the Purdue Extension Pest and Crop Newsletter at https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/pestcrop/
Writer: Jennifer Stewart, 765-494-6682, jsstewar@purdue.edu
Source: John Obermeyer, 765-494-4563, obe@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page