Black cutworm is distributed throughout the continental United States but vary seasonally by latitude. Weed control in fallow fields is critical in late summer when cutworms are laying eggs.Black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon, is a common pest of short-mown bentgrasses found on golf course greens, approaches, fairways, and tee boxes across Pennsylvania.Delaying seeding by 10–14 days may help reduce populations by starving young larvae populations.

Minimum tillage creates a greater diversity of cutworm species, but also of the natural parasites that keep populations in check.Natural biological enemies like parasitic insects, viral diseases and bacterial infections increase after year two of an infection and can reduce populations for at least two years.The following Management Practices* are recommended: Foliar insecticide treatments may be warranted if economic thresholds are exceeded. Manage preventatively with seed treatment insecticides registered for cutworm. Fall:Ĭutworm moths lay several hundred tiny eggs on or just below the surface of loose, dry soil where they can comfortably overwinter. A hot, dry August also provides the best conditions for adult moth feeding. Very dry soil during the larval stage increase cutworm behaviour and feeding habits. Warm and dry spring weather can increase the severity of damage from cutworms. Patch spraying may be sufficient if concentrated to small areas. Act: The economic threshold is 25–30% stand reduction.Dig: When notched, wilted, dead or cut-off plants are seen, dig around the roots (up to 4' deep) for cutworms.Observe: Look for bare areas, holes and notches in foliage, and plants that are wilting, toppling over or completely cut off.Soils are warmer and soil texture tends to be lighter, which is conducive to cutworm feeding activity. Inspect seedlings every 3–4 days during the first few weeks of crop development.įocus scouting activity on south-facing slopes and hilltops. Cutworms are nocturnal and hide during the day, making detection difficult. Watch for damaged plants in June and July.

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