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April 29, 2024St. Joseph, Mo. | By: Jeremy Werner
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Corn growers are being urged to keep an eye out for black cutworms in their fields. Recent moth flights indicate the possibility of cutting in area corn fields, so scouting is crucial.
Black cutworms tend to gravitate towards specific environments, such as low-lying fields, areas near vegetation like streams, grass strips, and weed fields, as well as fields with heavy residues and winter annual weeds.
Detecting initial feeding can be challenging, but it's recommended to treat when cutworms are three-fourths of an inch or less, and when 2-3% of corn seedlings show signs of wilting or cutting, up to the 5-leaf stage.
Since cutworms may be localized, adjust your scouting efforts to focus on areas they're likely to inhabit.
During wet conditions, cutworms may be visible above the soil line, while during dry spells, they may feed beneath the soil, causing wilting. Take the time to inspect plants carefully to identify any insect-related issues.
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