How to Manage Pests
UC Pest Management Guidelines
Black cutworm: Agrotis ipsilon
Variegated cutworm: Peridroma saucia, and others
In this Guideline:
Adults are moths approximately 1 inch long with a wing span of 1.25
to 2 inches and vary widely in coloration. Eggs are somewhat flattened on top,
white to dull or off-white in color, and ribbed. They are generally deposited
in massed rows. Eggs may be deposited on crop foliage, but are frequently found
on weeds. Fully grown larvae range from 1 to 1.75 inches in length.
Cutworms are most active and cause the most damage during spring
and early summer months. The larvae normally hide under debris on the soil
surface during the day, but are active, voracious feeders at night. Some
cutworms climb into the host plant to feed, but many stay on the ground,
cutting seedling host plants off at or just below the soil surface.
Cutworms cut young plants off at the base or near the ground level. Usually, it is necessary to dig in
the soil to find cutworm larvae and to determine the extent of the infestation
and the size of the cutworms involved.
Eliminate weeds 2 weeks before planting
both within and adjacent to the field to minimize cutworm problems.
Organically Acceptable Methods
Cultural control is acceptable in an
organically certified crop.
Start inspecting plants for cutworm damage along with other pest
damage when the crop emerges. If the cutworm population is reducing the plant stand,
treat during the seedling stage. Frequently, the damage is most serious at the
edges of a field, but stand loss may occur in a spotty pattern throughout the
|When choosing a pesticide, consider information relating
to the impact
on natural enemies and honey bees
and environmental impact. Not all registered pesticides are listed. Always read label of product being used.
||(Sevin) 5% Bait
||MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 1A
||COMMENTS: Ground or air application. Avoid direct application
to lakes, streams, ponds. Do not apply when weather conditions favor drift
from treated areas. Do not contaminate water, food, or feed when cleaning equipment or disposing of wastes.
UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Dry
UC ANR Publication 3446
Insects and Mites
L. D. Godfrey, Entomology, UC Davis
R. F. Long, UC Cooperative Extension, Yolo County
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