Black cutworm and True armyworm

There have been intense catches of black cutworm and true armyworm moths with our field corn pheromone-trapping network in both Eastern and Western NY. We have caught a lot of black cutworm moths near Amenia, NY in Dutchess County. There have been several intense catches of black cutworm and true armyworm near Seneca Castle and Linwood in Western NY. There have not been enough degree days yet for he eggs to hatch. It is best to keep a close eye on fields over the next few weeks. Remember if your corn is not planted yet and you till the soil and moths have laid eggs it will have little to no effect on the insect in the field. The moths will lay eggs on grassy weeds in fields. Once the weeds have been eliminated, they can focus on your corn. Make sure to get out and scout for both these insect pests. Black cutworm and true armyworm can do a lot of damage if in high numbers and undetected.

Information on Black Cutworm

https://cals.cornell.edu/field-crops/corn/insects-corn/cutworms

Black Cutworm Moth-Photo by Jaime Cummings

Black Cutworm Damage

Information on True Armyworm

https://cals.cornell.edu/field-crops/corn/insects-corn/armyworms

True Armyworm

True Armyworm Damage

Field Crops Pheromone Trapping Network Interactive Map

Black Cutworm Degree Day Accumulations

*Intense Catch is over 15 moths in a week.

True Armyworm Degree Day Accumulations

*Intense Catch is over 15 moths in a week.

Alfalfa Weevil

Alfalfa weevil adults should be in fields laying eggs. There should be very few larvae present in fields. In the next week or so larvae should be present. Start gearing up to scout alfalfa fields.

For more on alfalfa weevil please view the link to management information:

https://cals.cornell.edu/field-crops/forages/insects-forage-crops/alfalfa-weevil

Alfalfa Weevil Adult

Alfalfa Weevil Degree Day Accumulations from March 1 to May 8

Alfalfa Weevil Life Stage Development

Growing Degree Days for peak (50%) occurrence of stage

*48 degree F base temperature