Podisus maculiventris
The predatory Podisus maculiventris bug serves as a powerful yet eco-friendly biological control agent against destructive caterpillar and beetle pests that threaten greenhouse and field…
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Cutworm
Cutworms (Agrotis spp. and related species) are the larval stage of several noctuid moths that feed at night and hide in soil or plant debris during the day. These caterpillars are notorious for cutting young seedlings at the soil surface, but they may also feed on roots, stems, and leaves of many crops. They are particularly damaging in vegetable gardens, field crops, and nurseries, where they can quickly destroy young plants and reduce establishment rates.
Adult cutworm moths are brown to gray, medium-sized moths with mottled wings. While they do not cause plant damage, they lay eggs in soil, weeds, or crop residues. The emerging larvae are smooth, plump caterpillars, usually gray or brown, that curl into a C-shape when disturbed.
Recognize the signs of infestation
Check for severed seedlings and dig around soil to find larvae.
- Cut seedlings: Young plants severed at the soil line are the most typical sign of cutworm activity.
- Wilting seedlings: Damaged stems may remain attached but constricted, leading to wilting and collapse.
- Feeding at night: Plants may look healthy by day but show severe damage the next morning.
- Soil hiding spots: Larvae often hide just below the soil surface near damaged plants.
- Leaf and stem feeding: Some species climb plants at night to feed on foliage, buds, and developing fruits.
- Bare patches in fields: Infestations create irregular bare spots where seedlings have been destroyed.
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