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Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK |
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Oklahoma Alfalfa |
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Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK |
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Oklahoma Alfalfa |
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DAMAGE BY VARIEGATED CUTWORM |
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| During April, adult moths of the variegated cutworm emerge from overwintering pupae and lay eggs in alfalfa fields. Typically, larvae hatch and feed on foliage while growing to a length of ½ to 1" before the first harvest is taken. However, feeding by small larvae in the first crop is often not noticeable. The most serious damage by this species typically occurs in early May on new growth for the second crop. Like the army cutworm, the variegated cutworm feeds at night and seeks shelter by tunneling into soil or gathering beneath windrows during daylight hours. Consequently, damage will be most severe beneath windrows where the cutworms have found shelter. In the most severe infestations, the cutworms may delay growth of the second crop by 2-3 weeks. Additional information on control of cutworms can be found in OSU Extension Facts #7150.
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| Richard Berberet,
Alfalfa Entomologist Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology Oklahoma State University |
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