It is not usually found in the roots and, as a rule, does not feed on them, as is the case with rootworms found elsewhere. University – USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, This insect is often called the corn budworm ( Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi), which in South Carolina more accurately describes its habits than the name rootworm. Southern corn rootworm larva ( Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi) and damage to base of shoot. If damage does occur, prompt replanting will usually result in a good stand because of quicker germination. Injury can be avoided by planting late enough to get quick germination of seed, especially if the soil is rich in organic matter. Full-grown yellowish-white maggots are about 1/4-inch (6 mm) long, sharply pointed at the head end, legless, and very tough-skinned. They are most noticeable when corn fails to germinate or produces weak seedlings due to the maggots feeding in the kernels. The maggots feed on many forms of vegetable matter present in the spring. Injury is usually most severe in wet, cold seasons and on land high in organic matter. The eggs hatch and the larvae (maggots) feed and develop at temperatures as low as 40 ☏ (4 ☌). These are probably the adults of the seed-corn maggots ( Delia platura).Įggs are laid on the soil surface, where there is an abundance of decaying vegetable matter. Pest and Diseases Image Library, On sunny days in early spring, many small flies are often seen darting about, hovering, or resting on posts, fences, implements, surface trash, or the ground. Seed-corn maggot adults ( Delia platura) appear similar to small houseflies. Crumbled pieces can be scattered around the base of the plants to protect them. suspension with bran until the liquid is absorbed by the bran and then adding a small amount of molasses. At the first sign of cutworm moths, spray the plant stems and leaves with Bacillus thuringiensis ( B.t.) to kill the larvae. In addition, home gardeners can place a collar of stiff paper, cardboard, or aluminum foil around each plant for protection after transplanting it to the garden. All have huge appetites.Ĭutworm damage can often be avoided by not planting on newly broken sod or on land that was grassy or weedy the previous summer. The larvae are hairless, plump, soft-bodied caterpillars that vary in color and markings. The eggs hatch and the young larvae feed on roots and foliage of grasses and weeds, hibernate, and attack whatever vegetation is present the following spring. Each female moth lays about 1,000 eggs on the ground or on foliage in grassy or weedy fields. The moths are grayish or brown “millers” that are attracted to lights in the spring and summer. They enter the soil to become pupae (the nonfeeding stage where the larva changes to an adult form).
They start feeding in the spring and continue growth until early summer. Most species move from plant to plant on successive nights, while some remain to feed on the roots and underground stem of cut plants.Īll cutworms pass the winter as partly to fully-grown larvae (caterpillars) in the soil or under trash or clumps of grass. In either case, the top of the plant is severed from its roots, and the larva (caterpillar) that did the cutting may usually be found curled up in the soil close to the stub of the cut plant, within 2 inches (5 cm) of the surface. Several cutworm species ( Agrotis ipsilon, Peridroma saucia, Feltia ducens) are involved, but those that feed just above the soil surface or just beneath it cause most of the injury. Bottomland (low-lying land, creek bottoms, etc.) is most frequently the site of damage, although fields that are neither bottomland nor well-drained land commonly have cutworms. Black cutworm ( Agrotis ipsilon) and damage to young corn stalk.įrank Peairs, Colorado State University, Cutworms damage a few plants in most gardens every year, but some gardens are so heavily infested as to warrant control by the grower.
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