Black Cutworm Moths Arrive

Black Cutworm Moths Caught in Area Traps, Scout Emerging Corn
Seems like Black Cutworm like cool, wet weather and there have been moth flights into our area. The flights have been just short of what is called "intense" by Integrated Pest Management Specialist at the University of Missouri but in my experience, these are much higher numbers than I typically catch in my traps and along with other local trappers.
Black cutworm is one of the most common pests that attack small corn. Black cutworms do no over-winter in Northwest Missouri but migrate northward on southerly winds in the spring from southern U.S.
The flights typically begin in mid-March and run through mid-May. Cutworm injury may last much longer depending on the time of corn planting. Delayed plantings are attractive to moths.
Corn is typically vulnerable as its starts its early growth. As the stalks become larger, the worms tend to leave the corn plants alone. Cutting may last from two to three weeks in a local area.
Cutworms are attracted to fields that have winter annual weeds. They like to lay their eggs in the green vegetation. Also, they prefer low lying corn fields such as those on river and creek bottoms. We have caught moth flights in upland locations this year. I encourage everyone to keep a close eye on their corn crop and watch for this pest.
For more information, contact Wayne Flanary, Regional Agronomist, University of Missouri Extension at 660-446-3724.