Thrips damage appears to be slightly lower in conservation tillage compared with conventional tilled fields. The majority of infestations have occurred in conservation tillage fields. Richard McDaniel, CEC Burke County, reported severe damage in a field trial when cotton was planted into a legume cover. In general, the risk of cutworm attack is greatest following a legume cover crop as compared with following winter weeds or a rye or wheat cover crop. Risk is also increased for cutworm attack if green residue is present at planting.
Cutworms are active at night and are either in the soil or under residue during the heat of the day.
Due to the dry soil conditions, cutworm larvae may be more difficult to find. Larvae may be deeper in the soil than normal in search of soil moisture and a cooler habitat. If a stand is threatened, a recommended insecticide should be applied as soon as possible. Grasshopper populations are high in some strip-tillage fields. Potentially, grasshoppers can cut plants and the damage may resemble that of cutworms.