Cutworms can be extremely frustrating to the grower because they are difficult to detect. They feed primarily at night and hide under debris or in cracks in the soil during the day. Cutworms develop in weedy areas, later moving into an alfalfa field. They often have stripes or spots on their back. When disturbed, cutworms curl up.
Adults are dull brown and gray moths that are nocturnal and often attracted to lights.
Management guidelines Cutworms are most injurious in fields with high plant residue. Historically, cutworms are a problem in early, spring-seeded seedling fields. Tillage prior to seeding is an effective means of preventing cutworm damage. A thorough harrowing may provide adequate control when cutworms are actively feeding in established fields. Definitive monitoring and treatment guidelines have not been developed because cutworms are a sporadic problem.