Damaged leaves indicate damage by army cutworms. Plants may recover from army cutworm feeding if defoliation is not severe. Pale western cutworm larvae are subterranean and feed on plants below the soil surface. Because pale western cutworms cut stems, if the growing point is destroyed, the plants cannot recover from damage. Pale western cutworm infestation results in stand reduction.
Damage appears as dead or wilted tillers or plants.
As mentioned earlier, moisture can influence cutworm mortality. Records indicate that soil packing from compaction also forces larvae to soil surface. Decision-making Guidelines Early detection of damaging cutworm populations is critical. Fields should be monitored periodically beginning in late winter or early spring for cutworm larvae. Treatment thresholds are directly related to the health and vigor of the growing crop.