Black cutworms continue to cause damage to cornfields across Iowa.
Also, black cutworm adults are still being captured in traps in Ames, suggesting that eggs are being laid. Therefore, fields with corn not yet emerged may be at risk, especially if weeds are growing in the field. By now it is apparent that the black cutworm has caused more problems this year than in the past 8-10 years. These problems may well continue for several more weeks. Any young cornfield with plants in the V5 stage or smaller that has not been scouted for leaf feeding or cut plants should be scouted now.