Almost any plant can be attacked in the seedling stage. Cotton and certain vegetables sometimes have stand reductions. Climbing cutworms, such as the granulate cutworm, can be serious foliage feeders on some crops such as peanuts. Seedlings are girdled at the soil line, and stands may be significantly reduced in some cases. Foliage and peg damage occur in peanuts.
Life cycles vary among the different species.
Several generations may occur each year, but overwintering larvae and the first generation in the spring are the most damaging. Larvae overwinter in the soil, especially in grassy or weedy situations. Insecticides are effective if applied in a timely manner and directed at the soil around the base of the crop plants. A County Agent's Guide to Insects Important to Agriculture in Georgia. Univ. of GA, Col. Ag.