Hiding in the soil and litter by day, cutworms climb the stems of strawberries at night and feed on buds, leaves, and fruit. Because most sampling occurs during the day, check around the bases of damaged strawberry plants for cutworm larvae. Look for the larvae just under the soil surface where the plant enters the soil. You may see recent feeding at the bases of some plants. Pay particular attention to strawberry plants in older fields where cutworm damage will be most apparent.
Populations tend to build-up over the years, as a planting ages.
No economic thresholds have been established for cutworms in Manitoba strawberry fields. Spot treatments may be made if larvae are found. Comments Because their populations are slow to become established, note that treatments made one year will likely reduce damage for several consecutive years. Although good crop management will produce healthy plants that are able to resist some cutworm damage, no specific methods will prevent damage. Fall renovation tillage, after the female moths lay their eggs in August, may kill some eggs that are hidden in the soil and loose trash.