In addition, armyworms can injure seedling corn that has been no-tilled into a standing grass cover crop, like rye, in fields that had intense grassy weed pressure at planting time, or even in fields of corn adjacent to fields of wheat that are maturing. Armyworm larva in wheat. Scout for armyworms in wheat in areas of the field where the stand is particularly dense. Look for the larvae by parting the wheat plants and sifting through the litter on the ground. If you find armyworm larvae, make a note, but don't overreact.
Small armyworms feed first on the lower leaves.
The caterpillars then work their way upward as they grow and consume more leaf material. Armyworms usually don't cause economic losses in wheat until they begin feeding on the flag leaves. Control of small armyworm larvae is not warranted because natural enemies and diseases may cause considerable mortality in the population. Follow all label directions and precautions. Severe defoliation of corn caused by armyworms.