Summary of Cutworms

Life Cycle:

  • Adults: Adult cutworms are moths that lay eggs in the soil during spring and early summer. They are typically brown or gray and are nocturnal.
  • Eggs: Eggs are laid in clusters on plant stems, soil, or debris near host plants.
  • Larvae: Larvae (caterpillars) hatch from eggs within 1-2 weeks, depending on temperature and conditions.

Attack on Plants:

  • Feeding Habits: Cutworms feed on seedlings and young plants by chewing through stems at ground level, causing plants to wilt or die.
  • Behavior: They feed primarily at night and hide under soil or debris during the day, making them difficult to detect.

Plants Commonly Attacked:

  • Cutworms commonly attack a variety of garden plants, including:
    • Tomato seedlings
    • Pepper seedlings
    • Cabbage
    • Broccoli
    • Lettuce
    • Beans
    • Corn

Prevention and Treatment:

  • Cultural Control:
    • Tillage: Till soil in early spring to expose cutworm pupae to predators and the elements.
    • Crop Rotation: Rotate crops annually to disrupt cutworm life cycles.
    • Clean Garden: Remove debris and weeds where cutworms may hide during the day.
  • Physical Barriers:
    • Collars: Create physical barriers around seedlings using cardboard collars or toilet paper rolls.
    • Floating Row Covers: Use row covers to protect plants from adult moths laying eggs.
  • Biological Control:
    • Beneficial Insects: Introduce beneficial insects like parasitic wasps or nematodes that prey on cutworms.
  • Chemical Control:
    • Insecticides: Apply insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad to soil around plants as directed. These are effective against young cutworm larvae.
  • Monitoring and Early Detection:
    • Regularly inspect plants for signs of cutworm damage (wilting or severed stems) and larvae in the soil or around plants.

Affected Plants:

  • Cutworms affect a wide range of garden and crop plants, especially those with tender stems and seedlings.

By implementing preventive measures and promptly treating infestations, gardeners can protect their plants from cutworm damage and ensure healthy growth throughout the growing season.