Agricultural News
Armyworm Video Helps Wheat Producers Identify, Solve Problems
Thu, 15 Nov 2012 17:38:09 CST
There are several species of armyworms which can present serious problems in wheat. Dr. Tom Royer, Oklahoma State University Extension Entomologist, has prepared a new video presentation on armyworms and their control. (You can see the full presentation by clicking in the video box at the bottom of this story.)
Of particular concern currently are fall armyworms which attack from planting through frost. Royer says the infestation actually happens in the late summer and early fall. Populations can build rapidly.
The larval stage is from 21-28 days in length. This is when the worms feed and damage the crop. Royer says the larvae feed on leaves and crowns and can cause stand loss if not managed properly. The first evidence of damage is "window paning" on the plants' leaves.
The good news with fall armyworm is that a killing frost will end the infestation. Armyworms are not capable of overwintering in Oklahoma.
Royer recommends scouting fields in at least five separate locations looking for feeding damage and small, green worms on the ground. He says the threshold for treatment is two to four caterpillars per foot of row.
Unlike fall armyworms, the army cutworm can overwinter and becomes a problem in the spring. Adults migrate as moths from mountain states and lay their eggs in the fall. Larvae will live in the crop through the winter and feed at night on leaves and crowns.
Scouting for army cutworms is similar to the fall armyworm, but Royer says producers should dig through the surface of the soil as the army cutworm feeds at night and hides underground during the day.
Army cutworms are very susceptible to pyrethroid insecides which can be applied at very low rates.
Click in the video box below for more, or click here to watch the presentation on Youtube.
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