News

Black Cutworm moths in Midwest states

Midwest growers are encouraged to be vigilant for early signs of black cutworm damage when corn seedlings emerge.

University of Illinois entomologist Mike Gray says captures of the species have been common in Illinois and other Midwestern states, including many areas of Indiana.

While the flights of the black cutworm moths have included fewer than nine caught in two days, he says there is cause for concern.

Gray says the moths are migratory insects that fly north from the Gulf States into the Midwest from March through May. They are attracted to fields “heavily infested with weeds such as chickweed, peppergrass, shepherd’s purse and yellow rocket.”  Also, late tillage and planting tends to increase the likelihood of infestations.