Cutworms

Noctuidae: Agrotis, Feltia, Peridroma, and related genera

Cutworms is treated as a soil-surface caterpillar complex affecting seedlings, transplants, vegetables, field crops, turf, and weeds. Larvae clip seedlings at or below the soil line, drag foliage into shelters, or chew stems and low leaves. Damage is often patchy along weedy edges or recently tilled ground.

Identification

Cutworms are stout noctuid larvae that curl into a C when disturbed. They hide in soil cracks, residue, or beneath clods by day and feed at night. The relevant host or site is seedlings, transplants, vegetables, field crops, turf, and weeds. Inspect freshly cut plants at dawn, sift the top few centimeters of soil around the stem, and use evening flashlight checks. Count cut plants and larvae per row length.

Symptoms / Signs

Larvae clip seedlings at or below the soil line, drag foliage into shelters, or chew stems and low leaves. Damage is often patchy along weedy edges or recently tilled ground. Fresh feeding carries live larvae or new frass; old scars persist.

Life Cycle / Process

Eggs are laid on weeds, soil, or low vegetation. Larvae feed through several instars, then pupate in soil; some species overwinter as larvae. Larvae cause the damage, except grasshoppers, whose nymphs and adults chew. Control works best before larvae enlarge, bore, or seal themselves in silk.

Prevention

Inspect incoming plants and propagation material for eggs, small larvae, webbing, mines, or frass. Maintain crop records that link host stage with first egg or larval detection. Priority inspection target: seedlings. Focus species or category: Cutworms.

Management / Control

Control weeds before planting, cultivate residue well ahead of transplanting, use collars in small beds, and target young larvae before clipping becomes widespread. Base action on active feeding, larval size, crop stage, and tolerance. Killing moths or butterflies after eggs are laid does not reverse existing injury. Recheck the same unit for fewer larvae and less new feeding.

Procedure Steps

1. Mark freshly clipped seedlings and inspect them at dawn. 2. Sift shallow soil and residue within several centimeters of each cut stem for curled larvae. 3. Map injury against weedy borders, recent tillage, residue, and transplant date. 4. Remove larvae in small beds and correct weed or residue bridges before replanting. 5. Apply a crop-labeled tactic only where active larvae and increasing clipping justify it. 6. Reinspect the same row length the following mornings. 7. Close the Cutworms incident only after new injury stops.

Safety Notes

Protect food, seed, packaging, workers, and Myco-Patrons during inspection and treatment. Use tamper-resistant placements where baits or traps are necessary, and keep pesticides off food-contact surfaces. Structural or termite work may require a licensed Florida pest-control operator.