Predicting cutworm and armyworm pressure is difficult. But without predictive tools (monitoring of adult moths, crop scouting, and detection of larvae), cutworm and armyworm attacks are only noticed too late, when the most severe damage has already been done. Here are some factors that affect activity levels: Cyclic booms and busts of pest population levels… Continue reading
.pdf is NOW AVAILABLE for download . The full version of: “ARMYWORMS AND CUTWORMS IN OREGON CROPS: A comprehensive guide to identification, ecology, and management of common species” is expected to be published early summer, and will include more species, as well as notes on scouting, host plants, activity in the landscape, etc. This is… Continue reading
Africa looks to biocontrol to reduce fall armyworm problems Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) has been a devastating pest of cereal crops in Africa since 2016, when it was introduced from the Americas. It has since spread to over 20 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Just this year, it was found in India as well. Fall armyworm… Continue reading
…Over the past 2 weeks, I have started to detect Noctua pronuba in pheromone traps. There is a commercial lure available, and I have some of those deployed currently, but honestly, have just as good of luck tracking them as non-targets in other armyworm traps. In 2017, there were 2 apparent activity periods, which matches… Continue reading
Enigmatic: adjective resembling an enigma, or a puzzling occurrence, situation, etc.; perplexing; mysterious. Euxoa: genus of moth, with over 120 species in the PNW, characterized by extreme difficulty in identification due to polymorphism, sexual dimorphism, and wide variation between individuals. Identifying Euxoa moths by external morphology is extremely difficult. Forewing shape can provide a clue,… Continue reading
As we endure the College World Series rain delay, let’s take time to learn about a different type of strike. (A segue stretch, I know)… Mamestra configurata Walker, bertha armyworm, is native to North America and is a major pest of canola, so most published literature reports on damage and economic thresholds in Brassica rapa… Continue reading
A regional trapping network of true armyworm moths. We are doing this project in partnership with Tillamook Cty. Extension and Northwest Agricultural Consulting, to provide advance warning for dairymen and pasture owners. Link to current data and graphs (http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/cutworm/tillamook-ext-data/2019-2/) –
This week, there were Noctua pronuba moths found in traps throughout the valley. Although we are not specifically trapping for them at this time, their presence should be considered a cautionary tale. As we know from years past, where there is one, there are many. This moth is easily recognizable by 3 main features: Large… Continue reading
The summer of 2017 is proving to be quite the year for crop pest activity. A regional monitoring program called VegNet produces weekly activity reports for 10+ species that occur in this region. Many of the pests monitored are moths. Adult moths lay eggs on host plants, eggs develop into caterpillars, and caterpillars damage crops.… Continue reading
Cutworms and Armyworms of the PNW: Mythimna unipuncta, Dargida procintus, Dargida diffusa, Spodoptera praefica, Mamestra configurata, Apamea cogitata, Peridroma saucia Slides advance ~ e. 5 seconds. Hover mouse to pause [slideshow_deploy id=’102′] Scientific Name: Noctua pronuba Common Names: Large Yellow Underwing (adult) Winter Cutworm (larvae) Slides advance ~ e. 5 seconds. Hover mouse… Continue reading