Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Black Cutworm Fact Sheet from OMAFRA

An unseasonably early tornado season in the U.S. Midwest has blown a potentially big black cutworm problem to southern Ontario farms. 


Scientific Name
Agrotis ipsilon

Identification

  • Black cutworm larvae are greyish-black with a paler underside 
  • Mature larvae are about 5 cm (2 in.) long
  • The larvae are soft and fat, and they roll up when disturbed 
  • Early-season cutworms attack the seedling plants, usually cutting them below or at the soil surface 
  • A single larva may destroy several seedlings

Often Confused With
Wireworm damage
Damping-off

Period of Activity
Warm, clear, calm nights in early spring are ideal for moths to lay eggs. Feeding occurs from early May through to mid-June. Larval activity usually coincides with early season planting and emergence.  Damage is often sporadic and appears in localized areas within a field. Most species of cutworms feed at night, hiding during the day under loose stones or in the soil near the base of the plant. Plants are most vulnerable to cutworm losses shortly after transplanting.

Scouting Notes
While walking fields, keep an eye open for wilted plants or stems that have been severed at the soil level.  Dig around the damaged plant to look for the cause of the damage.  If a cutworm is uncovered, take note of its size.  Record the percentage of wilted or cut plants within the field.

Thresholds
For most vegetable crops, the control guideline is 5% damaged plants. Small larvae (less than 1 cm or 3/8 in.) are easier to control. Large larvaestop feeding as they prepare to pupate.  Control of these large larvae is usually unnecessary.

Check the OMAFRA fact sheet at: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/IPM/english/peppers/insects/black-cutwo...

Views: 474

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Massey Ferguson Planters Focus on Precision, Flexibility and Long-Term Efficiency

Massey Ferguson planters are designed to improve crop establishment through precise seed placement, advanced planting technologies and a flexible, field-proven platform.

6 ways to protect your farm’s data

Safety protocols for technology on the farm deserve the same amount of attention as the safety protocols you have in place for operating farm machinery. Information in this technology footprint is vast and growing. Private details, such as banking and financial information and employees’ personal details, are examples of digital farm data that are crucial to running your operation and are meant to be accessible to a select few. As the use of technology on the farm increases, the amount of information grows. Malicious software, called malware, can infiltrate your computer or smartphone through viruses or spyware, damaging files and stealing information. Sometimes, those behind the infiltration will lock owners out of the computer, encrypt files and hold access for ransom. Cyber defence experts say farms, like many small and medium-sized businesses that use devices such as mobile phones and laptops for both personal and business purposes, can also be targets. Here are some steps to t

OFCAF Application Intake Pause Extended to September Due to Unprecedented Demand

RDAR, a leader in results-driven agriculture research in Canada, advises that intake for the 2026 On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) remains paused while applications are under review. Applicants will be notified as soon as decisions are made to approve or decline their applications. Producer response to this year’s intake has been exceptionally strong. RDAR has received more than 900 applications requesting over $21.2 million, far exceeding the $17.2 million available. Assessments are underway to determine which applications can be supported under program requirements and available funding. “The level of interest in OFCAF reflects Alberta producers’ strong commitment to practices that improve resilience, productivity, and environmental outcomes,” said RDAR CEO Dr. Mark Redmond. “Given the volume of applications, we are taking the time needed to complete a fair and disciplined assessment process.” Assessment Underway RDAR is reviewing submitted applications against program criteri

Will Soybeans Look Rough This June?

Is this June going to be a tough month for soybeans? In this part of the world, June usually challenges our crop but we’ve had a run of warm weather that makes it feel like we’re in North Carolina. So far, provided the crop got off to a good start, crop development has been rapid. But things change in a hurry and crop yellowing can will likely occur along with periods of slow or stunted plant growth. What’s normal and transitory and what should we worry about? Let’s look at a few issues. The Period of N Starvation – Often Forgotten All soybean plants, to a greater or lesser extent, go through a period of nitrogen starvation early in their development. This occurs at the point where the nutrition within the cotyledons, that fueled the plant up until that point, is running out and future growth will depend on the plant’s ability supply itself with nitrogen via nitrogen fixation. What is often forgotten is that nodule formation and the start up of Nitrogen (N) fixation demands a lot of

TELUS brings Optik TV to Montreal and Quebec City areas: Expanded service, bundling options and entertainment flexibility

TELUS is expanding its Optik TV service to the Montreal and Quebec City areas, giving customers access to over 300 TV channels and their favorite streaming platforms at home or on-the-go, in one flexible package. With Optik TV, customers can build their ideal entertainment lineup -- including illico+, Netflix, Crave, Disney+, Prime Video and Apple TV -- refresh their lineup every 30 days, and save money doing it. Bundled with PureFibre Internet, TELUS Optik TV customers also benefit from exclusive bundling options that enhance their connected experience, including TELUS Mobility, SmartHome Security, SmartEnergy. "Since 2010, Optik TV has been the platform Quebecers in Eastern Quebec have trusted for entertainment at home and on-the-go. Now, we're thrilled to extend that winning experience to the Montreal and Quebec City areas--delivering live sports, the most popular streaming services, original Quebec content from maCommunauté and seamless entertainment across all devices," said Nath

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service