Includes alfalfa looper (Autographa californica)
Pest description and crop damage The adult moth is grayish to light brown, with front wings displaying a characteristic teardrop mark. Mature larvae are about 1 inch long, light green, and have pale heads. They move in a looping fashion.
Management-chemical control
- azadirachtin (Aza-Direct, Atrevia 3% SL)-Aza-Direct at 0.015 to 0.021 lb ai/A; Atrevia 3% SL at 0.015 to 0.03 lb ai/A. REI 4 hr. PHI 0 days. OMRI-listed for organic use.
- Bacillus thuringiensis (Xentari, Biobit, BT NOW, Javelin, Dipel, Bioprotec, Leptrotec)-See product labels for rates. PHI 0 days. REI 4 hr. Add an appropriate spreader-sticker to enhance control. Most effective on small, actively feeding larvae. OMRI- listed for organic use.
- chlorantraniliprole (Coragen, Prevathon, Shenzi 400SC, Vantacor, Plaid SC) at 0.045 to 0.098 lb ai/A. Max rate for Prevathon is 0.067 lb ai/A. PHI 0 days. REI 4 hr. Do not exceed 0.2 lb ai or 4 applications per calendar year
- methoxyfenozide (Intrepid 2F, Engame, Troubadour 2F, Vexer DRV, WithStand, Insurgent) at 0.06 to 0.16 lb ai/A. PHI 7 days for hay; 0 days for forage; livestock can enter and graze on treated area immediately after application. REI 4 hr. Do not exceed 0.5 lb ai/A/per year. Do not make more than one application per cutting.
- zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang, Mustang Maxx, Cortes MAXX)-Mustang at 0.028 to 0.05 lb ai/A; Mustang Maxx or Cortes MAXX at 0.014 to 0.025 lb ai/A. PHI 3 days for cutting and grazing; 7 days for seed. REI 12 hr. Do not apply more than 0.05 lb ai per cutting or 0.15 lb ai per season of Mustang or 0.025 lb ai per cutting and 0.075 lb ai per season of Mustang Maxx. Retreatment interval 7 days.