Beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua)
Bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata)
Western yellowstriped armyworm (Spodoptera praefica)
Black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon)
Variegated cutworm (Peridroma saucia)
Pest description and crop damage These are from the noctuidae group. Adult moths come out at dusk and have a dark grey or brown and grey forewing with a lighter gold or cream-colored underwing. Dark grey or brown or various-color moth larvae damage roots and bulbs by feeding.
Management-chemical control
- azadirachtin (Neemix 4.5) at 4 to 16 fl oz/A (0.012 to 0.049 lb ai/A). PHI 0 days. REI 4 hr. In most cases, apply at high rate. Effective on larval or immature stages only. This botanical pesticide acts slowly. Repeat in 7 to 10 days or as needed. Spray early and check for effect. Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic production.