Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook

Salsify-Armyworm

  • Facebook logo
Image related to Salsify-Armyworm
Bertha armyworm
Mamestra configurata Walker
Adult
© Ken Gray Insect Image Collection
Image related to Salsify-Armyworm
Bertha armyworm
Mamestra configurata Walker
Immature
© Ken Gray Insect Image Collection
Image related to Salsify-Armyworm
Beet armyworm
Spodoptera exigua Hubner
Adult
© Ken Gray Insect Image Collection
Image related to Salsify-Armyworm
Beet armyworm
Spodoptera exigua Hubner
Immature female adult
© Ken Gray Insect Image Collection
Image related to Salsify-Armyworm
Beet armyworm
Spodoptera exigua Hubner
Egg(s) on host
© Ken Gray Insect Image Collection

Beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua)
Bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata)

Pest description, crop damage and life history

See:

Common Pests of Vegetable Crops

Management-chemical control: HOME USE

Apply any one of these materials to the soil surface at first sign of cutworm activity. Consult label. Minimum preharvest interval (PHI) varies with crop.

  • azadirachtin (as a mix with pyrethrins)-Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • bifenthrin (as a mix with zeta-cypermethrin).
  • carbaryl
  • cyfluthrin
  • plant-derived essential oils (rosemary, peppermint, etc.)-These have some efficacy against lepidopteran larvae. Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • pyrethrins-Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • spinosad-Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • zeta-cypermethrin

Management-chemical control: COMMERCIAL USE

  • Bacillus thuringiensis (Javelin) at 0.12 to 1.5 lb/a. PHI 0 days. REI 4 hr. Acts slowly; may need multiple applications. Add an appropriate spreader-sticker to enhance control. Most effective on small larvae. Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac EC) at 0.02 to 0.025 lb ai/a. PHI 1 day. REI 12 hr. Retreatment interval 4 days. Do not exceed 0.075 lb ai/a per season.
  • azadirachtin (Neemix 4.5) at 0.14 to 0.35 lb ai/a. PHI 0 days. REI 4 hr. OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade WSB) at 0.08 to 0.1 lb ai/a. PHI 21 days. REI 12 hr. Do not exceed 0.5 lb ai/a per season.Retreatment interval 7 days.
  • bifenthrin/zeta-cypermethrin (Hero EW) at 0.04 to 0.1 lb ai/a. PHI 21 days. REI 12 hr. Retreatment interval 21 days. Do not exceed 0.45 lb ai/a per season.
  • Burkholderia spp. (Venerate XC) at 1 to 4 quarts/a product. PHI 0 days. REI 4 hr. OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • carbaryl (Sevin 4F and Sevin Baits) at 1 to 2 lb ai/a foliar and 2 lb ai/a bait. PHI 7 days. REI 12 hr. Do not exceed 6 lb ai/a per season.
  • chlorantraniliprole (Coragen) at 0.045 to 0.065 lb ai/a. PHI 1 day. REI 4 hr. Retreatment interval 3 days. Do not exceed 4 applications per crop or 0.2 lb ai/a per crop.
  • Chromobacterium subtsugae (Grandevo) at 0.3 to 0.9 lb ai/a per 100 gal. PHI 0 days. REI 4 hr. OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • deltamethrin (Delta Gold) at 0.018 to 0.028 lb ai/a. PHI 3 days. REI 12 hr. Retreatment interval 3 days. Do not exceed 0.14 lb ai/a per season.
  • GS-omega/kappa-Hxtx-Hv1a (Spear Lep) at 0.8 lb ai/a. PHI 0 days. REI 4 hr. Do not exceed 2 lb ai/a per year.
  • methoxyfenozide (Intrepid 2F) at 0.06 to 0.12 lb ai/a for early season; 0.12 to 0.16 ai/a for mid to late season. REI 4 hr. PHI 1 day. Retreatment interval 14 days. Do not exceed 1 lb ai/a per season.
  • spinetoram (Radiant SC) at 0.047 to .0.0625 lb ai/a. PHI 3 days. Retreatment interval 4 days. Do not exceed 0.219 lb ai/a per season. Limit 4 treatments per season.
  • spinosad (Success, Entrust SC) at 0.047 to 0.094 lb ai/a. PHI 3 days. REI 4 hr. Retreatment interval 5 days. Do not exceed 0.3 lb ai/a per season. Entrust SC is OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • zeta cypermethrin (Mustang) 0.04 to 0.05 lb ai/a. PHI 1 day. REI 12 hr. Do not exceed 0.3 lb ai/a per season. Retreatment interval 4 days.

Related Links

Kaur, N. (Ed.). 2024 Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook.
© Oregon State University.

Use pesticides safely!

  • Wear protective clothing and safety devices as recommended on the label. Bathe or shower after each use.
  • Read the pesticide label—even if you’ve used the pesticide before. Follow closely the instructions on the label (and any other directions you have).
  • Be cautious when you apply pesticides. Know your legal responsibility as a pesticide applicator. You may be liable for injury or damage resulting from pesticide use.

Trade-name products and services are mentioned as illustrations only. This does not mean that the participating Extension Services endorse these products and services or that they intend to discriminate against products and services not mentioned.