Black cutworm

Black cutworm (BCW) is the most damaging cutworm species in corn. Larvae sever plants from their roots, near the soil line, reducing crop stands and lowering yields. Damage from BCW is often most evident in no-till or weedy fields, especially in poorly drained areas. BCWs are migratory pests and need to reinfest the Corn Belt each year from locations in the southern United States. Storm systems carry moths north in April and May. Adult moths are blown into fields, lay eggs and produce a hatch of young larvae that cause major losses in young corn stands.

Plants that are cut below ground and larger plants that have been tunneled usually do not recover. Fortunately, HERCULEX^® Insect Protection gives you the only in-plant protection against black cutworm.

Black cutworm slide show