Cutworms Could Be More Of A Problem For Corn This Year

An insect that likes to feed on young corn plants may be more of a problems for farmers this year than usual.

Agris Cooperatives Agronomist Dale Cowan says that’s because of this year’s weather and field conditions.

He says the cutworms had ideal conditions and some adult moths were blown into Southwestern Ontario by early thunderstorms.

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Cowan says the next few days will be critical for farmers to check their fields for damage.

He says the cutworms can kill the plant.

After the corn plant has more than five leaves the worms stop feeding on it.

Corn growers are being warned about cutworms this spring.

Agris Cooperatives Agronomist Dale Cowan says the weather and field conditions have been ideal for the insects this year.

Crop specialists are advising growers check their corn fields, especially in areas that were weedy earlier in the season.

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Cowan says once the corn gets more than five leaves the cutworms will stop feeding on it.

An Agris Cooperatives agronomist says corn growers should be checking their fields for cutworm damage.

Dale Cowan says the insects had ideal conditions this spring and some adult moths were blown into Southwestern Ontario by early thunderstorms.

He says there’s an opportunity to control the insects over the next week or so.