Cutworms are a post transplant pest in tobacco and are only a concern during the first 4 weeks following transplant.
What part of the plant to scout for cutworms in tobacco
Small cutworm caterpillars may create holes in leaves, but large larvae can clip the stem of plants.
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How to scout for cutworms in tobacco
Cutworms damage is generally higher at field edges and in fields which have weedy borders. Cutworms larvae are nocturnal, so areas of the field with suspected cutworm damage should be revisited in the evening or at night to confirm larval presence. Treatments will only be effective if larvae are actually present!
Cutworm thresholds
Damage from cutworms in tobacco is relatively rare and post transplant foliar insecticides can be very effective, so preventative insecticide use pretransplant is not recommended. Management is recommended if 10% of plants are clipped. If less than 10% of plants die due to insect feeding, treatment is not necessary.
