CUTWORMS -
there are a number of different species of cutworms
occurring worldwide. They feed at night and are often
seen when cultivating around plants, curled up just
under the soil surface during the day as in the image
of the Variegated Cutworm, Peridroma saucia. Cutworms are
caterpillars; the larvae of nocturnal moths, and measure
around one to two inches in length. Some chew into
the base of the plant close to the soil surface, often
causing the plant to topple over; others climb up the
plant to feed. Depending on the species, there may
be one or more generations each year. Where they are
suspected of having caused damage, carefully investigating
the top inch or so of soil adjacent to the plant should
reveal the culprit, which can then be removed. Other
possibilities are biological controls such as Bacillus
thuringiensis (BT - said to be most effective against cutworms when
mixed with a bait of moist bran and molasses) or beneficial
nematodes. Small plants can have
"collars" made from various items placed around
their bases and pushed partly into the soil surface. Materials
such as wood ashes, crushed egg shells or diatomaceous
earth may be worth a try, sprinkled around the base of
the plants. |
