One or more species of cutworms may be pests of soybean by cutting seedling plants and potentially reducing stand density. However, economically damaging infestations in soybean are relatively rare compared with cotton or corn. The caterpillars have four pairs of prolegs, are brown to dark grey in color, and are generally hidden below ground during the day. During the night, small larvae may chew holes in leaves. However, larger larvae may cut small plants and pull plant parts partly underneath the soil. Symptoms of injury are cut stems or wilted plants. Leaf petioles may also be cut. Cutworm damage is more frequent in reduced tillage systems and following a legume cover crop. Cutworms may become established on existing vegetation and move to emerging soybeans once this vegetation has been killed. Destroying all green vegetation at least 21 days prior to planting reduces the likelihood of cutworm damage.
Management options
| Insecticide (Trade Names) for CUTWORM | Lb Active Ingredient per Acre | Amount Formulation per Acre | Performance Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| bifenthrin (Brigade 2E, Discipline 2E, Fanfare 2E) | 0.047 - 0.10 | 3 - 6.4 oz | 9 |
| esfenvalerate (Asana XL 0.66E) | 0.03 - 0.05 | 5.8 - 9.6 oz | 8 |
| permethrin (Pounce 3.2E, Arctic 3.2E) | 0.05 - 0.10 | 2 - 4 oz | 7? |
| β-cyfluthrin (Baythroid XL 1) | 0.065 - 0.0125 | 0.8 - 1.6 oz | 8 |
| γ-cyhalothrin (Declare 1.25) | 0.0075 - 0.0125 | 0.77 - 1.28 oz | 8 |
| λ-cyhalothrin (Warrior II 2.08) | 0.015 - 0.025 | 0.96 - 1.60 oz | 8 |
| Z-cypermethrin (Mustang Maxx 0.8E) | 0.008 - 0.025 | 1.28 - 4 oz | 8 |
- Consider tank mixing an insecticide with the burndown herbicide application if this application is made within 10 days of planting.