MyFields

Scouting time

Damage from this pest occurs in spring and is limited to extreme western Kansas. Outbreaks usually are associated with a series of dry winters. Loose soil is preferred for oviposition, and late-cultivated, summer-fallowed fields are especially attractive to egg-laying moths. Clusters of eggs are laid in the soil in the fall and hatch in early spring. Whitish larvae feed below ground, severing plants and leading to dead spots in the field.

Sampling method

This insect tends to stay underground, so observations will need to be made using a shovel to expose any larvae.

Thresholds

Control measures are justified when two or more larvae per square foot are found. Consider higher rates of registered insecticides when populations are high.

Chemical control

Pale Western Cutworm Management Options
Insecticide	Rate
Alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac EC)	1.8 to 3.8 fl oz. (0.012 to 0.025 lb. a.i.)/acre
Beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid XL)	0.014 to 0.019 lb. a.i./acre (1.8 to 2.4 fl. oz.)
Chlorpyrifos plus zeta-cypermethrin (Stallion)	3.75 to 11.75 fl. oz./acre
Gamma-cyhalothrin (Proaxis)	0.0075 to 0.0125 lb. a.i./acre (1.92 to 3.20 fl. oz.)
Lambda-cyhalothrin (Numerous products)	0.015 to 0.025 lb. a.i./acre
Zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang MAXX, etc.)	0.011 to 0.025 lb. a.i./acre (1.76 to 4.0 fl. oz.)

Non-chemical controls

None listed.

Content authors

J.P. Michaud, Ph.D., Associate Professor, R. Jeff Whitworth, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Holly N. Schwarting, Ph.D., Research Associate

Department of Entomology, Wheat Insect Management 2015, Kansas State University, January 2015

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Pub. MF745

Disclaimers

This content may not be suitable for states other than Kansas.

Pale Western Cutworm (Kansas Wheat)