Pest Profile

Corn Earworm (a.k.a Podworm)
Helicoverpa zea
  • Earworm caterpillar
  • Earworm moth

Pest Description

Corn earworm damage to soybeans occurs from August through September. Significant damage may occur when large larvae feed on pods consuming the developing seeds. Fields should be checked for small worms as flowering begins. Control measures should be implemented when an average of one small worm per foot of row is detected.

Source of information

J.P. Michaud: http://entomology.k-state.edu/extension/insect-information/crop-pests/soybeans/cornearworm.html

Pest photo source

Wendy Johnson, KSU Entomology