Cutworm
Cutworm (Spodoptera litura (Fab.)) larva is the damaging stage of this insect, it is brown to black that readily curl into 'C-shape' when disturbed. Young larvae feed on leaves then burrow into the soil and come out at night to feed on the plant.
What are the symptoms
On cucurbits, larva feeds on stem, leaves and midribs creating holes or bore into fruits.
On crucifers, larva feeds on stem, leaves and midribs creating holes or bore into developing heads.
On solanaceous crops like eggplant, larva feeds on fruits, stems,leaves and midribs creating holes or bore into developing heads.
In onion, larva feeds on leaves & tillers creating irregular shaped feeding patterns on plant parts.
In stringbeans, larva feeds on young shoots, developing flowers & fruits creating irregular shaped feeding patterns on plant parts.
In tomato, larva feeds on leaves, shoots, flowers and developing fruits creating irregular shaped feeding patterns on plant parts.
In tobacco, larva feeds on young leaves, developing shoots or buds and flowers creating irregular shaped feeding patterns on plant parts.
Impact to the crop
Significant reduction in quantity and quality of yield when cutworm population was not controlled in field. The marketability of the produce can be greatly affected.
How to control
√ Trichogramma parasitizes cutworm eggs; beetle larvae feed on cutworm larvae when in soil
√ Collection of larvae and light trap for adults.
√ Use of registered and recommended insecticides
Source : Dela Cueva, et. al., 2015
