HPIPM:Dingy Cutworm
Author: Frank B. Peairs[1]
Field Biology and Identification
Dingy cutworms, Feltia jaculifera (Guenee), have a dull, dingy brown body with mottled pigmentation. A broad gray stripe runs along the back with light gray V‑shaped patterns on each segment. Fully developed larvae are one to 1.0 to 1.25 inches (25 to 32 millimeter) in length. The forewings of the adult moth are dark brown with bean‑shaped markings.
Plant Response and Damage
Larvae feed primarily above ground on leaves and only rarely on stems. They may cut off plants at or just below the soil surface.
Management Approaches
Chemical Control
Check fields early and control if there is more than one cutworm per square foot or if stands are reaching the lower limit for optimum plant populations. Treatment may not be necessary if most larvae are fully grown (1.0 to 1.25 inches) and therefore close to the end of their feeding period.
Product list for Dingy Cutworm:
| Pesticide | Product/Acre (Fl oz. or oz. product) | Preharvest Interval, remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Bacillus thuringiensis1,2 | See labels | 0 days. 4 hour REI. Use of a spreader-sticker is recommended. |
| beta-cyfluthrinR,1,2 | See labels | 30 days. 12 hour REI. See labels. Extremely Hazardous to Bees! |
| carbaryl1,2 | See labels | 60 days seed, 30 days grazing or harvest for forage. 12 hour REI. Extremely Hazardous to Bees! |
| chlorpyrifos 4ER,1,2 | See labels | 42 days. 24 hour REI. Do not graze. Extremely Hazardous to Bees! |
| chlorpyrifos + gamma cyhalothrinR,1,2 | See labels | 45 days. Do not graze. 24 hour REI. Extremely Hazardous to Bees! See labels for additional restrictions for individual active ingredients. |
| Cobalt AdvancedR,1 | 16 - 38 | 45 days. Do not graze. 24 hour REI. Extremely Hazardous to Bees! Maximum 114 fl oz product/acre/season. See labels for additional restrictions for individual active ingredients. |
| cyfluthrinR,1,2 | See labels | 30 days. 12 hour REI. See labels. Extremely Hazardous to Bees! |
| esfenvalerateR,1,2 | See labels | 28 days. Do not apply more than 0.2 lb ai/acre/crop. 12 hour REI. Extremely Hazardous to Bees! |
| gamma cyhalothrinR,1,2 | See labels | 45 days. 24 hour REI. Extremely Hazardous to Bees! |
| lambda cyhalothrinR,1,2 | See labels | 45 days. 24 hour REI. Extremely Hazardous to Bees! |
| BesiegeR | 5 - 8 | 30 days. 24 hour REI. Not more than 18 fl oz/acre/season. |
| zeta cypermethrinR,1,2 | see labels | 30 days. Do not apply more than 0.125 lb ai/acre/crop. Extremely Hazardous to Bees! See label for at-plant application. |
| StallionR,1 | 3.75 - 11.75 | 42 days. 24 hr REI. Extremely Hazardous to Bees! No more than 11.75 oz per application, 35.25 oz per season. |
| RRestricted use pesticide. 1Labeled for chemigation. 2Generic active ingredient, several formulations. | ||
The information herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and that listing of commercial products, necessary to this guide, implies no endorsement by the authors or the Extension Services of Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming or Montana. Criticism of products or equipment not listed is neither implied nor intended. Due to constantly changing labels, laws and regulations, the Extension Services can assume no liability for the suggested use of chemicals contained herein. Pesticides must be applied legally complying with all label directions and precautions on the pesticide container and any supplemental labeling and rules of state and federal pesticide regulatory agencies. State rules and regulations and special pesticide use allowances may vary from state to state: contact your State Department of Agriculture for the rules, regulations and allowances applicable in your state and locality.
