Overview:

Cutworms are soil-dwelling caterpillars that feed at night and hide in the soil during the day. They commonly cut young seedlings at the soil line.

Impact:

Severed stems, missing seedlings, and patchy plant stands. Damage often appears suddenly in early spring.

Commonly Affected Crops:

Tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, cabbage, corn, and other young vegetable seedlings.

Management Tips:

• Inspect soil around damaged plants
• Use collars around transplants when planting
• Encourage beneficial nematodes and predators
• Apply approved biological or insecticidal treatments when activity is detected