Record cutworm numbers descending on Indiana - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Record cutworm numbers descending on Indiana

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WEST LAFAYETTE -

An entomologist says Indiana farmers don't have much time to take steps to combat record numbers of crop-damaging black cutworms that have descended on the state.

Purdue Extension entomologist John Obermeyer says March storms that originated in southern states brought with them rain and numbers of black cutworm moths never before seen in the state.

With most of Indiana's corn crop already planted, Obermeyer says it's crucial that farmers start scouting their fields for the moths' larvae, which pose a threat to corn.

He says farmers need to know that seed-applied insecticides or Bt-corn can't stand up to severe infestations like those that are possible this year. Obermeyer says the key to controlling the pest is to scout early and often and to apply insecticides when the larvae are small.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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