A field crop entomologist says black cutworm pressure has increased in parts of Illinois this season and the pest could begin feeding this week.

Kelly Estes with the University of Illinois tells Brownfield several storms allowed moths to migrate this spring and based on trapping dates, larvae could start causing injury to corn plants anytime.  

“Earlier flights were in late April and early May so projected cutting dates start right around the 18th of May and a lot here in the upcoming week, particularly through the North Central part of Illinois as well as Northern Illinois.”

She says later planted fields and areas with grassy weeds are at higher risk for black cutworm feeding and plants are most susceptible from early emergence through V5.

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