Variegated cutworms now in soybean

Abstract

<p>Variegated cutworms continue to cause problems in Iowa. As noted in previous ICM newsletters, the variegated cutworm has greatly delayed the regrowth of many alfalfa fields across Iowa. Now the variegated cutworm is being found in young soybean fields and the cutworms are eating all the leaves, reducing the plants to stubs. Serious defoliation has been reported from several areas. Doug Johansen, Monsanto Concept Farm, Atlantic, reports stand loss in Monona and Pottawattamie counties. Mark Kouba, New Century FS, Gladbrook, has reported stand loss in Marshall and Tama counties. The photograph shows a soybean field in the Ute area defoliated by this insect.</p>