Corn Insects

Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda.

lar

Full grown larva.

dam

Typical damage to corn.


Damage from the fall armyworm occurs in midsummer. Larvae cut large holes in whorl-stage leaves. Later, large holes may be cut in the stalks at the nodes. Control at the whorl stage is usually not practical and should not be attempted unless 75 percent of the plants are infested. Control may be justified on silking-stage corn if small larvae are detected before they have tunneled into the shanks and ears. Spray should be directed toward the ear zone to reduce ear droppage caused by shank feeding. The performance of some products, where the label allows, may be improved by chemigation. Note that corn hybrids with Herculex I insect protection are resistant to fall armyworm damage.

Please consult the most recent Corn Insect Management Guide for control options.

Page last updated Nov. 5, 2013 by J.P. Michaud.