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Why do South African corn farmers shy away from cutworms? Uncover the shocking truth about these pests!
Cutworms are the larvae of moths that hide in soil or debris during the day and come out at night to feed. These larvae most often attack the stems of plants, especially young plants, and cut them off, hence the name cutworm. Biologically speaking, cutworms are not worms, but caterpillars. Many South African farmers are terrified of these pests as they pose a great threat to crops, especially maize.
Crop losses are largely caused by cutworm gnawing, particularly in South Africa, where Agrotis segetum is considered the second-largest pest of maize.
Life habits of rootworms
Cutworm larvae vary among species; some continue to live on the severed plant, while others quickly seek out new prey after feeding. This wasteful foraging behavior leaves farmers facing staggering crop losses. Cutworms are usually active at night, and their hidden habits protect them from predators during the day.
Cutworms are considered serious pests in agriculture, especially in vegetable and grain cultivation, and their damage to corn cannot be underestimated.
Types and harm of root cutworms
The name cutworm is applied primarily to the larvae of certain Lepidoptera, especially those of the family Noctuidae. These pests are known for their aggressive feeding behavior, often causing the destruction of entire plants, with the most common including the discolored cutworm (Peridroma saucia). These pests usually feed on stems, buds and leaves, causing heavy crop losses.
Prevention and control measures
Cutworms often lie dormant in the soil during the winter, providing farmers with an opportunity for control. To reduce cutworm populations, farmers can till the soil during the winter to expose dormant larvae to predators. This method is particularly effective in grain fields.
Farmers interested in effective control may consider tilling the soil a few weeks before planting to destroy any lurking larvae as an organic management approach.
The Role of Natural Enemies
The cutworm's ecosystem is populated by numerous natural enemies, including parasitic wasps and various parasitic insects. Their parasitism rate on cutworms can sometimes be as high as over 80%. In addition, cutworms are also attacked by fungi, glandular insects and viruses, and can even become prey to ground beetles.
Coping strategies of South African maize farmers
It is vital for South African maize farmers to understand the behaviour of cutworms and how to control them. In addition to tilling the soil, farmers can use some simple physical barriers to protect their crops. These include plant guards made of aluminum or cardboard, which are effective in preventing attacks by cutworms that appear at night.
Ultimately, the golden rule is to manage your fields in a way that controls cutworm populations. Farmers must maintain healthy ecosystems and reduce the use of organic fertilizers, which will help reduce cutworm egg laying. In addition, the use of appropriate baits to reduce remaining larvae has also shown good results.
As climate change and agricultural demands change, cutworm behavior and control strategies are likely to change. Regardless, understanding the truth about the behaviour of these pests is key for South African maize farmers to face future challenges. Are you prepared to deal with these potential threats?
