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Beet Armyworms

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It seems each year we have outbreaks of beet armyworm in Delaware. They are a migratory insect the moves from the south and can be a late season problem in many vegetable crops, soybeans, and forages. We are seeing them earlier this year in watermelons. The following is more information on this pest.

Beet armyworms will usually occur in high numbers on plants. Suspect beet armyworm if feeding damage tends to be concentrated around the growing point of plants. Color patterns of the larvae (caterpillars) can be quite variable. Young larvae are pale green or yellow, but acquire pale, then dark stripes as they get older and larger. Large larvae tend to be green dorsally and possess a lateral dark stripe the length of their body. Sometimes larvae are very dark. The body is completely devoid of hairs and spines. They are often found in groups and there is often webbing with droppings. The major problem with beet armyworms is that they are difficult to kill. Historically, the larvae have been resistant to the pyrethroid insecticides (Warrior, Ambush/Pounce, Asana, Baythroid, Mustang, bifenthrin, etc.), and most of the organophosphates.

We have heard a few reports of beet armyworms feeding on the rinds of watermelons. Since this insect is difficult to control, be sure to select a material that is labeled for beet armyworm (BAW) on melons such as Coragen, Intrepid, Radiant, Spintor, or Synapse. The pyrethroids will not provide effective BAW control. Be sure to check all labels for days between last application and harvest.

One variant of beet armyworm. They can be paler in color.

Information from Tom Kuhar, VPI and Joanne Whalen, UD.


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