As rain is blown in and we are experiencing cooler temperatures in Northeast Texas, Fall Armyworms become a concern for our hay producers. This hot and dry summer has left producers scrambling to find winter forage options for herds and we have received rain the past few weeks that has worked wonders on our hay meadows and pastures. This rain can come with its own set of issues however, as the risk of fall armyworm infestations will increase.
Fall Armyworms are a risk to bermuda grass pasture, sorghum, corn, wheat, and rye. The larvae spend the first 2-3 weeks of their life cycle feeding, until they reach the last phase of development leaving them at between 1 and 1.5 inches long. When they reach this size, they can create the most destruction, consuming 80% of the foliage they will eat in their lives. Following this, they retreat underground to enter their pupal stage prior to emerging as the Fall Armyworm moth. A female Fall Armyworm moth can lay upto 2000 eggs per night, and there will be 4 to 5 generations of Fall Armyworm moths each year. Scouting for the Fall Armyworm larvae is a key component to controlling the damage they can do. Larvae can be found feeding in the crop canopy during late evening, early morning, and during cool, cloudy weather. On hot, sunny days, you will have to look closer to the ground to find the larvae. If fields are we with dew, walking your fields with rubber boots on will allow the larvae to stick to your boots and is also a handy way to scout. If you find 2-3 larvae in a 1 square foot section, it is likely at the economic threshold to treat your fields. If you fields are close to harvest, it is normally more economical to do so. They army worms will die due to lack of forage. If you fields are not close to harvest, you have several insecticide options available to limit the damage to your crop. If you opt to apply insecticide, it will be most effective if applied early in the morning or late in the evening with larvae are most active. This will also help to limit pollinator exposure to pesticides. If you are using insecticides, be sure that you completely read and follow all label instructions. For more information, contact the Cass County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 903-756-5391.
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August 2022
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