Cutworm
Common Name
--Scientific Name
Agrotis spp.
Issue
Insect
Causes
All common turf grasses are susceptible to damage.
Prevention
Eliminate weeds atleast two weeks before transplanting. Plough and harrow the field prior to transplanting. Make barriers to protected the transplanted seedlings( barriers made by wrapping paper, aluminium foil around base of transplant stems).
Control
Physical control-Dig near damaged seedlings and destroy cutworms. Conserve natural enemies eg. parasitic wasps and ants. Spray Bestox 10 EC when soils are moist. Farmer can also apply FASTAC.