What is considered an intense black cutworm capture?
An intense capture occurs when nine or more moths are caught during a 1- to 2-day period. Following an intense capture, it is important to keep track of heat units. After 300 heat units (base 50°F) have accumulated (beyond an intense capture), black cutworm larvae have the potential to begin cutting plants. Black cutworm larvae must reach the fourth-larval instar to begin their cutting activity. Before this stage of development, early instars feed on leaves, creating small holes on the leaf surface. Cornfields most susceptible to cutting and economic losses are those with plants at the 4-leaf stage of development.
