The Destructive Cutworm

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23020, 23 April 1938, Page 10 (Supplement)

The Destructive Cutworm

QUTWORMS have boon unusually prevalent this autumn and in some areas have caused considerable loss. Although there are several species of cutworms they may bo described generally as stout, sol't-bodied caterpillars, black or slaty-brown in colour, which curl up into spiral form when disturbed. Most species sheltor in the soil by day and feed at night, but the army worm feeds during the daytime and sometimes moves in vast numbers. These strip pasture and other plants bare of foliage. Serious cutworm outbreaks often follow where areas have been flooded. The use of a poisoned bait made according to the following formula, is recommended: Paris green, lib.; bran, 241 b.; water, 2J gallons; treacle, 20oz. Lt is important that the bran and Paris green be thoroughly mixed dry and then made into a damp, crumbly mash with the water in which the treacle has been dissolved. The addition of some iinely-choppel lemons to the mash renders the bait more attractive to the cutworms. In soils where the cutworms are known to bo numerous the bait should be broadcast over the area at the rate of 20 to 301b. per acre. It should be remembered that the bait is poisonous and it should be kept out of the reach of stock. In the case of the army worm, a deep furrow with one side vertical, cut in front of the advancing caterpillars, temporarily checks their progress. Holes dug at intervals in the furrow will collect the caterpillars, which can then be destroyed by spraying with oil. The moths lay their eggs on weeds and grasses, so that the cutworms are already hatched and are in the soil when the ground is being prepared for cropping. Plants may be attacked as soon as they appear through the ground. Where cabbage and cauliflower are planted the stems may be cut through at ground level. If the stems are too tough the cutworms will climb the plants and feed on the foliage. Ihe bait can be spread along the rows of plants or broadcast through the crop.