The common cutworm, Agrotis segetum (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a destructive pest of maize, especially in the Highveld region of South Africa. Over the three previous cropping seasons, many reports of control failure have been made throughout the region. Although there is speculation regarding insect resistance to insecticides, the observed control failures are most likely due to other factors, such as larval behaviour and environmental conditions, and, notably the presence of weeds.
WHY IS IT DIFFICULT TO IDENTIFY CUTWORM?
Identification of cutworm as the pest responsible for injury to seedlings in a particular land is difficult due to their habit of tunnelling into the soil during the day and feeding at