Source: Dominic Reisig, NCSU COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, 5/16/19


Like 2018, true armyworm has been spotted in northeastern North Carolina wheat over the past two weeks. This infestation does not appear to be as widespread as last year, but growers should scout since infestations will be spotty.

Larvae are difficult to find and often feed at night. Look for injury on the lower leaves resembling irregular chewing, resulting in defoliation. Bird activity around fields can also be a sign that armyworm larvae are present. Visit several parts of the field and move litter, searching for larvae.

The threshold is six larvae (1/2” or larger) in two square feet. Note that wheat yield losses are highest when feeding occurs during the boot and flowering stages. During milk, potential impacts on yield drop, but can still be significant. For example, if the flag leaf is removed during mid-milk, the potential yield loss is around 10-15%. When the grain is near maturity, double the threshold.

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