Source: Dominic Reisig, NCSU COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, 7/6/16

All signs so far point to this year as being wormier than the previous three.  I started picking up yellowstriped armyworms in a light trap last week and there have been soybeans that are starting to show some defoliation- both full season and double cropped.  Here are some suggestions:

Scout your fields– no time for blanket sprays for two reasons. 1) Commodity prices dictate that you should pinch pennies where you can and 2) pyrethroid sprays can blow up worms later in the season by killing beneficial insects.

Correctly identify the pest– yellowstriped armyworms and green cloverworms can easily be killed with a pyrethroid.  Fall armyworms and soybean loopers require pricier insecticides and can very easily be confused with the previously mentioned worms.  A few seconds of ID work can save you money. 

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