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Significant black cutworm moth flights in parts of Minnesota

More significant black cutworm moth flights are being reported in parts of the Upper Midwest.

Bruce Potter with the Minnesota Cooperative Black Cutworm Trapping Network says the bulk of captures are happening in south-central and southeastern Minnesota.

“One of the earliest flights came into Chippewa County, and we’ve also had a big flight into Rock County. So the western part of the state seems to be receiving a few less moths this spring.”

He tells Brownfield while the risk is higher in those areas, black cutworm populations are weather-dependent so all growers should be on the lookout.

“And I guess my advice to people is they should be out checking for stand and making evaluations for herbicides (and) that sort of thing early in the spring here now, and as soon as the crop starts coming up I’d be out there looking.”

Potter says black cutworm moths prefer unworked fields, particularly with soybean stubble.