Early Armyworm and Thrip Control

Armyworms, either true or fall, in whorl of knee high corn in Mobile County. Pyrethroid is suggested for control.

Cotton planted April 10-12 at Prattville, Alabama is putting on first true leaf bud this week. Remember thrips control with seed treatments drop sharply at 21 days after planting (which with the cool nights in 2013) is about the time that thrips control is really needed.

The best timing for foliar thrips control is when plants are putting on the first true leaf bud. Acephate (Orthene or generic) is one of the most effective treatments.

Our objective should be to push the plant to about the 5^th true leaf stage as fast as possible. We want the largest and healthiest plant possible when we reach the 5^th true leaf. For that reason, the timing of a foliar spray is more effective at the 1^st true leaf than a spray at the 3^rd, 4^th or 5^th true leaf.

Just remember that what we see as far as thrips injury above ground is also happening below ground with the root system. We don’t want these plants, with 1000-1500 lb. yield potential, to start off with a stunted root system.

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True Armyworms Spotted in Early April

True Armyworms were reported on April 2^nd feeding on rye near the Wiregrass Research Station (near the Headland, AL airport), in Henry County. This insect had previously been reported from the Coastal Bend of Texas to South Georgia and as far north as Kentucky. The larvae feed mostly at night and may not be found in daylight hours until digging into the soil surface debris. The larvae vary from green to brown with lighter stripes on their sides and back. In some ways they look similar to Fall armyworms.

These caterpillars can cause extensive damage below the crop canopy before they are detected. Controls are suggested when 4 to 5 larvae per square foot are found and feeding is heavy on the lower leaves. It is important to protect the flag leaf.

Most all insecticides labeled for small grains will provide adequate control. They are not as hard to kill as fall armyworms in cotton. However, good coverage is important, especially when making applications by air.