How to Manage Dingy Cutworms in Corn

Aug 17, 2023

Dingy cutworms, a type of caterpillar, can cause extensive damage to corn crops by feeding on the stems and leaves of young plants. Reducing yield and compromising quality, dingy cutworm presence in fields can lead to defoliation, stunting and potentially even plant death — but treating with a few commonly used insecticides intended for cutworm control in corn can help.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore:

How dingy cutworms affect corn
How to identify dingy cutworms
The regions typically affected by dingy cutworms
The timing of dingy cutworm infestations
Chemical products to control dingy cutworm

How Do Dingy Cutworms Affect Corn?

Dingy cutworm feeding habits result in severe defoliation and stunting, disrupting the crucial process of photosynthesis and hindering the plant's ability to produce energy and vital nutrients. This negatively impacts the overall vigor of corn plants, leading to delayed growth and compromised ear development.

Hanna Royals, Screening Aids, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org

How to Identify Dingy Cutworms

Dingy cutworms measure 1-1.5 inches in length when fully grown and have a dull gray or brown coloration. They have a smooth and shiny exterior, a distinct "C" shape when at rest, and a dark head capsule, which sets them apart from other pests.

Regular field scouting can allow for timely action, helping to more proactively control these pests and protect the corn crop from damage. Several indicators can help farmers identify the presence of dingy cutworms in their corn fields, including:

Cut or chewed leaves
Wilting or stunted plants
Presence of dingy cutworms, especially on lower leaves and stems

Regions Affected by Dingy Cutworms

Dingy cutworms are a persistent threat in corn-growing regions throughout North America, especially in areas with moderate to heavy rainfall like the Midwest and Great Plains. However, they can also pose a significant concern in other regions where corn is cultivated.

Canadian National Collection, The Canadian National Collection (CNC) of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Bugwood.org

Timing of Dingy Cutworm Infestations

Dingy cutworms pose a significant threat to corn crops during the early season, specifically from planting to the V6 growth stage. This critical period is when young corn plants are most vulnerable to the feeding damage caused by these pests.

Products to Manage Dingy Cutworms

When deciding whether to employ chemical products to control European corn borers, farmers should first assess the severity of the infestation and determine the economic threshold for treatment.

Once fields have reached a level of infestation at which chemical products are needed, there are a few commonly used insecticides intended for cutworm control in corn, including:

Willowood Lambda-Cy 1EC**
GCS Bifenthrin 2EC**
Chlorantraniliprole (e.g., Coragen, Prevathon)
Indoxacarb (e.g., Steward)
Zeta-cypermethrin (e.g., Mustang Maxx)

Regular scouting, monitoring and timely intervention are key to minimizing damage caused by dingy cutworms and ensuring healthy and productive corn crops.

Dingy Cutworm Crop Protection from FBN Direct®

Proactively scouting for and responding to pest presence in your fields will help reduce potential crop damage and improve yield. FBN Direct has a wide variety of effective insecticides to help address pest pressures and keep your operation on track. With transparent pricing, straightforward online ordering, detailed product labels and fast direct-to-farm delivery, FBN Direct can help you get the products you need to protect your crops.

© 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network”, “FBN”, “FBN Direct” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. This content was written by Norm℠, reviewed and edited by Mikaela Tierney.

**RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE Due to acute toxicity. For retail sale to and use by certified applicators only – NOT to be used by uncertified persons working under the supervision of a certified applicator.

FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by FBN Inputs, LLC and are available only in states where FBN Inputs, LLC is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. If applicable, please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice and excludes CA mills tax and MN ACRRA fees. Terms and conditions apply.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and state law to use any pesticide product other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered pesticide is a violation of federal and/or state law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, state and local laws. We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must have a valid applicator license to use restricted use pesticides. Please consult your state department of agriculture for complete rules and regulations on the use of restricted use pesticides, as some products require specific record-keeping requirements

All product recommendations and other information provided is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for consulting the product label or for specific agronomic, business,or professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified advisor. Neither Farmer's Business Network Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.

FBN Network