As crops emerge across the region, NDSU Extension is encouraging growers to monitor fields for cutworm activity. NDSU Extension Entomologist Janet Knodel said cutworms can affect nearly all major crops, particularly during the seedling stage. Specific crops are more vulnerable to the pest.”Sunflowers, peas and lentils are more susceptible because you don’t have as many plants out there in the field.” Farmers should be looking for wilted plants, bare patches and other signs of feeding damage. “Now is a great time to get out and scout and look for cutworms. They’re not active during the day, so you’ll have to look for dead plants and wilting plants.”
