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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Wapato, Washington » Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #330614
Research Project: Systems Approach for Managing Emerging Insect Pests and Insect-Transmitted Pathogens of Potatoes

Location: Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research

Title: Integrated pest management for the wheat head armyworm complex in the Pacific Northwest

Author
item ROBERTS, DIANA - Washington State University
item RONDON, SILVIA - Oregon State University
item Landolt, Peter

Submitted to: Oregon State University Extension Publications
Publication Type: Government Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/29/2017
Publication Date: 6/29/2017
Citation: Roberts, D., Rondon, S., Landolt, P.J. 2017. Integrated pest management for the wheat head armyworm complex in the Pacific Northwest. Oregon State University Extension Publications. PNW 696.

Interpretive Summary: Cutworms, armyworms, and loopers are caterpillars that damage numerous crops, including potato, when they feed on foliage, fruits, stems, and roots. Growers need better information on those species that should be of concern on different crops, so that the pests can be detected and monitored for effective pest management. Researchers at the USDA, ARS Yakima Agricultural Research Laboratory, Wapato, WA, in collaboration with scientists at Oregon State University and Washington State University, are determining the identity of moth caterpillars that cause significant damage to crops in the Pacific Northwest. Trapping of armyworms in eastern Washingon revealed the presence of both Dargida terrapictalis and the closely related wheat head armyworm, Dargida diffusa. This new information is provided to growers, along with a description of the insects’ life history and monitoring recommendations.

Technical Abstract: Cutworms, armyworms, and loopers are caterpillars that damage numerous crops, including potato, when they feed on foliage, fruits, stems, and roots. Growers need better information on those species that should be of concern on different crops, so that the pests can be detected and monitored for effective pest management. Researchers at the USDA, ARS Yakima Agricultural Research Laboratory, Wapato, WA, in collaboration with scientists at Oregon State University and Washington State University, are determining the identity of moth caterpillars that cause significant damage to crops in the Pacific Northwest. Trapping of armyworms in eastern Washingon revealed the presence of both Dargida terrapictalis and the closely related wheat head armyworm, Dargida diffusa. This new information is provided to growers, along with a description of the insects’ life history and monitoring recommendations.