University of
Nebraska		 Ent Web Logo Department
of Entomology

Insecticides for Control of Cutworms of Sugarbeets

Updated March 12, 2003 by Gary Hein and John Hein

Economic Threshold:
Sugarbeets should be scouted early during establishment, and attention must be on the progression of emergence. One army cutworm per 20 row feet can cause significant damage so it is very difficult to detect damaging levels. Sugarbeets planted into a winter cereal cover crop are at a high risk for cutworm damage. Consider treating for cutworms when spraying herbicides to kill the cover crop. Other high risk areas include the borders of fields where the army cutworms may move out of the border grasses. Fields that have had no plant growth through the winter (grasses, winter cereals) are at minimal risk. Pyrethroid insecticides are the most effective treatment against cutworms.

This list is not inclusive. See http://www.greenbook.net or other resources for additional registrations.
This information is presented in abbreviated form. Be sure to consult the label for additional information and restrictions.

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IRAC Mode of Action Classification:
  • Group 1 = Acetylcholine esterase inhibitors; 1A = Carbamates, 1B = Organophosphates
  • Group 3 = Sodium channel modulators
R = Restricted-Use Product * = Suitable for chemigation ai = active ingredient REI = Re-Entry Interval
PHI = Pre harvest interval
Mode of
Action		 Product
Name		 Common
Name		 Rate
Formulation/Acre
(unless otherwise noted)		 Restrictions/Comments
3 R Asana XL* esfenvalerate 5.8 - 9.6 fl oz PHI 21 days; 0.15 lb ai per season. REI 12 hours
1B R Declare,
Methyl 4EC		 methyl parathion 0.5 - 0.75 pt PHI 20 days; REI 5 days.
1A R Lannate SP, LV Methomyl SP: 0.5 lb
LV: 1.5 pts		 PHI 7 days; REI 48 hrs.
1B R Lorsban 4E
Nufos 4E		 chlorpyrifos 2 pts PHI 30 days; REI 24 hrs.
1B Lorsban 15G chlorpyrifos 6.6 - 9 oz/1000 row ft Band at planting time; REI 12 hrs.
3 R Mustang 1.5 zeta-cypermethrin 4.3 oz At plant application. PHI 50 days; REI 12 hrs.
1A Sevin*
(multiple formulations)
Carbaryl 4L*		 carbaryl 1.5 lbs ai
see label for rates		 PHI 28 days; REI 12 hrs.
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