University of
Nebraska		 Ent Web Logo Department
of Entomology

Insecticides for Control of Cutworms in Wheat

Updated May 4, 2006 by Gary Hein and John Thomas

Economic Threshold:
Army cutworms: Army cutworms will climb on the wheat and graze on the leaves. Treatment thresholds are 4 or more cutworms per row foot for wheat that is in reasonably good shape, and 2 or more cutworms for wheat that is stressed. Wheat that has recovered from winter dormancy and is growing well should not require treatment unless large numbers of worms are moving into the field from surrounding areas.

Pale western cutworm: These cutworms damage wheat by cutting it off below the soil surface, hence they are more damaging than army cutworms. If more than 1-2 pale western cutworms per row foot are found on wheat they are likely to significantly reduce the tiller density where treatment would be warranted.

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; 1B = Organophosphates
  • Group 2 = GABA-gated chloride channel antagonists; 2A = Cyclodiene organochlorines
  • Group 3 = Sodium channel modulators
R = Restricted-Use Product * = Suitable for chemigation ai = active ingredient REI = Re-Entry Interval
Mode of
Action		 Product
Name		 Common
Name		 Rate Restrictions/Comments
3 R Baythroid 2* cyfluthrin 1 - 2.4 oz/A Do not apply within 30 days of harvest or 7 days of grazing. REI 12 days.
1B R Methyl 4EC methyl parathion 0.375 - 0.5 lb ai/A For climbing cutworms. Do not apply within 15 days of harvest. REI 5 days.
1B R Lorsban 4E*,
Nufos 4E*		 chlorpyrifos 1 pt/A Do not apply within 28 days of harvest. REI 24 hrs.
3 R Mustang Max zeta-cypermethrin 1.28 - 4 oz/A Do not apply within 14 days of harvest. REI 12 hrs.
3 R Proaxis* gamma-cyhalothrin 1.92 - 3.2 oz/A Do not apply within 30 days of harvest. REI 24 hrs.
2A R Multiple Formulations endosulfan See labels for rates. For army cutworms. See label for rates. Do not apply after heads begin to form. REI 24 hrs.
3 R Warrior,*
generics		 lambda-cyhalothrin 1.92 - 3.2 oz/A Do not apply within 30 days of harvest. REI 24 hrs.
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