THE AG SIDE
During the month we have seen a large outbreak of armyworms develop in pastures throughout the Milam County.
With the recent rains, cooler temperatures, followed by warmer weather conditions couldn’t be more perfect for an outbreak.
In fact my phone has been ringing off the hook the past few days with questions on what to do and how to treat for armyworms.
For those lucky enough to have received some of the recent rains it probably seems as if you went to bed one night and woke up the next morning with a pasture full of new, and unwelcome, neighbors.
With the recent drought followed by the recent rains we are set up for an army-worm infestation. Be alert for signs.
The armyworm moths will be the first sign to look for and the best time to see them will be late evening and morning.
The best place to see the moths will be around hay fields and such. Even if you do not see the moths start scouting for the armyworm caterpillar about a week to 10 days after your first rain received and continue scouting for at least 2 to 3 weeks.
The life cycle can be a little unpredictable so keep a vigilant watch.
After short hay supplies this spring we cannot afford to let armyworms steal grass we produce this fall.
Larvae of fall army-worms are green, brown or black with white to yellowish lines running from head to tail.
A distinct white line between the eyes forms an inverted “Y” pattern on the face. Four black spots aligned in a square on the top of the segment near the back end of the caterpillar are also characteristic. Armyworms are very small (1/8 inch) at first, cause little plant damage and as a result often go unnoticed.
Larvae feed for 2-3 weeks and full-grown larvae are about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long.
Given their immense appetite, great numbers, and marching ability, fall armyworms can damage entire fields or pastures in a few days.
Once larvae are more than 3/4-inch long, the quantity of foliage they eat increases dramatically.
During their final 2-3 days of feeding, armyworms eat 80% of the total foliage consumed during their entire development.
If practical, apply insecticides early in the morning or late in the evening when armyworm larvae are most active and therefore most likely to come into contact with the insecticide spray.
If the field is near harvest, an early harvest, rather than an insecticide treatment, is an option.
More detailed information can be found at the County Extension Office. 100 East First Cameron, TX 76520.
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