While farmers are used to scouting for the worms outside of plants, the fall armyworm escapes detection by burrowing inside maize stems. This makes it difficult to control using pesticides. Unlike armyworm, fall armyworm feeds during the day and night, but are most active in the morning or late afternoon. Because fall armyworm prefers whorl stage corn, late planted fields should be given a high priority when scouting. The sand is rough to the skin of the fall armyworm and can kill the larvae.

Source: Standard Digital April 15, 2017 11:26 UTC