Cutworm Control in Maize: Symptoms, Prevention, and Effective Insecticide Guidelines
🐛 Introduction to Cutworm
Cutworm is one of the most destructive pests in maize cultivation. They are usually active at night and cut young seedlings at the base near the soil surface. As a result, the plants dry up or die, causing severe yield loss.
🌱 Time of Cutworm Attack
Cutworms generally attack between 5 to 25 days after seedling emergence. At this stage, the stem is soft, making it easy for the pest to cut the plants.
🔍 Symptoms of Attack
- Seedlings or young plants are found cut at the base and lying on the ground.
- Thick, grayish caterpillars can be seen near the base or under the soil.
- Patches of missing plants appear in the field.
- Plants are cut at night near the base.
🐛 Identifying Cutworm Attack
- Inspect the field every morning or evening.
- Regularly monitor the field from seedling emergence up to 20 days.
- As soon as cut seedlings are seen, apply appropriate insecticide or bio-pesticide.
🛡️ Preventive Measures
- Burn the field before planting to destroy cutworm larvae hiding in the soil.
- Deep ploughing helps destroy larvae present under the soil.
- Sprinkling ash around the base of plants can provide some control.
💧 Chemical Control of Cutworm
When cutworm infestation is high, insecticides containing Lambda Cyhalothrin are the most effective and economical.
🧴 Recommended insecticides (Only Available in Bangladesh):
- Boxer 2.5 EC (Eminence Chemical)
- Jaguar 2.5 EC (GME Agro)
- Super Lambda 2.5 EC (Raven Agrovet Ltd.)
- Jubas 2.5 EC (Intefa)
- Lamiron 2.5 EC (Sweet Agrovet Ltd.)
- Riva 2.5 EC (Auto Crop Care)
- Karate 2.5 EC (Syngenta)
- Lamdex 5 EC (Clean Agro)
- Lambda Green 2.5 EC (Green Bangla Agrovet Ltd.)
In addition to the above, insecticides containing Cypermethrin or Chlorpyrifos can also control cutworms, though they are slightly more expensive.
🧴 Names of Cypermethrin or Chlorpyrifos based insecticides
- Nitro 505 EC (Auto Crop Care)
- Acimix 55 EC (ACI)
- G Five 55 EC (GME Agro)
- Mortar 48 EC (National Agrichem)
- Cyne 55 EC (Amco Agricultural Industries)
- Sarter 55 EC (Raven Agro Chemical Ltd.)
Mix any of the above insecticides with water and spray on the maize crop in the afternoon or evening.
🧾 Guidelines for Insecticide Application
- Mix 1 to 1.5 ml of insecticide per liter of water and spray thoroughly on the plants and base.
- Spray in the afternoon or evening when the pest is most active.
- If needed, apply a second spray after 7–10 days.
- Always wear gloves, mask, and protective clothing during spraying.
Caution:
- Do not use excessive doses of insecticide.
- Lambda Cyhalothrin may cause slight skin irritation. Always wear protective gear and avoid spraying against the wind.
🌾 Conclusion
Cutworm can cause major damage in maize if not controlled in time. Regular field monitoring, weed control, and timely application of Lambda Cyhalothrin-based insecticides in the afternoon or evening can effectively manage this pest. If you have any comments about this blog, please let us know in the comments.
