This is the time of year when we start seeing worm populations increase in peanut fields. In fact, not long after my last “Peanut Update” post, I started finding more Velvetbean Caterpillars in peanut fields. The treatment threshold level of foliar feeding worms in peanut is 4 to 8 per foot of row no matter which one it is (armyworm, cloverworm, looper, velvetbean). However, properly identifying the caterpillar is important in order to decide which chemical to use.
Velvetbean Caterpillar
The Velvetbean Caterpillar has 4 abdominal prolegs. A pyrethroid insecticide will kill velvetbean caterpillars.
Corn earworm
Pyrethroid insecticides also work on corn earworm.
Worms that a pyrethroid WILL NOT control:
Green Cloverworm
The Green Cloverworm has 3 abdominal prolegs. Pyrethroids will NOT control Green Cloverworms. Products such as, Belt, Intrepid, or Spinosad should be used.
Looper
Loopers have 2 abdominal prolegs. Pyrethroids will NOT work for Loopers. Dimilin, Belt, Steward, Intrepid, or Blackhawk are the recommended options.
Fall Armyworm
Yellowstriped Armyworm
Pyrethroids will NOT control Fall Armyworms. Orthene, Prevathon, Dimilin, Belt, Steward, Lannate, Intrepid, or Blackhawk are the recommended options. Note: Orthene is only recommended for controlling Fall Armyworm.
Southern Armyworm
Belt is the only recommended product in the UGA pest management guide for controlling Southern Armyworm .
Beet Armyworm
Pyrethroids will NOT work for Beet armyworms. Prevathon, Dimilin, Belt, Steward, Intrepid, or Blackhawk are the recommended options. If you’re not 100% sure which armyworm you have, it’s probably best to use a product that kills Beet Armyworms. Those products will work for Falls also. Belt is a product that works on most all worm pest.