Black Army Cutworm Flashcards
What hosts are susceptible to the Black army cutworm attacks?
All conifer seedlings are attacked, primarily white spruce and lodgepole pine.
Which BEC zones are most susceptible?
ESSF, ICH, IDF, and MS
What does the larvae look like?
The larvae looks black with racing stripes reaching 3-7cm in length.
Where does the larvae hide during the day?
The larvae will typically hide in the soil.
What does the adult moth look like?
Brownish in color with small black markings on the forewings.
How many eggs can a female moth lay?
She can lay just one egg, or up to 30 in large masses or weeds and debris.
What is the 3 – letter code for the Black army cutworm?
IDA!
What is the latin name for Black army cutworm?
Actebia fennica
How many generations can they make in a year?
Juan. There is one generation per year
What is the general life cycle of the Black army cutworm?
Eggs are laid on the foliage, soils, ash and hatch in the late summer. It overwinters in larvae stage and becomes active during the months of May-June.
What is the preferred food source for the hatching caterpillars?
Numerous non-conifer food plants sprouting in burned areas.
What type of sites are not prone to extensive damage?
Sites with adequate moisture and burned after September 15.
What are 3 – factors that could contribute to an outbreak?
High population, minimal herbs (optimal food source) on site, and freshly planted seedlings.
How often do outbreaks occur?
Dependant on the site, but usually at 20 year intervals.
What are the damaging impacts to the host?
Defoliation with shot holes in the foliage, damaged buds, reduced height, potential mortality, and predisposition for other pathogens and insects.
Moisture stress trees induce more significant mortality. What is the percent of mortality is for infected and moisture stressed sites?
40% mortality for moisture stressed seedlings as opposed to the 15 % mortality for no moisture stress.
Order the 3 species (PI, Sx, Fd) from least to most resistant to the Black army cutworm.
Fd - Most susceptible / Sx - Has significant mortality if more than 60% defoliated / PI is most resistant to damage.
What larvae stage can defoliate a seedling in 2 days?
The L6, especially for freshly planted seedlings.
When is the Black beast most actively feeding?
During the morning in early spring and switch to night feeding in late spring.
What sites are the most attractive for this beast?
Recently burned sites. Adult moths are attracted to burned sites to lay their eggs, so recently burned sites within one year are most attractive.
How can the pest be monitored?
The pest is monitored by pheromone traps in the summer/fall producing a low, med or high rating.
When is the most optimal time to plant after a burn?
Burn and plant in the fall. Seedlings will develop roots without having its growth impeded, providing greater resistance to the outbreak. Closely monitor spring-burned sites.
How to manage planting for cutworm damage on Dry vs. Wet sites?
Plant immediately on moist sites and delay planting for a year on dry sites to reduce losses.
Does the planting technique affect the growth and resiliency of the seedling?
Yes, minimizing the damage to the roots while planting will ensure healthy roots, reducing the potential for damage by the A. Fennica.
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