Brown cutworm

Agrotis munda, the brown cutworm or pink cutworm, is a noctuid moth that is native to Australia. It is a serious pest of a wide range of crops, including cereals, vegetables, and legumes.

Adult moth

The adult moth has a wingspan of about 4 centimeters. The forewings are gray-brown with a complex pattern of dark and light bands. The hindwings are white. The moth is active at night and lays its eggs on the ground near host plants.

Larva

The larva, or caterpillar, is about 2 centimeters long when fully grown. It is brown or pinkish in color with a paler underside. The larva has a distinctive brown head capsule. The larva feeds on the roots, stems, and leaves of host plants.

Damage

The larvae of Agrotis munda can cause significant damage to crops. The larvae feed on the roots, stems, and leaves of host plants. Root damage can stunt plant growth or kill the plant outright. Stem damage can cause the plant to wilt or collapse. Leaf damage can reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize.

Management

There are a number of ways to manage Agrotis munda. These include:

• Cultural controls:
  • Crop rotation: Plant different crops in the same field each year to reduce the number of overwintering larvae.
  • Deep tillage: Deep tillage can help to bury overwintering larvae.
  • Trap crops: Plant trap crops, such as wheat or barley, to attract the larvae.
• Chemical controls:
  • Insecticides: Insecticides can be used to kill the larvae.
• Biological controls:
  • Biological control agents, such as parasitic wasps and nematodes, can be used to control the larvae.

Prevention

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent Agrotis munda infestations. These include:

• Plant resistant cultivars: Some cultivars of crops are resistant to Agrotis munda.
• Monitor your crops: Monitor your crops regularly for signs of the pest.
• Remove weeds: Weeds can be host plants for the larvae.