Corn earworms

Identification: Light green, brown, or pinkish caterpillars with faint stripes, commonly found in corn and other crops.

Symptoms: Damaged corn kernels and silk, holes in fruit, chewed leaves.

Control:

• BTK (Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki): Spray to kill earworms while sparing beneficial insects.

• Hand Removal: Manually remove worms from affected crops.

• Traps: Use pheromone traps to monitor and reduce corn earworm populations.

• Companion Plants: Grow basil or marigolds to repel earworms.