Cutworms

Identification: Fat, gray-brown caterpillars hiding in soil near plant bases.
Symptoms: Seedlings cut off at the stem near soil level overnight.
Control:

• Collars: Place cardboard or plastic rings around seedlings.

• Tillage: Disturb soil before planting to expose larvae.

• BT (Bacillus thuringiensis): Natural control for caterpillars.

• Nematodes: Release Steinernema species to attack larvae underground.