Hawaiian cutworm

The Hawaiian cutworm (Agrotis crinigera) belongs to the order Lepidoptera and the Noctuidae family. As a significant agricultural pest, it requires close monitoring due to its ability to cause rapid decline in crop health. It is particularly noted for its presence in specific Pacific regions and its impact on local agriculture.

This species is highly polyphagous, meaning it feeds on a wide variety of plants. The host range includes field crops such as corn, legumes, and various vegetable species. By consuming both seedlings and established plants, the larvae pose a continuous threat throughout the early stages of the growing season.

The life cycle involves egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Larvae are nocturnal, hiding beneath the soil or debris during the day to avoid desiccation and predators. The pupal stage typically occurs in the soil, which provides the insect with a degree of protection against environmental fluctuations and some management tactics.

The primary damage is caused by larvae cutting stems near the soil line, which often leads to the total loss of individual plants. Heavy infestations can decimate seedlings, forcing farmers to replant crops. Furthermore, older larvae can skeletonize leaves or bore into the roots and tubers, severely impacting the overall yield quality.

Effective management strategies rely on a combination of cultural and chemical controls. Maintaining clean fields by removing weeds is crucial, as weeds serve as alternative hosts. Deep tillage is an effective cultural practice to disrupt pupation sites. When populations exceed economic thresholds, targeted applications of insecticides are recommended to minimize crop damage.