Army Worms March Into Potter County

Farmers in Potter County are in full throttle planting crops and harvesting hay. Amidst all the work spring brings to this area, farmers have been plagued with an extreme challenge... Armyworms. These pests of corn, hay, wheat, oats and turf grass are known for consuming every leaf in sight. These caterpillars have hatched in areas across Clearfield, Jefferson Elk, Potter and in surrounding New York Counties. There have been no reports in McKean County, but do to the nature of this widespread event, they may be out there. Armyworms are a devastating pest that overpopulates the Northeast only a few times in a farmer’s lifetime. This is precisely the reason producers must be out scouting for these pests that predominantly feed at night. Their destruction is characterized by feeding only on the edges of leaves, eventually devouring the entire plant, leaving only stalks and midribs. Controls for these pests are limited and rescue treatments after the damage is visible are the only option at this time. For assistance evaluating pest damage, contact Nicole Santangelo, Agronomy Educator with Penn State Extension at 814-274-8540. Stay ahead of the game by subscribing to our free Field Crop News sent to your email inbox weekly at http://extension.psu.edu/field-crop-news/subscribe.