Interrelations of Damage to Wheat and Feeding by the Pale Western Cutworm, Agrotis orthogonia Morrison (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

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Abstract
Larvae of the pale western cutworm, Agrotis orthogonia Morrison, were fed on wheat in the laboratory, greenhouse, and in field plots. Larvae did not completely sever the plants until the third-instar. The rate and amount of damage varied directly with size and densities of larvae, temperatures above 15 °C., and soil moisture; and inversely with the age and size of the wheat plant. The findings were related to field conditions to appraise potential damage and the necessity of insecticides for crop protection. Possible procedures are discussed for evaluation of the efficiency of various chemicals in the laboratory and in field plots.