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Wheat Head Armyworm True or False: A Tale from the Pacific Northwest

Silvia Rondon, M. Corp, Diana Roberts, Keith Pike, Peter Landolt and, Dustin Keys (May, 2011)

Summary

Armyworm caterpillars can be a troublesome pest in cereal grains grown in the Pacific Northwest states. These caterpillars, from the genus Dargida, (previously Faronta) have caused crop damage in Umatilla County, Oregon since 2007. In 2007 and 2008 the pest caused damage to crops in Lincoln County, Washington. Researchers also noted a 35% yield loss due to the insect in 2007 and 2008 in spring wheat trials conducted by Washington State University (WSU) near Davenport, Washington (Roberts 2008, 2009a, 2009b). Bonneville County, Idaho reported damage from the pest in 2005 and 2006.