e21904ee_Cotton_Insect_Scouting_Methods__Scouting_Method
[Insect Species] Beet Armyworm [Scouting Method] 
Beet armyworms lay eggs in clusters on undersides of leaves. Newly hatched larvae remain at the oviposition site for several days feeding on the underside of the leaf but leaving the translucent upper epidermis intact. This creates small windowpane like areas, referred to as 'hits'. Scout for beet armyworms by counting the number of 'hits' observed on a given length of row at several locations in the field. Examine any hit areas that are detected to verify presence of larvae and to note age of larvae and signs of parasitism or predation. Also include any unhatched egg masses that may be detected in the count. Record counts as average number of 'hits' per 100 feet of row. Note that initial populations are usually greatest around field edges and along field drainage ditches. A ground cloth is sometimes used to quantify extremely high populations of larvae.
Cotton Insect Scouting Methods
Scouting Method