Illinois Field Crop Applicators Practice Test

What is a recommended management method for black cutworms in Illinois?

1. Continuous planting of corn

2. Rescue treatments when necessary

3. Using large amounts of nitrogen fertilizers

4. Implementing cover crops only

The correct answer is: Rescue treatments when necessary

The recommended management method for black cutworms in Illinois is to utilize rescue treatments when necessary. This approach involves monitoring the field for signs of black cutworm activity and applying insecticides if their presence reaches a threshold that justifies intervention. Timing and pest populations are crucial factors in determining whether a rescue treatment is needed, allowing for targeted control measures that minimize unnecessary pesticide applications. Rescue treatments are effective because they allow for immediate action when pests are present, helping to reduce crop damage without excessive reliance on preventive measures or routine treatments. This strategy aligns with integrated pest management (IPM) principles that emphasize the importance of monitoring and timely responses rather than blanket applications that may not be necessary. In contrast, continuous planting of corn, while it may sometimes be an agricultural practice, does not address the specific issue of managing black cutworms effectively and can even increase susceptibility to these pests. Using large amounts of nitrogen fertilizers can create lush vegetative growth, which can be more attractive to pests and does not directly control black cutworm populations. Implementing cover crops only can provide some benefits but is not a definitive management method for actively managing black cutworm populations since it does not involve direct intervention once the pests are present.