The effects of two turfgrass fungicides on the survival and development of black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon)

In the Midwestern states, two key pests of managed golf course turfgrass are the black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon) and the Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica). The soil-dwelling larvae (white grubs) of the Japanese beetle are commonly found in golf course fairways, but are rarely found in putting greens.  Ongoing research has proposed that frequent fungicide applications to putting greens may be responsible for the lack of Japanese beetle larvae due to lethal effects to larvae.  In contrast, black cutworm larvae (caterpillars) are commonly found on golf course putting greens.  To better understand the applied turfgrass system, this study evaluated the effects of two commonly used turfgrass fungicides (chlorothalonil and propiconazole) on black cutworm development and survival.