Cutworm
Cutworms are polyphagous insects of cosmoplitan distribution. Two species are Agrotis ipsilon (Hfn), A segetum Schiff.,widely distributed in plains and hilly regions, respectively. The larvae (caterpillars) of cutworms damage the crop by cutting the young plants at the base and later on by feeding on shoots and leaves. After tuberisation, they feed on tubers by making deep and irregular galleries in them thus reducing the market value of infested tubers. In badly infested fields tuber damage may vary from 12-40 per cent.
The Moths are generally not found in North Indian plains between May to September but reappear during October and remain active till March-April. Cutworms can be managed through combination of cultural and chemical control.