What is a reported method for biological control of Armyworms or Cutworms?

The use of insect-parasitic nematodes for biological control of Armyworms or Cutworms is effective because these microscopic roundworms actively seek out and infect the larvae of these pests. Once inside the host, the nematodes release symbiotic bacteria that cause the larvae to succumb to disease, effectively reducing their population in the turf or crop. This method is environmentally friendly and can help manage pest populations without the use of chemical insecticides, promoting a more sustainable approach to pest management.

Other methods, while they can be useful in broader pest management strategies, do not specifically target Armyworms or Cutworms in the same effective manner as insect-parasitic nematodes do. Soil fumigation, for example, can control a variety of soil-borne pests but may cause collateral damage to beneficial organisms in the soil ecosystem. Insect repellents can deter pests but often do not eliminate them. Planting different crops may help disrupt the life cycle of pests but is not directly aligned with controlling established infestations of cutworms or armyworms, making insect-parasitic nematodes a more targeted and effective biological control option.