Cutworm

Scientific name: Agrotis ipsilon  Hufner, A. flammatra  Schiffer-Mueller
Description Adults is a dark brown or wheatish coloured moth with reddish tinge , forewing with characteristic markings and smoky patches. Caterpillars are dark grey or dirty black in coloured with grey appearance and have the habit of coiling up at the slightest touch.
Nature of damage Cutworms are soil inhabiting pests of mainly young plants. They usually feed at night and seek refuge in the soil by day.. They normally attack seedling plants by cutting through their stems near ground level but they may also feed on the foliage of older plants. Most damage is done between germination and tillering. Damage usually shows up as general patchiness or as distinct bare areas in a very short time. In severe infestation, whole field is covered with cut plant necessitating resowing.  The larvae mature in about four weeks but in cooler conditions this may be much longer
Control Measures Soil application of 25 kg/ha aldrin 5% or, HCH 10% dust at field preparation. Dust 10% HCH on the soil around the plants. If the infestation is severe, apply chlorpyriphos(20EC) @ 0.8 to 1.okg/ha in irrigation water.