Mainebiz, BDN publish UMaine Extension’s armyworm warning

Mainebiz and the Bangor Daily News reported the University of Maine Cooperative Extension has received reports of several outbreaks of armyworms, and it is warning farmers throughout the state to inspect their fields. “The last time we had a large outbreak was in 2001,” said UMaine Extension professor Richard Kersbergen. “That year, we also had a cool moist spring, similar to what we have experienced this year.” The devastating pest normally feeds at night and much damage can occur before they mature. According to a UMaine Extension fact sheet, the armyworm’s preferred foods are grasses including corn, grains and timothy. They will feed on other plants if grasses are unavailable, Mainebiz reported.