Worms are the larvae, or immature stage, of any of a number of insects. Primarily various moth species. However some varieties of Beetles commonly produce worms fairly indistinguishable in general appearance and feeding habits from moth larvae.
Identification
Cabbage Worms and Related Worms
Worms that feed on Cabbage, Cruciferous vegetables, Brassicas, Green leafy vegetables, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Garden cress, Water Cress, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, radish, turnip etcetra. Include Cabbage Worms of several species, and cabbage loopers.
Fruit Worms
There are thousands of varieties of Worms that will feed on fruits and Berries. Some are highly restricted so far as their habitat, range and preferred crops. Other are more wide spread. Some are rare and some are all too common.
Many crops we consider vegetables are actually fruits – such as tomatoes, cucumbers, squash which are closely related to melons. The same class of worms and caterpillar will feed on these as well.
Named Green Fruitworms, not only because they are primarily green, but because they feed on Green or immature Fruit.
Young green Fruit worms larvae feed on leaves. Fruit feeding usually begins about petal fall and continues until larvae have completed their development. At harvest, these fruit are misshapen and frequently have large, russeted brownish roughened areas on the surface of fruit cavities. Three primary species include Green fruit worm, Speckled green fruitworms, pyramidal fruitworm.
Cutworms are larvae of of a large family of dull-colored , night-flying moths of several different species. They are often visible around lights in Spring. They come in various colors, but are generally a dull gray and well camouflaged within the soil. They cut through seedlings or devour leaves, leaving only the stem. Some varieties infest Fruit Trees, Vines and Berry Bushes. A few varieties feed on roots causing plants to wilt and die.
Webworms are the larvae of small moths that complete several generations per year. Web worms spin silken webs over plant terminals, then feed on leaves, buds, and blossoms within the webs. Extensive defoliation may sometimes result from their feeding, web worms often consume fruiting structures and their webs interfere with pollination and seed set. Infestations by these worms can result in serious losses.
Wireworms are the slender, yellowish-brown, hard-bodied larvae of several species of Click Beetles . There are many species of wireworm , various species attack Beans, Carrots, Beets, Celery, Lettuce, Onion, Sweet potato, turnip, and mustard . These worms reek their havoc by puncturing and tunneling stems, roots and tubers. Carrots are a particular favorite.
Leaf Rollers
Leaf rollers are small greenish to green/brown caterpillars (moth larvae) that feed on leaves, buds and fruit, they’re the worm in your apple, or half worm as the case may be.
Leak moths Also known as the onion leaf miner. (See:Leafminers), is a pest of Alliums such as various onions and garlic. The Larvae will tunnel mines in the leaf tissue, sometimes causing distortion, and are reported to occasionally attack the bulb and stems. Their activity stunts plant growth and compromises the storage life of the crop.
Gypsy Moths The gypsy moth is an old world native which immigrated to the Americas. Despite all control efforts since its introduction, the gypsy moth has survived and prospered while extending its range. Gypsy moth caterpillars defoliate millions of acres of trees and shrubs annually in the North America.
Treatment of Most Garden Worm Issues
Bt – bacillus thuringiensis
Neem ,Bioneem and various derivatives of their active ingredient Azadirachtin are an effective Biopesticide that works by interrupting the insect’s growth cycle resulting in its early death.
Spinosad
Sprays/Pesticides must be applied in the pre-bloom stage to prevent injury. Do not apply insecticides, even bio-pesticides during bloom time to protect vital pollinating insects. Pesticides such as pyrethroids {Pyrethrin} that are more effective in cool than warm weather will work more efficiently against Fruit worms earlier in the season, and is the recommended early season chemical for most types of worms.
Use Broad-spectrum insecticides, such as pyrethin only as a last resort.
Diazinon
Proper sanitary practices are vital to the health of your garden. Proper sanitation can help to ensure disease-free pest-free and productive gardens. Try to keep the garden free of any diseased dead or damaged plant materials. Remove cuttings from pruning and trimming and either destroy them – if diseased, or send them to the compost pile. Leaving rotting fruits and vegetables in the garden is like a written invitation to unwanted pests and diseases.
If a diseased or dead plant part has to be cut, the microorganism that caused the problem is probably on the tool you just used. Like a surgeon, sterilize all tools by washing in soap and water – rubbing alcohol wouldn’t hurt either. If you pinch off diseased plant parts, wash hands before handling any other plants. Keep Weeds under control. Till the soil in the spring before planting to expose and kill larvae that wintered over in the soil.
Note – Insecticide labels provide an extensive amount of information and indicate that the insecticide has been extensively tested, and evaluated by the EPA . Insecticides cannot be legally registered, much less sold, without going through these procedures. Among the information included on an insecticide label is the “directions for use”, and perhaps more importantly, information with regard to the toxicity of the chemical. Any chemical is potentially toxic . READ THE LABEL BEFORE APPLYING ANY PESTICIDE. & Follow all label directions. This publication contains pesticide recommendations. Changes in pesticide regulations occur constantly, some materials mentioned may no longer be available, and some uses may no longer be legal.