What is cottonworm?

Cottonworms are insect pests that mainly target cotton crops. They are also known as bollworms, corn earworms, and tomato fruitworms, among other names, depending on the host plant they infest. The adult moths lay eggs on the leaves of cotton plants, and the hatched larvae feed on various parts of the plant, including buds, flowers, and sometimes cotton bolls.

Cottonworms can cause significant damage to cotton crops, resulting in yield losses and lowered crop quality. Insecticides are commonly used to control cottonworm populations, but prolonged and excessive use can lead to resistance in the insects over time.

In addition to cotton, cottonworms may also infest other plants such as corn, soybeans, tomatoes, and peanuts. Natural predators such as parasitic wasps, birds, and spiders also help to control cottonworm populations.