There are a few reports of corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea, Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) infestations in strawberries. Erin Eure's (Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture - Commercial Fruits and Vegetables) report came from a farm in Pitt County last week (May 1st). Corn earworm larvae are showing up in strawberries, particularly earlier than in 2025, when reports of this occasional pest in strawberries were received in mid-May. Warmer temperatures and a dry spell in early spring are probably related to the movement of corn earworms and various other, rather unusual, and early insect pest infestations we have encountered during this strawberry season.
Please see the updated factsheet below, which includes more information about the impact of corn earworms on strawberries in NC.
Recent field reports from scattered strawberry fields in North Carolina indicate aggregations of small true bugs on and around fruit. Samples appear to include a mix of false chinch bugs and seed bugs, with false chinch bugs making up most of the insects observed.
False chinch bugs, Nysius raphanus (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae), are small grayish-brown insects that often develop on weeds, grasses, and mustards, then migrate into irrigated crops when surrounding vegetation begins to dry down. Both adults and nymphs can occur in large numbers and tend to aggregate on plants, including strawberry fruit. Unlike tarnished plant bugs (TPB), these insects are not primarily associated with individual flower or fruit deformation injury in strawberries; the main concern is the presence of large numbers of immature and adult insects on harvested fruit, which can create a contamination issue.
A seed bug species of concern in strawberry systems is the strawberry seed bug, Neopamera bilobata (Hemiptera: Rhyparochromidae), which has been reported in organic and conventional strawberries in Florida. Adults and nymphs can feed on strawberry achenes, sometimes causing them to drop from the fruit. Seed bugs can also shelter under plastic mulch, weeds, and strawberry plants, making detection and management challenging until large population numbers are reached.
Differentiating these aggregating true bugs from TPB is important before making management decisions, because unnecessary broad-spectrum sprays may disrupt biological control and increase the risk of secondary pest problems such as spider mites. Also, TPB has records of pyrethroid resistance, and alternative applications may need to be considered.
Insecticide applications are not usually necessary against false chinch bugs and/or seed bugs in strawberries. However, if aggregations are widespread, insecticides effective against TPB and aphids can also control these secondary pests. Refer to the North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual and the Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium Strawberry IPM Guide for recommended materials and more details on their management.
