Tobacco hornworm
scouted Sept. 15, 2026
- Scientific Name
- Manduca sexta
- Background
- A tobacco field in Greene County was being scouted, and it was observed that the field was affected by widespread browning and yellowing. This field is a dry site. There is also insect chewing. A sample was submitted to the PDIC for diagnosis.
- Conclusion
- There were tobacco honrworms identified as and issue. Tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta), can cause substantial damage to a plant. Their eggs can usually be found in the upper part of the leaves in the upper 2/3 of the plant. The population may develop as early as 4 weeks after transplant but in North Carolina they're most common after topping. Treatment should only be applied after the insect densities exceed recommended economic threshold.
- Resources
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- No resources have been added.