Armyworm

Caused by: Spodoptera exigua
Problem Category: Insect
Symptoms: Singular, or closely grouped circular to irregularly shaped holes in foliage; heavy feeding by young larvae leads to skeletonized leaves; larvae are dark green to brown caterpillars with banding patterns
Comments: Beet armyworm is a serious pest of chickpea in India and Mexico; Insect can go through 3–5 generations a year
Management: Organic methods of controlling armyworms include biological control by natural enemies which parasitize the larvae and the application of Bacillus thuringiensis; there are chemicals available for commercial control but many that are available for the home garden do not provide adequate control of the larvae
Control: Spary 5% Neem seed kernal extract or 3% Neem oil to control Army worm