Excess water in cereals can result in outbreaks of which pest?

Excess water in cereal crops can create favorable conditions for the emergence of certain pests, particularly armyworms. When fields are waterlogged or overly saturated, the soil's conditions become conducive to the survival and proliferation of these pests. Armyworms, which are known for their ability to feed on a variety of crops, thrive in environments that may stress the host plants due to excess moisture.

This stress can make the plants more vulnerable to damage, and armyworms can quickly take advantage of that weakened state. Furthermore, higher moisture levels can sometimes lead to an increase in the growth of certain weeds, which may also attract more armyworms to the area.

In contrast, pests such as cutworms, corn borers, and flea beetles might be influenced by other environmental factors unrelated to excess moisture, such as temperature and the presence of specific host plants at certain growth stages. Therefore, the strong association between excessive water and the proliferation of armyworms highlights the importance of managing moisture levels effectively to prevent pest outbreaks in cereal crops.