White Grubs

White grubs are agricultural pests that cause significant damage to various crops. These larvae have a characteristic crooked body shape and are white, with strong chewing and biting mouthparts. They predominantly live in the soil, feeding on plant roots, tubers, and young plants. The most noticeable damage caused by white grubs includes:

Root Damage: White grubs use their strong mouthparts to feed on root hairs and lateral roots of grasses, corn, soybeans, and other crops. This feeding can lead to poor plant growth and sometimes plant death, especially in young plants.

Stunted and Wilted Plants: Affected crops may display stunted growth, wilted or discoloured leaves, and can ultimately die. The damage usually starts from the base of the plant, where the grubs feed on the roots, causing the plants to fall as the base is cut off.

Patches of Damage: Damage often occurs in patches within a field due to the localized nature of the grub’s feeding and egg-laying habits.

Aboveground Symptoms: Aboveground damage may resemble drought-induced wilting or nutrient deficiency. This is particularly evident in corn and other plants where the damage can initially be mistaken for moisture stress.