Hornworms in Curing Barn

Recently reports of hornworm in curing barns has become more common.  Use of season long aphid
control materials in the transplant water may have reduced the use of other chemical that also control
hornworms and reduction in the use of chemicals at topping time known to leave residues on cured
leaf may be contributing to the increase in hornworm populations after topping.  Hornworms may
consume a significant amount of tobacco in the barn.  Those infested with Apanteles Wasps (white egg
cases) may live for several days, but do not feed.  Hornworms will eventually drop to the ground to pupate.