insects eating roots of petunias

Question

I planted some very healthy supertunias a few days ago. They had been doing great and then this morning, they were laying over-seemed like they had been cut and were not attached to roots. Digging into the soil, I saw no roots where the plant was! Is this an insect that eats roots? What pesticide is best, and can my plants be salvaged? Will they re-root? The actual leaves and blooms were not bothered.

Answer 1

Petunias are usually pest free for the most part; however aphids and cutworms occasionally affect these plants. In this case, it sounds like cutworms may be the culprit, as they typically 'cut' the plants as you describe. This article should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/get-rid-cutworms.htm