Tobacco Budworm Definition

noun
The larva of a noctuid moth (Heliothis virescens) of the Americas that feeds on and damages the buds of certain crop plants and ornamental plants, especially tobacco, cotton, geraniums, and petunias.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
  • corn earworm
  • cotton bollworm
  • Heliothis zia
  • tomato fruitworm
  • vetchworm