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Sep 01, 2023
Corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) is a type of caterpillar that feeds on corn ears, causing significant damage to kernels. Infestations can result in yield losses of up to 30%, making corn earworm a formidable threat.
But with proactive scouting strategies and quick action with chemical treatments like Willowood Lambda-Cy 1EC and GCS Bifenthrin 2EC, control is achievable.
This post will outline:
How corn earworm affects crops
How to identify corn earworm
Regions typically affected by corn earworm
When corn earworm usually affect crops
Chemical products to control corn earworm
Corn earworm larvae have a voracious appetite for corn kernels, directly impacting the development of the ears and creating entry points for secondary infections. Severe infestations can even extend beyond the ears to the stalks and tassels, further compromising overall plant health and productivity.
Adult corn earworm moths have a wingspan of about 1.5 inches and can vary in color.
However, it is the larval stage that causes the most damage. These larvae are typically pale green or brown with longitudinal stripes along their body.
To identify the presence of corn earworm:
Closely inspect the silks, husks and kernels for signs of larvae or feeding damage
Look for chewed silks, holes in the husks and kernels, and the presence of frass
Monitor for any signs of secondary infections, such as discoloration, mold or decay
[RELATED: What’s the Difference Between Conventional, GMO, Non-GMO and Organic Corn?]
Corn earworm is widespread across the United States, particularly in the southern and eastern parts of the country. However, it can also pose a problem in other regions, especially during periods of migration.
Corn earworm can be present in corn fields at any point during the growing season. Early-season infestations are often caused by overwintering populations, while late-season infestations result from migration.
When deciding whether to employ chemical products to control corn earworm, farmers should first assess the severity of the infestation and determine the economic threshold for treatment.
Once fields have reached a level of infestation at which chemical products are needed:
One popular option is Willowood Lambda-Cy 1EC**, an insecticide containing lambda-cyhalothrin.
Another option is GCS Bifenthrin 2EC**, which is another insecticide containing bifenthrin with similar label applications.
Several chemical products containing insecticides with active ingredients such as spinosad are effective against corn earworm.
Consider integrating other management practices alongside chemical control, such as crop rotation, biological control, and pheromone traps, to enhance effectiveness and reduce reliance on insecticides. Rotating between different modes of action helps prevent the development of resistance in corn earworm populations, ensuring long-term sustainable pest management.
[RELATED: How to Manage Hail Damaged Corn]
Proactively scouting for and responding to pest presence in your fields will help reduce potential crop damage and improve yield. FBN Direct has a wide variety of effective insecticides to help address pest pressures and keep your operation on track. With transparent pricing, straightforward online ordering, detailed product labels and fast direct-to-farm delivery, FBN Direct can help you get the products you need to protect your crops.
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ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and state law to use any pesticide product other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered pesticide is a violation of federal and/or state law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, state and local laws. We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must have a valid applicator license to use restricted use pesticides. Please consult your state department of agriculture for complete rules and regulations on the use of restricted use pesticides, as some products require specific record-keeping requirements.
All product recommendations and other information provided is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for consulting the product label or for specific agronomic, business,or professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified advisor. Neither Farmer's Business Network Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.
Sep 01, 2023