Agronomy Library

European Corn Borer

Paul Gaffney
July 7, 2019

ECB populations remain generally low however, scattered reports of feeding on conventional corn indicates the pest is still present and will always pose a potential threat.

  • In 2019 the early and late-planted conventional fields will be most attractive to egg-laying 1st and 2nd generation moths.
  • ECB can produce 2 and sometimes 3 larval generations per season depending on GDU accumulation.
  • Risk of yield loss can be reduced if you scout fields and apply a labeled insecticide as needed.
  • Larvae are susceptible to insecticides for 10-14 days during each generation
  • Water volume is critical with insecticide applications and presence of heavy dew enhances performance.