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What Are Some Signs Of Above-Ground Insect Pressure?

July 26, 2022

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Protect your corn from above-ground insect damage with help from VT Double PRO® Technology.

Scouting is essential in order to determine the level of pest pressure that you have from above-ground insects. Here’s what to look for with some of the most damaging above-ground corn insects.

EUROPEAN CORN BORER

  • First-generation European corn borer larvae can damage leaves by removing a thin, transparent layer.
  • Older larvae can burrow into the stalk and the base of the corn ear. Heavily tunneled stalks can suffer from lodging.
  • European corn borer larvae can feed on pollen and silks before entering the ear. Injury can be found at both ends and along all sides of the ear.



SOUTHWEST CORN BORER

  • Signs of first-generation southwestern corn borer pressure can be seen at the whorl stage with “windowpane” feeding damage.
  • Second-and third-generation southwestern corn borers tunnel within the stalk, and unlike European corn borer, make a straight line through the middle of the stalk.



FALL ARMYWORM

  • Fall armyworm larvae can cause serious leaf-feeding damage that results in a ragged appearance.
  • Unlike the corn earworm, the fall armyworm larvae feed by burrowing through the husk on the side of the ear. They typically emerge at the base of the ear, leaving round holes in the husks.



PROTECTION WITH VT DOUBLE PRO® TECHNOLOGY

Learn more about protecting your corn from these above-ground insects and others with VT Double PRO® Technology.


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