Corn Insects

Western corn rootworm beetle feeding on a leaf of corn

Western Corn Rootworm Beetles Emerging, Time to Scout

July 7, 2020
Western corn rootworm beetles began emerging in southeast and south central Nebraska at the end of June. Beetles emerge somewhat later in northeastern and western Nebraska.

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Crop progress and conditions for corn from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service indicating predicted timing for corn growth stages (2019).

Using Degree-Day Models to Predict Western Bean Cutworm Flights

June 21, 2019
With late planting, slow emergence, and cooler summer temperatures affecting corn development, will corn be spared from western bean cutworm damage in 2019. Unfortunately, models indicate WBC growth is also delayed. See a table of predicted dates for 2019 WBC flights in Nebraska and surrounding states.

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ECB adult female

Light Trap Data Available Online

June 8, 2021
UNL Extension Entomology is monitoring crop insect pests (primarily moths) using black light traps at university facilities at North Platte, Clay Center, Mead and Concord.

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Example of bioassay used for monitoring ECB susceptibility to Bt protein

First ECB Resistance to Bt Corn Reported in Canada

May 22, 2019
The first case of field-evolved resistance of European corn borer (ECB) to Bt transgenic corn has been reported in Canada. What does this mean for Nebraska corn farmers and how can they help maintain resistance here?

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Seed corn maggots
Seed corn maggots

Avoiding Injury from Seed Corn Maggot

May 20, 2020
We have received several reports of injury from seed corn maggot that has reduced stands of Nebraska soybeans. Learn why they may have been more problematic this year.

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Figure 1. Nebraska's Joe Louis with a collection of leaves infested by corn-leaf aphids. Louis and his colleagues have found that spraying a corn plant with one of its own defensive compounds might reduce aphid colonization by as much as 30%. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication)
Figure 1. Nebraska's Joe Louis with a collection of leaves infested by corn-leaf aphids. Louis and his colleagues have found that spraying a corn plant with one of its own defensive compounds might reduce aphid colonization by as much as 30%. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication)

Experiments Underscore Overlooked Aspect of Defending Corn from Pest

March 4, 2019
Spraying a corn plant with one of its own compounds — 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid, or OPDA — can help deter the virus-carrying, pollination-disrupting insect known as the corn-leaf aphid.

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Western bean cutworm in corn

The Biology and Management of Ear-Feeding Lepidopteran Pests of Corn in Nebraska

January 9, 2019
A guide to Identification and management of European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), western bean cutworm (Striacosta albicosta), corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), and fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda).

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Western corn rootworm beetles feeding on a corn leaf
Figure 1. Damage to corn leaf caused by western corn rootworn. (Photo by Robert Wright)

Western Corn Rootworm Beetles Emerging, Time to Scout

June 27, 2018
Corn rootworm beetles started emerging in southeast and south central Nebraska and scouting is recommended. An average of 5-10 beetles per ear usually can seriously affect pollination.

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