While European corn borer numbers have greatly decreased regionally since the introduction of the first Bt corns active against caterpillars, local populations may still cause damage on untraited corn. There are significant acres of untraited corn grown in Nebraska, e.g. popcorn, white corn and growers planting Bt corn hybrids without above-ground Bt traits in an attempt to minimize seed costs. There still is a need to scout for European corn borers in these situations.
UNL light traps at Concord, Clay Center and North Platte have been catching European corn borer moths the last few weeks, and whorl feeding by newly hatched European corn borers may be present in some fields.
Nebraska Extension offers several resources to aid in scouting and making treatment decisions for first generation European corn borer on corn.
- UNL Light Trap Data is available for Concord, Clay Center and North Platte. This information can help you monitor moth activity in your area, but should not be used to make treatment decisions for an individual field.
- First Generation European Corn Borer Scouting and Treatment Decisions (NebGuide G1782) which includes a management worksheet to help determine whether control is warranted.
- First Generation European Corn Borer Spreadsheet (EC3018) This spreadsheet is designed to be used in the field on mobile devices. This spreadsheet is designed to assist with making a management decision for first generation European corn borer in non-Bt corn.
- For treatment options, rates and restrictions see the 2018 Insecticides for Field Crops section in the Nebraska Extension 2018 Guide for Weed, Disease, and Insect Management in Nebraska and the product label.
