This week's map (Figure 1) indicates that enough degree days have accumulated for common stalk borer eggs to have hatched across the state. In the southern half of Nebraska we have reached 1300 degree days. Scouting should begin when 1300-1400 degree days have accumulated. This is when larvae start moving into corn and other crops. Make a decision on the need for treatment when 1,400-1,700 DD have accumulated.

For more information about common stalk borers, including economic injury level tables, see the article Managing Stalk Borers in Corn.

For an updated degree day map visit the Nebraska Mesonet summary maps page and select “Corn Borer Growing Degree Days” from the dropdown.