Scouting Guide for Stalk Borers - UNL CropWatch, June 27, 2013

Scouting Guide for Stalk Borers - UNL CropWatch, June 27, 2013

June 27, 2013

Stalk borer predictor map

Figure 1. Accumulated degree days from January 1 to June 23, 2013, using a 41°F base. (Map Source: Al Dutcher and the High Plains Regional Climate Center)

Corn growers in northern Nebraska should be scouting corn for stalk borers this week and determining whether treatment is necessary.

Stalk borer hatch and migration to new hosts can be predicted using degree days (DD). Based on research at Iowa State University, stalk borer egg hatch begins at about 575 DD and ends at 750 DD. Begin scouting corn when 1,300-1400 DD have accumulated. This corresponds with the beginning of larvae moving out of grassy hosts. Determine the need for treatment when 1,400-1,700 DD have accumulated.

See more information and photos in the CW article, Scouting for Common Stalk Borers.

Robert Wright
Extension Entomologist

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