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News Release
RESEARCHER SAYS PLAN NOW FOR ECB THREAT NEXT YEAR
12/3/1998 Eagan, Minn. - Growers shouldn't be fooled by low levels of European corn borer (ECB) this past season, according to Paul Bystrak, research scientist with Mycogen Seeds. Any insect presence this year can lead to serious infestations the next, he says.
"There are enough larvae going into the winter to cause some first-generation problems next year, especially if the upcoming cold-temperature season doesn't kill them," Bystrak says. "Growers should constantly evaluate the potential for ECB presence and plan on the best control method."
The degree of plant damage growers can expect from ECB depends on the number of larvae feeding and the stage at which the feasting occurs. However, Bystrak warns that just one tunnel per plant can result in a 5 percent yield loss.
Since infestation levels are difficult to predict from one year to the next, Bystrak suggests planting a Bt hybrid every year in areas where high infestation levels have been common.
"Although insecticides have been the traditional method for controlling ECB infestations, Bt hybrids may be a better solution if there is any history of ECB problems in the region," he says.
Bt hybrids carry a protein that kills ECB larvae almost immediately after taking their first bite of the corn plant's leaves or pollen. Studies show that Bt in the plant is not only more efficient than spraying, it's also more effective, safer and compatible with the environment.
Bystrak adds that Bt products, such as Mycogen Seeds' NatureGard® NGBt1 hybrids, are more consistent than conventional insecticides because they perform whether infestation is heavy or light.
"The NGBt1 gene works best during the whorl stage, when the plant is most vulnerable to first-generation damage," he says. "With NGBt1 hybrids, newly hatched larvae die before they bore into stalks. These hybrids have proven to provide 95 percent or better control for first-generation corn borer and 70 percent or better control for second-generation corn borer."
Bystrak says if growers want to protect themselves from the threat of insect infestation, they can. But, only if they start planning now.
"Controlling ECB at the last minute is simply not something that can be done effectively," he says.
Mycogen brand corn, soybean, sunflower, alfalfa and sorghum seeds are marketed through a North American distribution system of sales representatives and distributors. Mycogen is an acknowledged leader in developing technology-based products to control agricultural pests and improve food and fiber production.
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