Treatment Thresholds for European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Infestations in Early-Season Fresh Market Sweet Corn

Abstract

We examined the effect of varying thresholds for treatment of first generation European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), infestations in early-season fresh market sweet corn in eastern New York over a 3-year period. Seven treatment thresholds were compared: (1) 15% infested plants at whorl stage, 5% infested plants at tassel and silk stage, (2) 15% at whorl stage, 15% at tassel and silk stage, (3) 30% at whorl stage, 5% at tassel and silk stage, (4) 30% at whorl stage, 15% at tassel and silk, (5) 5% at tassel and silk stage, (6) 15% at tassel and silk stage, and (7) control (untreated). When thresholds were reached, permethrin was applied using an air-blast sprayer. Results indicated little difference in percentage marketable ears whether plants were treated or not at whorl stage, and the tassel stage threshold could be raised to 15% infested plants with no significant effect on percentage marketable ears. We found no difference in marketable yield among plots treated from one side or both sides with an air-blast sprayer.