Insect Management
Insect Control on Arkansas Corn
Many insects may attack growing corn, but economic damage may not occur every
year. In years of heavy infestations, any one of several of these insects may
cause a loss in yield. To prevent loss, you must have knowledge of the insects
and the most practical controls. When yield potential is low or other factors
are involved (price, etc.), insecticide may be impractical. In such cases,
harvesting the crop as silage or fodder may be the best means of salvage.
Several aphids and leafhoppers transmit plant viruses which cause diseases
known as maize dwarf mosaic and maize chlorotic dwarf. Insecticide control of
these insects is not an effective method of controlling the diseases because of
the rapid transmission, reproduction, and infection by the insects. The most
effective means of control is the use of disease-tolerant varieties (disease
ratings for current corn hybrids are available from the respective seed
companies), early planting, and effective control of johnsongrass which harbors
the viruses.
Early Planting to Reduce Insect Damage
Insect infestations are normally higher in late summer so that late planted
corn is usually subject to more severe damage than early planted corn. Budworm
damage is usually light until July and August. Infestations of first generation
southwestern corn borer are much lighter than second and third. Corn earworm
damage to ears is lighter in early planted corn. Make every effort to plant corn
in Arkansas by the first of May.
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