Pest Management Guidelines - Vegetables
Pest Management Guidelines
A Cornell Cooperative Extension Publication

  
Cornell Guide for Pest Management of Vegetables

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Chapter 12 Asparagus

Chapter 25    Sweet Corn

Contents

25.1 Recommended Varieties. 292

25.2 Planting Methods. 292

25.4 Harvesting. 293

25.5 Disease Management 293

25.5.1 Anthracnose, Colletotrichum graminicola. 293

25.5.2 Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV) transmitted by the corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis. 294

25.5.3 Barley yellow dwarf luteovirus (BYDV-PAV), Cereal yellow dwarf polerovirus (CYDV-RPV), and unassigned strain RMV, transmitted by the oat bird-cherry aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi), the English grain aphid (Sitobion avenae), the corn leaf aphid (R. maidis), the greenbug (Schizaphis graminum), plus other species. 294

25.5.4 Northern corn leaf blight, Various species. 295

25.5.5 Common rust, Puccinia sorghi 296

25.5.6 Seed rots caused by Fusarium spp., Diplodia spp., Pythium spp., and other fungi 297

25.5.7 Common smut, Ustilago maydis. 297

25.5.8 Stewart’s wilt 297

25.6 Insect Management 298

25.6.1 Corn flea beetle, Chaetocnema pulicaria, vectors the bacterium, Erwinia stewartii, the pathogen causing Stewart’s wilt. 298

25.6.2 Japanese Beetle, Popillia japonica. 299

25.6.3 Seedcorn maggot, Delia platura. 299

25.6.4 Cutworms, Primarily the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon; glassy cutworm, Crymodes devastator; and the variegated cutworm Peridroma saucia. 301

25.6.5 Corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis. 303

25.6.6 Sap beetle (Picnic beetle) 304

25.6.7 Western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera. 304

25.6.8 European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis. 305

25.6.9 Corn earworm (CEW), Helicoverpa zea. 307

25.6.10 Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda. 308

25.7 Weed Management 310

25.8 References. 313

 


25.1 Recommended Varieties

Processing

Plant varieties recommended by processors.

 

Fresh-market

Listed in approximate order of maturity within each class. 

                                                                         Pest Tolerance1

Variety                              Type2    Color3     SW   R    LB     S  

Early

Jester II (65)                         se          BC           -      -      -      -

Sweet Chorus (67)              se          BC           -      -      -      -

 

Second Early

Trininty (69)                         se          BC          M     L     M     -

Chippawa (71)                     se          BC           -      -      -      -

Temptation (72)                  se          BC          M    M    M     -

Bon Appetit (73)                 se          BC           -      -      -      -

Double Choice (74)            se          BC           -      -      -      -

 

Midseason

Sweet Rhythm (73)             sb          BC          M     L      L     M

Confection (74)                  sh          BC          M     L      L      -

Mystique (75)                      se          BC           -      -      -      -

Gourmet Sweet 275 (75)   sh          BC          M     -      -      -

Mira 002 (76)                      sh           Y           M    M     -      -

Mira 003 (76)                      sh          BC          M    M     -      -

Wizard (76)                          se          BC           L      L      L     M

Sweet Symphony (76)        sb          BC          M     L      L     M

Candy Corner (76)              sh          BC          M     H      -     M

 

Main and Late

Xtra Tender 277 (77) (tr)   sh          BC          H     M    M     H

Bojangles (78)                     se          BC           -      -      -      -

Xtra Tender 278 (78)          sh          BC          M     -     M     -

Absolute (78)                      se          BC          M     -     M     -

Accord (78)                         se          BC          M     -      -      -

Snowmass  (78)                  sh          W           -      -      -      -

Obsession (79)                    sh          BC           -     M    M     -

Cabaret (80)                        sh          BC          H     M     H      -

Delectable (80)                    se          BC          H     H     H      -

Precious Gem (80)              se          BC          M    M     H      -

Sensor (80)                          se          BC          H     M     H      -

Bandit (80)                          sh           Y           M     H     M     -

Silverado (80)                      se          W           H     M    M     H

Zenith (81)                          sh           Y           H     M    M    M

Polaris (81)                          sh          BC          M    M     -     M

Lancelot (82)                       se          BC          H     H     M     H

Silver King (82)                    se          W          M    M    M     -

Brocade (82)                        se          BC           -      -      -      -

Even Sweeter (82)               sh          W          M    M    M     -

Tango (84)                           sh          BC           -      -      -      -

Argent (86)                          se          W           H     M     H      -    

1: Low, medium, and high tolerance ratings provided for Stewart’s bacterial wilt (SW), common rust (R), northern corn leaf blight (LB), and common smut (S).

2: se = sugary enhanced; sb = sweet breed; sh = supersweet

3: BC = bicolor; W = white; Y = yellow

4: Days to harvest, as suggested by seed companies.

 

 

Sweet corn varieties are categorized by their genotype. The most common varieties are normal or sugary (su), sugar enhanced (se), and supersweet or shrunken types (sh2). Other varieties include sweet breeds, synergistic or sweet genes, and improved supersweets. Su types have a short shelf life with sugars rapidly converted to starch soon after picking. Se varieties have a higher initial sugar content which can potentially extend storage life three to five days. Se varieties are either homozygous or heterozygous. Homozygous se corn has two sets of genes and will be sweeter than heterozygous se corn which has one. Sh2 varieties are genetically distinct from the su and se varieties. The sugar content of supersweets is twice that of standard sweet corn, and the storage life is extended five to ten days. Not only are supersweets much sweeter, but the texture is distinct from the other two types. Supersweet varieties are also more difficult to establish than se and su types. They germinate poorly at temperatures below 60°F and are easily damaged by rough handling.

 

Warning. Sh2 varieties need to be isolated by at least 250 feet or 12 days in silking from su and se types or cross pollination will result in a starchy, inedible kernel. Su and se varieties can be planted side by side without this occurring. Be aware that even among corn of the same genotype, pollen from a bicolor or yellow variety on the silk of a white variety will result in an ear with bicolor characteristics. Two to five border rows will protect against this type of cross pollination.

25.2 Planting Methods

Plastic mulches. Clear, perforated, plastic mulch will speed the maturity of early plantings. Seed two weeks earlier than usual in double rows spaced 14 to 16 inches apart on five to six foot centers. Apply herbicide and cover with clear plastic mulch (1 to 1-1/14 mil) four feet wide. Keep plastic over plants for approximately 30 days or until daytime temperatures consistently exceed 75°F. At that time, cut plastic and remove it from the field, usually when plants are six to 12 inches tall.

 

Another approach is to apply a spun fiber (floating) row cover after planting. Although soil temperatures are not increased as quickly as with plastic, there are advantages. These include use of standard row spacing, less danger of plant injury due to high temperatures, ease of application, and the ability to reuse row covers for several seasons.

 

Table 25.2.1 Recommended spacing.                       

                  Row (inch)                         In-row1  (inch)                  

                       30-36                                      8-12                           

1: Closer in-row spacing may be used in early plantings while wider in-row spacing is used for late plantings.
25.3 Fertility

 

Use lime to maintain a pH of 6.0 to 6.2.  If soil magnesium is below 100 pounds per acre, use high magnesium lime (dolomitic) to adjust pH.  For long-term benefit, if soil test zinc is between ½ and 1 pound per acre, broadcast ½ pound of zinc per acre.  If soil zinc is below ½ pound per care, apply one pound of zinc per acre.  When zinc levels are marginal, or pH is above 7, an application of one pound of zinc in the fertilizer band at planting may be helpful.

 

Growers may use the Pre-Sidedress Nitrate Test (PSNT) to determine the need for sidedress nitrogen.  The PSNT determines the nitrogen available from manures, cover crops and previous crops.  Contact you county Cooperative Extension Educator for

 

 

details.  See Table 25.3.1 for the recommended rates of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

 

25.4 Harvesting

 

Under normal temperatures, most varieties reach maturity 18 to 21 days after silking. Supersweets have a wider “harvest window” than su and se varieties. Maximum quality is attained when corn is picked at peak maturity and rapidly cooled by hydrocooling or vacuum cooling followed by top or body icing if corn is to be shipped. Corn should be stored at 32° to 40°F and 98 percent relative humidity.



 

Table 25.3.1 Recommended nutrients based on soil tests.

N pounds/acre

P2O5 pounds/acre

 

K2O pounds/acre

Comments

 

Soil Phosphorus Level

 

Soil Potassium Level

 

 

low

med.

high

 

low

med.

high

 

120-140

120

80

40

 

120

80

40

Total recommended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

40

80

40

0

 

80

40

0

Broadcast and disk-in.

40

40

40

40

 

40

40

40

Band place with planter

40-60

0

0

0

 

0

0

0

Sidedress when corn is 6”-12” high

 

 

25.5 Disease Management

25.5.1 Anthracnose, Colletotrichum graminicola

Time for concern: All season

 

Key characteristics: Small spots appear on the leaves.  These spots may enlarge and become tan in the center with red, reddish brown or yellowish orange borders.  See Reference 1.

Management Option

Recommendation

Scouting/thresholds

Record the occurrence and severity of anthracnose. No thresholds are available.

Resistant varieties

Consult your seed company prior to purchase.

Crop rotation

The fungus that causes anthracnose overwinters in corn debris and is most often a problem in fields with poor rotation. Plant only in fields where sweet or field corn has not been grown in the previous year to avoid anthracnose.

Site selection

Anthracnose is common in fields early in the season where corn debris from the previous year has been left on the soil.

Postharvest

Crop debris should be destroyed as soon as possible to remove this source of disease for other plantings and to initiate decomposition.

Seed selection/treatment and Sanitation

These are not currently viable management options.

Compound(s)

No pesticides are available to manage anthracnose.

 


25.5.2 Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV) transmitted by the corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis

Time for concern: After June 15

 

Key characteristics: The MDMV system consists of a mosaic pattern of lighter and darker green streaks along the veinal and interveinal tissues. See Reference 2.

Management Option

Recommendation

Scouting/thresholds

Record the occurrence and severity of MDMV. No thresholds have been established.

Resistant varieties

Plant resistant varieties.

Site selection

This disease primarily affects corn planted in the Hudson Valley or upstate New York. Work in the Hudson Valley indicates that fields should be planted early to avoid peak aphid flights and reduce the risk of infection.

Crop rotation, Seed selection/treatment, Post-harvest, and Sanitation

These are not currently viable management options.

Compound(s)

No pesticides are available to manage MDMV.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25.5.3 Barley yellow dwarf luteovirus (BYDV-PAV), Cereal yellow dwarf polerovirus (CYDV-RPV), and unassigned strain RMV, transmitted by the oat bird-cherry aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi), the English grain aphid (Sitobion avenae), the corn leaf aphid (R. maidis), the greenbug (Schizaphis graminum), plus other species

Time for concern: Planting to harvest

 

Key characteristics: The most prominent symptom associated with BYDV/CYDV-infected plants are purpling or yellowing along the leaf margins, running the length of both lower and upper leaves.  The color involved depends upon the corn variety infected.

Management Option

Recommendation

Scouting/thresholds

Record the occurrence and severity of BYDV/CVDV.  No thresholds have been established.

Resistant varieties

No resistant varieties are available

Site selection

Avoid planting spring sweet corn near fall plantings of barley, oats, or wheat.  About 150 species of wild grasses in the family Poaceae are susceptible to these viruses.  Corn grown under plastic is vulnerable after plastic slitting or removal, as advanced, succulent corn is especially attractive to aphids.

Crop rotation, Seed selection/treatment, Post-harvest, and Sanitation

These are not currently viable management options.

Compound(s)

Insecticides should be helpful in reducing secondary virus spread.  See management options under Corn leaf aphid.

 


25.5.4 Northern corn leaf blight, Various species

Time for concern: Whorl through tassel

 

Key characteristics: Long elliptical, grayish green or tan lesions ranging from 1 to 5 inches in length, develop on the lower leaves first, and then progress to younger tissue.  Lesions often look boat “shaped”.

Management Option

Recommendation

 

Scouting/thresholds

Scouting should begin at the early whorl stage and continue through to the tassel stage. Sample 120 plants. Record the number of leaves with northern corn leaf blight. Make a ten plant sample of the field and count the number of leaves on each plant. Calculate an average number of leaves per plant for the field. Refer to Scouting/thresholds under Common Rust for the formula to calculate the percentage of infected leaves. No thresholds have been established. See References 3 and 4 at the end of the chapter.

 

Resistant varieties

Plant resistant varieties whenever possible. See Section 25.1 Recommended Varieties.

 

Crop rotation

Plant only in fields where sweet or field corn has not been grown in the previous year.

 

Site selection

Avoid fields with poor, air drainage.

 

Postharvest

Crop debris should be destroyed as soon as possible to remove this source of disease for other plantings and to initiate decomposition.

 

Seed selection/treatment and Sanitation

These are not currently viable management options.

 

Compound(s)

 

 

 

 

 

Common name

Rate/A

PHI

REI

Field

 

 

Trade name

Product

(days)

(hours)

Use EIQ

Comments

azoxystrobin

 

 

 

 

 

Quadris F

9.2-15.4 fl oz

7

4

2-3

Do not apply more than 1 sequential application of Quadris or Amistar (Group 11) before alternating with a fungicide that has a different mode of action.  Do not spray these products where spray drift may reach apple trees or use same sprayer to apply sprays to apple trees.

 

Amistar 80 WDG

3-5 oz

7

4

2-4

chlorothalonil

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bravo, Equus or OLF    6 lb/gal

0.75-2 pt

14

12

16-43

Fresh market corn only.  Note eye wash requirement and reduced seasonal amounts for shortened reentry interval on label.

maneb

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maneb 75 DF            0.75 lb/lb

1.5 lb

7

24

25

Some food processors discourage use of these products.

 

Manex                         4 lb/gal

1.2 qt

7

24

19

mancozeb

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dithane 75 DF or OLF

1.5 lb

7

24

16

Some food processors discourage use of this product.

pyraclostrobin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Headline EC

9-12 fl oz

7

12

 

No aerial application in NYS.  Do not make more than 2 sequential applications before alternating to a labeled fungicide with a different mode of action (other than Group 11).


25.5.5 Common rust, Puccinia sorghi

Time for concern: Whorl through tassel

 

Key characteristics: Rust appears in the field as oval to elongated cinnamon-brown pustules scattered over the surface of the leaves. See Reference 5.

Management Option

Recommendation

Scouting/thresholds

Scouting should begin at the early whorl stage and continue through to the tassel stage. Sample 120 plants. Record the number of leaves with any rust pustules. Make a ten plant sample of the field and count the number of leaves on each plant. Calculate an average number of leaves per plant for the field. Calculate the percentage of infected leaves using the following formula:

 

% of infected leaves =  total # of leaves with rust x 100 

 

                            average # of leaves per plant x 100

 

Spray when 80 percent of the leaves are infected. For best results, all fungicide applications should be made prior to tassel. The threshold is not valid for highly susceptible varieties such as Silver Queen, Sweet Sue, Florida Staysweet, Candy Bar, Crisp N Sweet 711, Sweet Belle, Sweetie 70, Candy Bar II, Crisp N Sweet 730, and Super Sweet 8002. See References 3 and 4.

Resistant varieties

Plant resistant varieties whenever possible. See Section 25.1 Recommended Varieties.

Crop rotation

Avoid planting near corn fields of different maturity. The staggered planting schedules result in high concentrations of fungal spores from earlier plantings that easily infect young, susceptible plants.

Site selection

Avoid fields with poor, air drainage.

Seed selection/treatment, Postharvest, & Sanitation

These are not currently viable management options.

Compound(s)

 

 

 

 

 

Common name

Rate/A

PHI

REI

Field

 

 

Trade name

Product

(days)

(hours)

Use EIQ

Comments

azoxystrobin

 

 

 

 

 

Quadris F

6.2-9.0 fl oz

7

4

1-2

Do not apply more than 1 sequential application of Quadris or Amistar (Group 11) before alternating with a fungicide that has a different mode of action.  Do not spray these products where spray drift may reach apple trees or use same sprayer to apply sprays to apple trees.

 

Amistar 80 WDG

2-3 oz

7

4

2

chlorothalonil

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bravo, Equus or OLF    6 lb/gal

0.75-2 pt

14

12

16-43

Fresh market corn only.  Note eye wash requirement and reduced seasonal amounts for shortened reentry interval on label.

maneb

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maneb 75 DF            0.75 lb/lb

1.5 lb

7

24

24

Some food processors discourage use of these products.

 

Manex                         4 lb/gal

1.2 qt

7

24

19

mancozeb

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dithane 75 DF or OLF

1.5 lb

7

24

16

Some food processors discourage use of this product.

propiconazole

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tilt

4 oz

14

24

3

 

pyraclostrobin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Headline EC

6-9 fl oz

7

12

 

No aerial application in NYS.  Do not make more than 2 sequential applications before alternating to a labeled fungicide with a different mode of action (other than Group 11).


25.5.6 Seed rots caused by Fusarium spp., Diplodia spp., Pythium spp., and other fungi

Time for concern: Seed

 

Key characteristics: Seed rots cause pre- and postemergence damping-off and poor stand establishment. See Reference 1.

Management Option

Recommendation

Scouting/thresholds

No thresholds have been established

Resistant varieties

No resistant varieties are available.

Note(s)

Only commercially applied seed treatments are labeled.

Site selection

Avoid fields with poor, soil-moisture drainage.

Seed selection/treatment

Use seed treated with Apron or Thiram.

Crop rotation, Post-harvest, and Sanitation

These are not currently viable management options.

Compound(s)

No pesticides are available to manage seed rots.

 

25.5.7 Common smut, Ustilago maydis

Time of concern: Seedling through ear formation

 

Key characteristics: Commonly found on the ears, tassels, and nodes, smut is a gall composed of a white, smooth covering containing black, greasy, or powdery spores. See Reference 5.

Management Option

Recommendation

Scouting/thresholds

Scout the field two or three times per season. Where feasible, cut out all of the smut balls before they break open, and destroy them by fire or burial. No thresholds are available.

Note(s)

Young galls are considered culinary delicacies in some cultures. Consider marketing galls to upscale markets.

Resistant varieties

Varieties vary in susceptibility.

Crop rotation

Plant only in fields where sweet or field corn has not been grown in the previous year.

Seed selection/treatment

Seed treatment is not useful.

Postharvest

Crop debris should be destroyed as soon as possible to remove this source of disease for other plantings and to initiate decomposition.

Site selection and Sanitation

These are not currently viable management options.

Compound(s)

No pesticides are available to manage common smut.

 

 

 

 

25.5.8 Stewart’s wilt

Time of concern: From emergence through harvest

 

Key characteristics: Yellow to brown stripes or streaks with wavy or irregular margins on leaves signal Stewart’s wilt. The Stewart’s wilt bacteria overwinter in corn flea beetles. For management options, see Corn flea beetle.


25.6 Insect Management

25.6.1 Corn flea beetle, Chaetocnema pulicaria, vectors the bacterium, Erwinia stewartii, the pathogen causing Stewart’s wilt.

Time of concern: Seedling through mid-whorl

 

Key characteristics: Black or brassy in color, the corn flea beetle is about 1/16 inch in length and often jumps when disturbed. Beetles chew narrow channels in corn leaves. For a description of Stewart’s wilt, see Section 25.5 Disease Management. See Reference 7 and www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/factsheets/.

Management Option

Recommendation

 

Scouting/thresholds

Sampling for flea beetles should take place from plant emergence through mid-whorl. Count the number of beetles on ten plants at ten sites. Based on research in New Jersey, insecticide sprays are recommended for susceptible varieties when populations exceed six beetles per 100 plants until the mid-whorl (knee high) stage. See References 3 and 4.

 

Natural enemies

Little is known about the impact of natural enemies on corn flea beetles.

 

Forecasting

If the disease and corn flea beetles were prevalent the previous season and the winter was mild, in-furrow insecticides should be considered if the variety is susceptible to Stewart's wilt. Foliar applications should be considered if populations exceed the threshold. Forecast of infestation: Winter temperatures are used to predict the likelihood of infestations of corn flea beetles and the incidence of Stewart's wilt. Cold, winter conditions cause high mortality to corn flea beetle populations. The forecast is based on the sum of the mean monthly temperatures for December, January, and February. The likelihood of wilt problems is as follows: severe greater than or equal to 100; moderate to severe 90 to 100; moderate 85 to 90; light 80 to 85; and absent less than or equal to 80.

 

Resistant varieties

Plant varieties resistant or tolerant to Stewart's wilt whenever possible. Although they may not eliminate infection, they are the best means of disease control. See Section 25.1 Recommended Varieties.

 

Planting date

Fields planted midseason generally have lower beetle infestations than early- or late-planted fields.

 

Seed selection/treatment

For susceptible and moderately resistant varieties of sweet corn, especially any early-planted varieties, it is recommended to purchase seed already treated with either thiamethoxam (Cruiser 5FS) or clothianidin (Poncho 600).  Stewart's wilt can be transmitted by seed, but this occurrence is rare.

 

Postharvest

Fall plowing may reduce overwintering populations.

 

Crop rotation, Site selection, and Sanitation

These are not currently viable management options.

 

Compound(s)

 

 

 

 

 

Common name

Rate/A

PHI

REI

Field

 

 

Trade name

Product

(days)

(hours)

Use EIQ

Comments

beta-cyfluthrin

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Baythroid XL             1 lb/gal

0.8-1.6 fl oz

0

12

<1

 

bifenthrin

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Capture 2 EC             2 lb/gal

2.1-6.4 fl oz

7

12

3-9

 

carbaryl

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sevin XLR Plus                4 lbs/gal

1 to 2 qts

See comments

12

18-37

PHI: 2 days for ears; 14 days for harvesting or grazing of forage; 48 days for fodder. Lower rate should give adequate control.


 

Compound(s)

 

 

 

 

 

Common name

Rate/A

PHI

REI

Field

 

 

Trade name

Product

(days)

(hours)

Use EIQ

Comments

carbofuran

 

 

 

 

 

 

†*Furadan 4F             4 lb/gal

32 oz

48

45

Not for use in Nassau/Suffolk Counties.  In-furrow application at planting.

clothianidin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poncho 600              (seed treatment)               5 lb/gal

0.25 mg a.i./kernel

Seed must be treated commercially and purchased outside of New York.   

esfenvalerate

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Asana XL                0.66 lb/gal

5.8-9.6 fl oz

1

12

1-2

Foliar application.

lambda-cyhalothrin

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Warrior                      1 lb/gal

2.56-3.84 fl oz

1

24

<1-1

 

permethrin

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Pounce 3.2 EC           3.2 lb/gal

4-8 fl oz

1

12

9-18

 

terbufos

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Counter 15G             0.15 lb/lb

8 oz/1000 row ft

48

48

Soil applied at planting. Do not exceed 8.7 lb/A.

thiamethoxam

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cruiser 5FS              (seed treatment)            5 lb/gal

0.125-0.8 mg a.i./kernel

Seed must be treated commercially and purchased outside of New York.   

zeta-cypermethrin

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Mustang MAX           0.8 lb/gal

2.24-4 fl oz

3s

12

<1

 

*Restricted use only.

† Not for use in Nassau/Suffolk Counties.

 

 

25.6.2 Japanese Beetle, Popillia japonica

Time for concern:  During ear formation when adults move from other crops into corn.

 

Key characteristics:  The adult stage is the damaging stage on corn.  The adults are metallic green or greenish brown beetles about 1/3 to 5/8 inches in length, with reddish wing covers.  They feed on a wide range of agricultural and landscape plants and are a major pest of turf.  In areas where it is abundant, it can cause severe damage to corn by feeding on the husks, foliage, kernels and silk.

Management Option

Recommendation

Scouting/thresholds

There are no formal thresholds for this pest on corn.  Regular scouting, especially during ear formation, is needed. 

Natural enemies

While the area-wide population of Japanese beetle is regulated by natural enemies during its larval stage, when the adults move into corn they are not readily subject to natural enemies except birds.

Resistant varieties

No resistant varieties are available.

Crop rotation

This is not a viable management option.

Site selection, Post-harvest, and sanitation

Because the Japanese beetle larvae live in the soil and emerge in mid-summer, planting corn to avoid times of adult emergence will be helpful.  See your Cornell Cooperative Extension Office for information about times of adult emergence in your particular area.  

 

Compound(s)

 

 

 

 

 

Common name

Rate/A

PHI

REI

Field

 

 

Trade name

Product

(days)

(hours)

Use EIQ

Comments

beta-cyfluthrin

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Baythroid XL               1 lb/gal

1.6-2.8

0

12

<1

For adult control only

carbaryl

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sevin XLR Plus                4 lbs/gal

1 to 2 qts

See comments

12

18-37

PHI: 2 days for ears; 14 days for harvesting or grazing of forage; 48 days for fodder. Lower rate should give adequate control.

gamma-cyhalothrin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proaxis                       0.5 lb/gal

2.56-3.84 fl oz

1

24

<1

 

lambda-cyhalothrin

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Warrior                      1 lb/gal

2.56-3.84 fl oz

1

24

<1-1

 

*Restricted use only.

 

 

 

 

 

 

25.6.3 Seedcorn maggot, Delia platura

Time of concern: Seed sprouting through emergence

 

Key characteristics: Adult flies are slender, 3/8 inch long, and grayish black in color. Maggots are yellowish white. Infested seeds and other plant parts are hollowed out. Damaged plants are weak and may not develop. Stand may be poor. See Reference 8 and www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/factsheets/.

Management Option

Recommendation

 

Scouting/thresholds

No thresholds have been established.

 

Natural enemies

Predators, parasitoids, and pathogens, including nematodes help suppress infestations. Use Reference 9 for identification of natural enemies.

 

Resistant varieties

No resistant varieties are available.

 

Site selection

Root maggot adults prefer soil with decomposing organic matter. Incorporate crop residues well before planting. Do not spread manure directly before planting. Avoid low, wet areas.  The threat of seedcorn maggot diminishes greatly if the crop is planted after the third week in June.

 

Seed selection/treatment

Buy treated seed or use an insecticide at planting.

 

Cultural practices

Shallow planting and other means to speed up germination and emergence will reduce damage.

 

Crop rotation, Post-harvest, and Sanitation

These are not currently viable management options.

 

Compound(s)

 

 

 

 

 

Common name

Rate/A

PHI

REI

Field

 

 

Trade name

Product

(days)

(hours)

Use EIQ

Comments

bifenthrin

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Capture 2 EC               2 lb/gal

0.15-0.3 fl oz/1,000 row ft

30

12

3-9

Applied as a 5 to 7 inch T band over an open seed furrow.  See label for instructions.


 

Compound(s)

 

 

 

 

 

Common name

Rate/A

PHI

REI

Field

 

 

Trade name

Product

(days)

(hours)

Use EIQ

Comments

clothianidin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poncho 600              (seed treatment)               5 lb/gal

0.25 mg a.i./kernel

Seed must be treated commercially and purchased outside of New York.   

tefluthrin

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Force 3.0G          0.03 lb/lb

4-5 oz/1,000 row ft

_

0

?

T-banded or in-furrow application at planting. See label for more details.

terbufos

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Counter 15G          0.15 lb/lb

8 oz/1000 row ft

48

42

In-furrow application. Soil applied at planting. Do not exceed 8.7 lb/A.

thiamethoxam

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cruiser 5FS              (seed treatment)            5 lb/gal

0.125-0.8 mg a.i./kernel

Seed must be treated commercially and purchased outside of New York.   

 

25.6.4 Cutworms, Primarily the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon; glassy cutworm, Crymodes devastator; and the variegated cutworm Peridroma saucia

Time of concern: Seedling stage

 

Key characteristics: Mature larvae, 1 1/4 to 1 3/4 inches in length, may appear "greasy." Larvae curl into a C when disturbed. Young plants with small holes in the leaves, wilted leaf tips, or lodged plants are indicative of cutworms.  See Reference 10. and http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/factsheets/pests.html

Management Option

Recommendation

Scouting/thresholds

Scouting should begin soon after plant emergence and be repeated twice per week until plants are established. Focus sampling on field edges which border natural vegetation and weedy or poorly drained areas. If cutworm damage is suspected, confirm presence of larvae by screening the soil under and around injured plants. No thresholds have been established.

Natural enemies

Naturally-occurring predators, parasitoids, and pathogens help suppress infestations. Use Reference 9 or www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/ for identification of natural enemies.

Note(s)

Cutworm larvae should be controlled when small, and because of their nocturnal behavior, treatments should be applied late in the day. Also, because damage will be somewhat limited to field edges or low areas in the field, only the infested (damaged) areas and a buffer area of 20 to 40 feet around the damage may need to be treated.

Resistant varieties

No resistant varieties are available.

Crop rotation

If possible, avoid fields with a history of cutworm problems.

Site selection

If the land has a history of cutworm injury, be prepared to treat before the worms are 1/2 inch long. The moths are attracted to weeds. Avoid fields containing weeds, especially winter annuals.

Postharvest and Sanitation

These are not currently viable management options.


 

Compound(s)

 

 

 

 

 

Common name

Rate/A

PHI

REI

Field

 

 

Trade name

Product

(days)

(hours)

Use EIQ

Comments

beta-cyfluthrin

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Baythroid XL               1 lb/gal

0.8-2.8

0

12

<1

Rate dependent on species.  See label.

bifenthrin

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Capture 2 EC               2 lb/gal

2.1-6.4 fl oz

1

12

3-9

 

 

 

0.15-0.3 fl oz/1,000 row ft

30

12

3-9

Applied as a 5 to 7 inch T band over an open seed furrow.  See label for instructions.

carbaryl

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sevin XLR Plus                 4 lbs/gal

2 qts

12

37

Apply in band or broadcast at seedling stage. See label for details.

chlorpyrifos

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Lorsban 4E                  4 lb/gal

2-4 pt

24

39-78