Larvae in your ears: Does western bean cutworm larval feeding damage encourage Gibberella ear rot development?
Abstract
Western bean cutworm (Striacosta albicosta (Smith)) is a relatively new pest in Indiana, being trapped in the state since 2006. In 2009, larval feeding damage in corn reached economically damaging levels in some fields. During this year there was also an outbreak of Gibberella ear rot (Gibberella zeae); corn containing the mycotoxin, deoxynivalenol, produced by this pathogen in concentrations exceeding advised FDA limits caused the grain to be rejected. A three year study was conducted to evaluate the possible affect that western bean cutworm larval feeding damage or presence had on development of Gibberella ear rot in field corn and the role of a pyraclostrobin fungicide (Headline®) on managing the disease. Caterpillar feeding damage and presence encouraged fungal mycelial growth on field corn ears. An application of the fungicide Headline® did not reduce nor increase disease symptoms within fields. A management plan that targets the insect pest through appropriately timed insecticide applications also reduces the likelihood of ear rot development within field corn in Indiana.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
Krupke, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Entomology|Agriculture|Plant Pathology
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