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How to scout for common stalk borer

June 18, 2019
Content Author: Erin Hodgson, Warren Pierson

This year I’ve had a few people ask for tips on scouting for common stalk borer. The larvae are moving from brome to corn throughout Iowa and it is a good time to scout for timely management. Thanks to the help of Warren Pierson, coordinator of the FEEL, I have some photos to share.

Common stalk borer.
Look for “dead heads” in brome along field margins.
Common stalk borer.
Infested (left) brome compared to a healthy stem.

 

Common stalk borer.
Splitting open an infested stem reveals common stalk borer. 

Hope this helps with your scouting efforts this season!

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Authored by
Photo of Erin Hodgson
Erin Hodgson
  • Professor
  • Extension Entomologist Specialist
  • ANR Crops Team Leader
Dr. Erin Hodgson started working in the Department of Entomology, now the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology, at Iowa State University in 2009. She is a professor with extension and research responsibilities in corn and soybeans. She has a general background in integrated pest management (IPM) for field crops. Dr. Hodgson's current extension and research programs are focused on improving corn and soybean production by using IPM tactics to protect yield and increase overall farmer profits. Among other projects, she oversees insecticide efficacy evaluations for soybean aphids, Japanese beetles, and aphids in corn. Erin also helps manage emerging field crop pests and invasive species.
Warren Pierson
Warren Pierson
  • Research Scientist, ISU Digital Ag
Warren is a program specialist with the Field Extension Education Laboratory (FEEL) at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. He organizes and manages educational plots related to integrated pest management and crop management that are used for classes and educational programs. Warren also organizes extension educational events available to the public as well as private educational programs. Pierson earned an M.S. degree in Crop Production and Physiology from Iowa State University.

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