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Southwestern corn borer
Southwestern corn borer (SWCB) can be an important pest in the southern corn-growing regions of the United States. First-generation infestations do not often cause economic damage. Second- and third-generation larvae cause the most damage. Annual losses of about 1% of total corn production are common.
Damage SWCB larvae feed on most corn plant parts, resulting in damage similar to European corn borer (ECB). Most common signs of first-generation feeding include small pinholes, windows and other lesions in leaf tissue. Once larvae reach the third instar they will tunnel into the stalk, killing the growing point of the corn, causing twisted, stunted plants. Second-generation SWCB larvae tunnel extensively throughout the corn plant causing harvest losses and stalk breakage. Their larger size tends to concentrate them lower in the stalk, compared with ECB. Stalk tunneling can reduce the flow of nutrients and impact yield. Larvae may also bore into the ear shank, causing the ear to drop. As they prepare for diapause, larvae often girdle the stalk near the base of the plant leaving the plant susceptible to breakage.
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