Problem Identifier Unit Screen//v.w/ RR Template

Problem Identifier Unit Screen//v.w/ RR Template Common Stalk Borer

Problem
Leaves are chewed and ragged. Stalks don't produce ears and may be distorted and curled. Dark brown to purple caterpillars, 1 inch long, with white stripes and bands may be found inside the stalks.

Analysis
(Papaipema nebris)

The common stalk borer is a serious pest of corn east of the Rocky Mountains. These borers feed on a variety of plants, but prefer corn. They spend the winter as eggs on grasses and weeds, especially giant ragweed. After hatching in the early spring, the worms feed in the leaf whorls and then bore into the side of the stalks and burrow upward. After pupating in the soil, the adult moths emerge in late summer and early fall. These grayish brown moths lay eggs on grasses for next year's generation. There is only 1 generation per year.

Solution
Once the damage is noticed, it is too late for any controls. Destroy all infested plants. Clean all plant debris from the garden after harvest. Eliminate nearby grasses and weeds, especially giant ragweed. If stalk borers were serious this year, next year treat the plants with an insecticide containing diazinon or carbaryl in early to midspring.

Back to the top