Verification of a European corn borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) loss equation in the major corn production region of the northeastern United States.

ABSTRACT

Field studies in Pennsylvania and Maryland were conducted during 2000, 2001, and 2002 to test the applicability of published yield loss relationships developed in central Pennsylvania for European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), management in warmer, longer season corn, Zea mays L., grain production regions of the northeastern United States. Both isoline hybrids and non-Bt lead hybrids were compared against Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) hybrids to measure effects of the pest on yield. The European corn borer economic analysis model was used to make site-specific predictions of loss per European corn borer larva for comparison with measured yield loss per larva. Although the model did not predict loss per larva at a field level, it did predict loss at a regional level. The model predicted an overall percentage of yield loss per larva of 2.69+/-0.12% over the region, which was similar to the measured yield loss per larva of 2.66+/-0.59% for isoline hybrids and 3.08+/-0.51% for lead hybrids. The model, on average, provided a good prediction of percentage of yield loss per larva within the climatic zones of 1100-1700 degree-days (DD) (base threshold 12.5 degrees C). Our results suggest that the yield loss relationship developed in Central Pennsylvania, when matched to the timing of third instar second generation European corn borer stalk tunneling is adequate for major corn grain production zones of the northeast United States.