Worms on Garden Corn in Colorado
Several types of worms rely on garden corn, also known as sweet corn, as an important food resource. Identifying the type of worm infestation is the first step in creating a control program so you can enjoy some of your fresh corn at harvest. Does this Spark an idea?
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Description
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The corn earworm feeds on the silk of the corn while cutworms often travel and eat from nearby weeds before moving to corn stalks. The European corn borer tunnels into the corn stalk as well as the ears. Fall army worms infest the plant when it's barely knee- to waist-high in early summer. Army worms also feed on the ears of corn.
Damage
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Many of the worms cause damage to the stalk, weakening the plant so it can't put all of its resources into producing ears of corn. Some worms burrow into the ears of corn. The most significant pest, the corn earworm, nibbles on the ears of corn themselves, running the crop for harvest.
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Control
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Soil insecticides can help control some worms before the corn gets planted. Early detection of worms on growing plants helps make insecticide more effective. Good weed control also helps keep the pests to a minimum.
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References
Resources
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