Stalk Borer

How to Identify Stalk Borers

Farmers can identify stalk borers by looking for specific signs and symptoms in their crops. Here are detailed characteristics to help with identification:

Larvae:

Appearance: Stalk borer larvae are typically creamy white to light brown with a distinctive purple or dark brown band around their middle. They can grow up to 1.5 inches long.
Head: The head capsule is dark brown or black.
Movement: Larvae are active and can be found boring into the stems of plants.

Damage Indicators:

Entry Holes: Look for small, round entry holes on the lower stems of plants. These holes are where the larvae bore into the stalk.
Frass: Presence of frass (insect excrement) around the entry holes is a clear indicator of stalk borer activity.
Stem Damage: Internally, the larvae create tunnels within the stalk, which can weaken the plant structure.
Plant Symptoms: Affected plants may show signs of wilting, stunted growth, and lodging. In corn, the central whorl may die, a condition known as "dead heart."

Scouting Tips:

Timing: Regularly scout fields, especially during the early growing season when larvae are most active.
Weed Management: Pay attention to grassy weeds in and around fields, as these can serve as alternate hosts for the larvae.
Sampling: Inspect the lower stems of plants for entry holes and frass.

For chemical management, products like Willowood Lambda-Cy 1EC and Willowood Imidacloprid 4SC are effective against stalk borers and are available from FBN. Implementing an integrated pest management strategy, including timely insecticide applications and weed control, is essential for mitigating the impact of stalk borers on crops.

Photo Credit: Mark Dreiling, Bugwood.org

Geographic Impact of Stalk Borers

The geographic impact of stalk borers (Papaipema nebris) is significant across various regions in the United States and Canada. This pest primarily affects crops such as corn, soybeans, potatoes, and tomatoes. Stalk borers are prevalent in areas where these crops are grown extensively, particularly in the Midwest and Eastern United States.

Timing of Stalk Borer Impact

Stalk borers (Papaipema nebris) typically emerge and impact fields across the United States during the early growing season, from late spring to early summer.

How to Manage Stalk Borers

Farmers can manage stalk borers in corn, soybeans, and other crops using insecticides available from FBN. Two effective products are Willowood Lambda-Cy 1EC and Asana® XL.

Willowood Lambda-Cy 1EC

Active Ingredient: Lambda-Cyhalothrin
Crops: Labeled for use on corn, soybeans, potatoes, tomatoes, and other crops.
Application Rates: For corn and soybeans, the typical application rate is 2.56 oz/acre (range: 1.92-3.84 oz/acre).

Asana® XL

Active Ingredient: Esfenvalerate
Crops: Labeled for use on corn, soybeans, and other crops.
Application Rates: Please check the label for specific application rates.

Implementing these insecticides as part of an integrated pest management strategy, including timely applications and weed control, is essential for mitigating the impact of stalk borers on crops.

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Stalk Borer

Overview

Willowood Lambda-Cy 1EC

$27.45 - $28.45/gal

$24.98 - $25.89/gal

Asana® XL

$59.40/gal

$54.05/gal