Timing of Insecticide Applications for European Corn Borer Control in Sweet Corn12

In 1964, observations of Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner) egg laying on corn indicated that larvae from the eggs laid after 70% tassel-height ratio had been reached were those most responsible for infestation of the cars of sweet corn. It was postulated that chemical control to prevent ear infestation would have to be applied sometime after this stage of development. Plot experiments conducted in 1967, 1968, and 1970, in which chemical sprays were applied at various times, indicated this hypothesis to be true. Generally, those sprays applied during the silking period were as effective, or more effective, than any others in reducing injury to sweet corn ears.