Farmers should be scouting corn fields to spot corn borer egg masses or stalk damage because new strains resistant to Bt genetics are spreading, says Tracey Baute, field crop entomologist for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Scouting is important to know whether preventive measures ought to be taken before next year’s corn crop. It helps to have the scouting done on a community basis because the pest can spread to a wide area.
As for prevention, Baute recommends using a flail mower after harvest to shred stalks close to ground level. That kills the worms before they can overwinter.
Shredding and bury works, she said. Lowering the combine level also helps.
“We need to work as a group. Now we’re working on how to take action more broadly. Even if you see egg masses, know that field needs to be looked at later,” Baute said.
