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RAPP CHATS
Rap Owings
extension Agent, Agriculture
Recently a number of farmers have called - concerned about the worms that are feeding in the terminal growth shoot of their field com. This worm has been definitely identified by Dr. Jack Rowell, V.P.I. Entomologist, as the European Com Borer.
Gordon Thornhill, Don Meek and I have inspected a number of com fields in the area.
Infestation by the com borer in Rappahannock has ranged from very light to a high of about 40% of the com stalks being infested with one or more com borers. Percent of infestation in neighboring Warren County has ranged upward to 80%.
The com borer is presently at the stage where it is showing the most visible damage.
Even if a large number of tassels are broken there will still be ample pollen to fertilize the ears.
Dr. Rowell reports that there can be from 1 to 3 generations of com borers per year. After the tassel emerges, the borer moves down into the stalks or the ear. The greatest damage will be from lodging in picking com. Also, due to its protected position in the com plant, it is very difficult to kill the borer with spray material. It would take from 3-7 sprays to give fairly effective control and the cost involved for aerial spraying weighed against the damage tha borer may cause would make spraying impracticle. This is the best information we have been able to compile from several sources. Hope this will help you in making a decision as to whether or not to spray. Looks to me like it is better to suffer your loss and forget about spraying.
Entry forms are available in the office for the Culpeper Farm Show coming up in August.
Don’t forget the V.P.I. Animal Industry Day Friday, July 25. Still have room on the bus. If you are interested in going, call
675-3619. |
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