ARS | Publication request: Mycotoxin management studies by USDA crop bioprotection in 2007

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 7, 2008
Publication Date: February 7, 2008
Citation: Dowd, P.F. 2007. Mycotoxin management studies by USDA crop bioprotection in 2007 [abstract]. Central Illinois Irrigation Growers Association. Abstract No. 6.

Technical Abstract: Studies included several popcorn fields in 2007 in order to continue testing previously developed management strategies for mycotoxins in field corn, on popcorn. Weather conditions were generally good for growing corn, but some moderate levels of mycotoxins were seen in some fields typically associated with heavy insect damage. Earlier planted corn escaped most insect ear damage by caterpillars (primarily European corn borers (ECB)), as has been noted in the past. Storing ECB lures in the refrigerator apparently helped moth capture compared to previous years when moths were not captured, as ECB moths were trapped in areas where ECB caterpillars were later found in ears. Western bean cutworm moths were found in traps, and western bean cutworm caterpillars were found in some ears (from Manito to Easton). Other moths were also caught by the western bean cutworm moth lures, but look very different from western bean cutworm moths. Feeding by western bean cutworms was mostly limited to silks or unfilled parts of the ear. Cob tissue seemed to be preferred over kernels by western bean cutworms.