Significance of the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hübn.) in maize production

Abstract

The European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hübn.), which is to be found almost universally in Europe and America, is an extremely important pest from the economic point of view. Losses caused by the pest range from 250-1000 kg/ha depending on the degree of infestation, the year and the yield averages. This fact justifies protection measures in Hungary on the whole of the seed production and sweetcorn fields and on 40% of the commercial maize sowing area. In addition to the direct damage, indirect losses are also considerable, since the injuries caused by the pest facilitate infection by Fusarium species. For the above reasons it is worth reviewing the habits of this pest, the extent of the economic loss resulting from the damage, and ways of controlling it.

Relationship between European Corn Borer injury, Fusarium proliferatum and F. subglutinans infection and moniliformin contamination in maize

“…The European Corn Borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), is a maize pest that has an economic impact on several producing areas (Bode and Calvin, 1990;Szóke et al, 2002). Two generations of ECB larvae usually occur per year in North Italy: the first generation attacks plants during the mid to late vegetative stages and the second generation attacks during the reproductive stages (from early milk stage to maturity) (Blandino et al, 2009).…”

Weather Conditions and Maturity Group Impacts on the Infestation of First Generation European Corn Borers in Maize Hybrids in Croatia

“…The losses are estimated at $1 billion per year [ 2 ]; hence, ECB is one of the most important pests from an economic point of view. The preferred host plant of this pest is maize [ 3 ]; however, ECB is a polyphagous insect and attacks many different plants, including sorghum, pepper, hemp, millet, chrysanthemums, and some weeds [ 4 ].…”

“…The extent of losses in maize caused by this pest depend on the degree of the infestation, the year, the yield averages and can range from 250–1000 kg/ha [ 3 ]. The damage is caused by the larvae that bore into the stems and ears of corn [ 5 ].…”

Effects of combining Beauveria bassiana and Nosema pyrausta on the mortality of Ostrinia nubilalis

“…The larvae are responsible for serious yield losses of maize [e.g. [3][4][5]. Several management strategies have been developed to control the pest, including biocontrol strategies with application of microbial insecticides.…”