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Iowa County, IA | I have no problems with conventional corn but I've seen a lot of stalk lodging associated with European corn borer this fall. We should see more ECB next year with the increased use of nongmo corn. The larvae overwinter in residue and weeds.
I think it's safe to take the corn borer off the endangered species list.
If planting nongmo corn, I'd certainly scout for ECB. Average scouting cost in Iowa is $4.90/acre. Aerial treatment is roughly $15/acre. Borers can reduce yield by 2-6% per larvae depending on time of infestation. Figure 75% control for first generation and 65% control for second generation if a treatment is applied. Lodged corn is irritating to pick at best.
One must consider the risks and potential added input costs of nongmo corn vs. Bt traited corn. I'd hate to not budget for treatment then have an ECB outbreak.
Chris
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GMO vs conventional?
