Host Plants and Seasonal Development of the European Corn Borer in New Jersey

Abstract

The presence of the European corn borer, Pyrausta nubilalis (Hbn.), in New Jersey was first recorded in 1926 and, although the insect could be found over much of the state by 1932, the infestation in corn that year averaged less than one borer per 100 plants. By 1934 infestation in the south central counties of Monmouth, Ocean, Burlington and Atlantic had increased considerably but was still low, averaging only 12 borers per 100 plants for that area. In 1935 damage was evident in the more heavily infested fields. Infestation continued to increase steadily and, in 1937, the losses in fields of highest infestation were so serious that a number of growers reduced their corn acreage and a few farmers discontinued growing this crop.