The Effectiveness of Bf-Corn Hybrids for Control of European Corn Borer, 1997

Abstract

Abstract Each plot consisted of four rows 30 inches wide by 30 ft long with 40 plants per row after thinning. A RCB design with six replications was utilized. There were 10-ft-wide alleys between replications. Two Pounce-treated plots were included as checks in each replication and were averaged for the ANOVA. Manual infestations were made to 15 consecutive plants in each of the middle two rows of each 4-row plot. Manual ECB infestations to simulate the first generation were made on 11 Jul at the 6 corn leaf stage by applying two ECB egg masses (on wax paper) to the whorls of corn plants. Manual ECB infestations to simulate the second generation were made at corn anthesis on 14 Aug by applying one ECB egg mass per leaf axile above and below the ear node. Treatments to the two control plots were applied with a modified John Deere 6000 high-clearance vehicle (HCV). On 17 July, Pounce 1.5 G at a rate of 10 lb product/acre was metered through Noble units mounted in brackets on the rear of the HCV for first generation ECB control. The Noble units were driven with electric motors, and the granules were applied over the whorls in a 7-inch band. The banders were similar to banders on conventional row-planters that are used to deliver soil insecticides. On 19 Aug, Pounce 3.2 EC at a rate of 0.15 lb (AI)/acre was applied with two 8003 TeeJet flat fan nozzles (one per row), in a band over the row, with a compressed-air system calibrated to deliver 9.7 gpa at 20 psi and a speed of 2.5 mph. The height of the nozzles above the whorls was 10 to 12 inches.