Impact of corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) on field corn grain quality

IMPACT OF CORN EARWORM ON GRAIN QUALITY

Authors:
J. Bibb¹, A. Catchot¹, D. Cook², F. Musser¹, S. Stewart³, B. R. Leonard⁴, T. Allen², and D. Buntin⁵
1. Mississippi State University Dept of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State, MS, 
2. Delta Research Experiment Station, Stoneville, MS
3. University of Tennessee Dept of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Jackson TN
4. Louisiana State University, Dept of Entomology, Winnsboro, LA 71295
5. University of Georgia, Dept of Entomology, Griffin, GA 30223

Field corn, Zea mays L., has recently been introduced to the market with new pyramided Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn technologies.  These technologies reduce kernel damage from ear feeding caterpillar pests, including corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith).  The first generation Bt traits in field corn demonstrated very little activity on corn earworm feeding on grain in ears.  The new pyramided corn technologies have, higher cumulative protein levels, and improved expression throughout the plant, these new corn traits should provide an effective management tool against these pests.  In addition, reduced kernel injury may also have a direct effect on physical grain quality.  Thus, it is important to quantify the level of mycotoxins present and the effects on grain quality caused by ear feeding lepidopteran insect pests, specifically corn earworm.  These results could provide significant new information and opportunities to improve IPM of field corn across the southern U.S.