Ecology and management of European corn borer in Iowa field corn

This publication discusses the European corn borer life cycle, injury to corn, and management options with a focus on Iowa field corn production. European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Figs. 1–2), is a moth in the family Crambidae (formerly Pyralidae). European corn borers in the Midwest affect corn production (i.e., field corn, popcorn, seed corn, and sweet corn), as well as sorghum, wheat, and many vegetables. Caterpillars can feed on almost any part of the corn plant, except roots, and cause severe economic injury (Fig. 3)