Kansas State University

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Extension Entomology

Corn Earworms

–by Dr. Jeff Whitworth and Dr. Holly Schwarting

Corn was sampled in north central Kansas on 27 and 28 July.  Corn earworms are infesting approximately 100% of the ears sampled, regardless of the developmental stage – from just pollinating to just entering the dent stage.  These earworms are also at different developmental stages which means they will be feeding on these ears for anywhere from 1-3 weeks, then start pupating in the soil.  The adults will then move from these pupation sites to oviposit in sorghum and/or soybean fields, depending upon the growth stages of these crops.

corn earworm in ear

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