–by Dr. Jeff Whitworth and Dr. Holly Schwarting
Checking corn fields between rains indicates some insect activity. The most visible seems to be corn earworm larvae. The fields we checked in north central Kansas were in the 8-9 leaf stage and the corn earworm larvae had probably been feeding for about a week. However, the feeding is only noticed after the leaves unfurl as the larvae are hidden inside the furled leaves.
Checking corn fields between rains indicates some insect activity. The most visible seems to be corn earworm larvae. The fields we checked in north central Kansas were in the 8-9 leaf stage and the corn earworm larvae had probably been feeding for about a week. However, the feeding is only noticed after the leaves unfurl as the larvae are hidden inside the furled leaves.
We also found western corn rootworm (WCRW) larvae feeding on corn roots. This field was sampled last weekend but no larvae were detected. However, in this same field, the larvae hatched and have fed on the roots as seen in the picture. Just in the last 3-4 days, larval feeding has caused some root damage.
