European corn borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) effects on qualitative traits of high oil content corn grown in Kentucky

J Econ Entomol. 2005 Apr;98(2):395-401. doi: 10.1093/jee/98.2.395.

Abstract

The European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is one of the most important pests of corn, Zea mays L., because it consistently causes high loss of yield. A study was conducted in 2000-2002 at field sites in central and western Kentucky to investigate whether infestation by O. nubilalis differentially affects the production of high-oil corn compared with traditional field corn. Statistical differences in grain weight and percentage of oil content between the five infestation levels were significant at both locations and for all years. Average grain yield was reduced by 0.40% and average oil concentration by 0.011% for each 1% of damaged plants, and there was a strong correlation (0.76) between leaf damage ratings (i.e., Guthrie scale) and yield reduction. In general, corn planted at the early planting date tended to have a higher yield (grain weight) and oil content.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Corn Oil / analysis*
  • Edible Grain / anatomy & histology
  • Lepidoptera / growth & development*
  • Plant Diseases*
  • Zea mays / chemistry
  • Zea mays / growth & development*

Substances

  • Corn Oil