scholarly journals Direct Silk Applications of Corn Oil and Bacillus thuringiensis as a Barrier to Corn Earworm Larvae in Sweet Corn

2003 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 509-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosalind Cook ◽  
Anne Carter ◽  
Pam Westgate ◽  
Ruth Hazzard

Field studies were conducted in 2000 and 2001 to rate the efficacy and longevity of four pesticide treatments against corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) larvae (CEW) in sweet corn (Zea mays). The four treatments used were 1) corn oil, 2) Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki (Bt), 3) oil + Bt, and 4) an untreated plot. All treatments were applied on silk day 5. Silk day 1 was the first day that more than 50% of the ears had 2.5 cm (1 inch) or more silks emerging from the husk using a hand-held pump applicator. Two first-instar CEW larvae were placed directly into silk channel of selected ears on 6 different days (days 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 after first silk). The same six ears were then harvested 4 days later. Untreated ears had more live CEW and higher levels of feeding damage than the other three treatments ears for all harvest days in both years. The number of CEW found per ear was lower when Bt was included in the treatment. The use of corn oil gave the lowest damage ratings on almost all harvest days in both years. Treatments which contained oil had the highest number of marketable ears in both years, but also the highest percentage of underdeveloped kernels at the tip of the ear (6% to 9%). The oil and Bt treatments appeared to control CEW for at least 17 days, from silking through maturity. This treatment regime appears to be a promising alternative for growers to conventional pest management methods.

2004 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosalind Cook ◽  
Anne Carter ◽  
Pamela Westgate ◽  
Ruth Hazzard

Corn oil and Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki (Bt) applied directly into the silk channel of a corn ear has been shown to be an effective pesticide against corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (CEW), and european corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (ECB). Field studies were conducted in 2000 and 2001 to determine the influence of application timing on ear quality at harvest. Two blocks of corn were planted during each year to observe treatment effects under varying populations of the two insect species. The treatment consisted of 0.5 mL (0.017 floz) of food grade corn oil containing a suspension of Bt at 0.08 g (0.003 oz) a.i. per ear applied directly into the silk channel at the husk opening. One treatment application was made on each silk day 3 through 11 from first silk; silk day 1 was the first day that 50% or more of ears had 2.5 cm (1 inch) of silk protruding from the husk. One treatment did not receive the oil + Bt suspension. All ears were harvested at milk stage, on silk day 25. The number of CEW larvae in treated ears increased with later application days in 2000, but not in 2001. Damage from larval feeding was mainly found near the tip of the ear, and damage ratings were lower compared to untreated ears for all treatment days for both plantings in 2000, and through application day 8 in the late planting of 2001. ECB larvae were reduced for all treatment days in both plantings in 2000 and the late planting of 2001. The percentage of ears rated as marketable (i.e., free of feeding damage) ranged from 71% to 100% in treated plots compared to 30% to 77% in the untreated plots. There was a linear decrease in marketability with later application days in two of the four plantings. The greatest decrease in marketability was after application day 7. Because the oil application affects kernel development at the tip, the length of ear with under-developed kernels, or cone tip, was measured. The number of ears with cone tip decreased linearly with the later application days in all plantings. There was 10% conetip or less after day 7 in 2000 and day 6 in 2001. The best combination of effective insect control resulting in the highest rates of marketable ears with the least degree of cone tip was achieved in this experiment by application of oil + Bt suspension on day 7. Year to year variation in the environment would suggest a range from day 6 to 8.


1996 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 340-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven R. Sims ◽  
Jay C. Pershing ◽  
Barbara J. Reich

Twelve independently transformed lines of transgenic corn (Zea mays L.) expressing the CryIA(b) insecticidal protein from Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki were field tested to evaluate their resistance to the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie). Silks of the primary (=top) ears of transgenic [CryIA(b) positive] and isoline control plants [no CryIA(b) protein] were artificially infested with first-instar H. zea larvae and the length of ear penetration was measured after 19 d. Eight of the 12 lines had significantly less ear damage than their respective isoline controls; 3 transgenic lines reduced H. zea feeding damage by > 75% and stunted surviving H. zea larvae. Concentration of the CryIA(b) protein (μg/g fresh weight) in silks of the transgenic lines, determined using ELISA, ranged from 0.0 to 1.28 μg/g. Within transgenic lines, there was a weak (P < 0.06) negative relationship between the concentration of CryIA(b) protein in fresh silks and the length of H. zea ear penetration.


1999 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-285
Author(s):  
Richard L. Ridgway ◽  
Robert R. Farrar

Five commercial granular formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner marketed for controlling the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), were compared for insecticidal activity using treated discs of bean leaves. Three formulations, Dipel 10G®, Full-Bac ECBG™, and Strike BT®, were similar in terms of both mortality and speed of kill. A formulation containing a strain of B. thuringiensis developed by plasmid fusion, Condor G®, caused mortality similar to the other three formulations, but the speed of kill was slower. A fifth formulation containing a B. thuringiensis toxin produced by Pseudomonas fluorescens Migula as result of a gene transfer, M-Peril™, caused substantially less mortality than any of the other formulations. An experimental water dispersible formulation, based on a previously developed granular matrix formulation containing B. thuringiensis and a nutrient-based phagostimulant, caused significantly higher mortality of the European corn borer than a similar formulation without the phagostimulant. Simulated field studies were conducted to study the effects of the phagostimulant on feeding and protection of B. thuringiensis from ultraviolet (UV) light. Bean plants treated with B. thuringiensis and the phagostimulant were exposed to different UV regimes outdoors under canopies made of specialized acrylic plastics and then infested with larvae of the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie). A significant interaction between the UV regimes and the phagostimulant was found, indicating that the phagostimulant acted both as a feeding stimulant and as a UV protectant to enhance the activity of B. thuringiensis.


2007 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tori Lee Jackson ◽  
Mark G. Hutton ◽  
David T. Handley

Corn earworm [CEW (Helicoverpa zea)] is one of the most important pests of sweet corn (Zea mays) in New England. Conventional management of this pest is achieved through repeated applications of chemical insecticides through the silking period. Organic growers, however, have few alternatives to prevent CEW infestation. Technology first developed in the 1930s and 1940s, using applications of mineral oil directly into the silk channel with an eyedropper, has been further researched in recent years using vegetable oils with and without pesticides, but pollination problems associated with these treatments have been observed. Several materials were evaluated for efficacy in controlling CEW populations and for phytotoxicity to the developing ear. Materials evaluated were corn oil, soy oil, carrageenan, corn oil mixed with Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki (Bt), soy oil mixed with Bt, and carrageenan mixed with Bt. All treatments were compared with an untreated control. Treatments provided a range of 33% to 50% control of CEW infestation. The oil and Bt combinations provided some reduction in infestation compared with the untreated controls (33% vs. 100% infestation), but this level of control was inadequate for all wholesale markets and most direct markets. Additionally, oil-based treatments also caused significant injury to developing ears by reducing pollination quality, impacting the development of the kernels at the ear tip. This condition referred to as “cone-tip” is of concern since it may decrease marketability. The percent unmarketable ears due to cone-tips ranged from 0% to 13% for the untreated and carrageenan-based treatments. From 12% to 42% of ears were unmarketable due to the soy oil treatments. Corn oil treatments caused 10% to 50% cone-tips.


1997 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth V. Hazzard ◽  
Mark A. Mazzola

Abstract Sweet corn was planted 2 May in blocks of 4 rows by 25 feet. Each treatment was repeated 4 times in a RCB design. Blocks were separated by 15 feet. Insecticides were applied on 5, 11, and 18 Jul, beginning before tassels emerged. Biweekly treatments were also sprayed on 9, 16, and 22 Jul. ECB flights were monitored with two nylon Heliothis traps baited with a Trece’ pheromone lure (New York or Iowa strain). The CEW flight was monitored with a Heliothis trap with a Hereon Helicoverpa zea lure. Sprays were applied at 75 psi with a four row drop nozzle sprayer pulled (5 nozzles per row) behind a tractor. A hand held applicator delivered 0.5 ml per ear of a 1 ;20 mixture of Dipel ES and food-grade corn oil directly to the silks on 16 Jul. Plots were harvested on 29 Jul. Fifty ears per plot were rated for damage, and for presence of CEW and ECB. Two ratings are reported; Undamaged ears = no feeding on ear; undamaged kernels = no feeding on filled kernels, may have feeding on unfilled tip.


Toxins ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Yang ◽  
José C. Santiago González ◽  
Jayme Williams ◽  
Donald C. Cook ◽  
Ryan T. Gilreath ◽  
...  

The corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), is a major pest of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize and cotton in the U.S.. Reduced efficacy of Bt plants expressing Cry1 and Cry2 against H. zea has been reported in some areas of the U.S.. In this study, we evaluated the occurrence and ear damage of H. zea on transgenic Bt maize expressing Cry proteins or a combination of Vip3A and Cry proteins in the field in Texas in 2018. We found that the occurrence of H. zea larvae and the viable kernel damage area on the ear were not different between non-Bt maize and Bt maize expressing Cry1A.105+Cry2Ab2 and Cry1Ab+Cry1F proteins. A total of 67.5% of the pyramided Bt maize expressing Cry1Ab+Cry1F+Vip3A was damaged by 2nd–4th instar larvae of H. zea. Diet bioassays showed that the resistance ratio against Vip3Aa51 for H. zea obtained from Cry1Ab+Cry1F+Vip3A maize was 20.4 compared to a field population collected from Cry1F+Cry1A.105+Cry2Ab2 maize. Leaf tissue bioassays showed that 7-day survivorship on WideStrike3 (Cry1F+Cry1Ac+Vip3A) cotton leaves was significantly higher for the H. zea population collected from Cry1Ab+Cry1F+Vip3A maize than for a Bt-susceptible laboratory population. The results generated from this study suggest that H. zea has evolved practical resistance to Cry1 and Cry2 proteins. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the sustainable use of the Vip3A technology in Bt maize and cotton.


2009 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 383-390
Author(s):  
John D. Sedlacek ◽  
Karen L. Friley ◽  
Steve L. Hillman

Sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. rugosa) was grown in replicated plots in 2004 and 2006 using organic, conventional, and genetically-engineered (Bt) production practices. Organic plots were treated with Entrust® (Dow AgroSciences LLC, Indianapolis, IN) whereas conventional and Bt sweet corn plots were treated with Warrior® (Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc., Greensboro, NC). All plots were treated once at silk emergence. Organic and conventional plots were treated again 1 wk later. Twenty-five ears were harvested from row centers in each treatment subplot to quantify ear pests and assess ear damage. The highest number of corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), larvae were found on organically-grown sweet corn. European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner); southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella Dyar; and fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), larvae were not found as frequently. Neither corn earworm nor European corn borer larvae were found on Bt sweet corn ears. Sap beetles, Carpophilus lugubris Murray, were found on all 3 types of sweet corn. Organically and conventionally-grown sweet corn had a greater number of tip-damaged ears and numbers of damaged kernels per ear than Bt sweet corn. Ear length and weight were the same for all 3 types of sweet corn. Based on the information generated in this study, growing late-planted sweet corn organically or conventionally on a large commercial scale with a limited spray program and without using other types of ear pest management does not appear to be a practical or profitable option in central Kentucky.


1996 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-114
Author(s):  
P.A. Stansly ◽  
J.M. Conner

Abstract The efficacy of azadirachtin formulations alone and in combination with Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai, two formulations of cyhalothrin, and Lannate were compared. Six polyethylene-mulched beds 32 inches wide configured in 2 sets of 3 on 6 ft centers separated by a 15 ft drive middle were planted on 29 Aug in double rows 12 inches between rows and plants. The center bed was used as an untreated source of inoculum and the remaining beds divided into 33 ft plots and assigned treatments in a RCBD with 7 treatments and 4 replications. Whorls of all plants were inoculated with 1-2 neonate fall armyworm larvae on 5 Oct using a bazooka gun and Grito-O-Cobs at 24-4O mesh. Treatments were applied weekly for 6 weeks beginning 7 Oct using a high clearance sprayer configured with 1 overhead nozzle per row equipped with a diaphragm pump operating at 200 psi and calibrated to delivery 21 gpa at 2.5 mph. APSA 80 was tank mixed with Karate and Lannate treatments at 5 oz/100 gallon. The dispersants Petro and Morwet were added to 25% of the spray water at a rate of 0.38 gram of 3% microencapsulated azadirachtin (WRC7305) and mixed for 3 minutes before adding remaining water containing the adjuvant B-1956 at 2 oz/gal. Feeding on inner 3 whorl leaves or tassel was rated weekly for 16 plants on a scale of 1 to 6 corresponding to 0, >1%, 2-5%, 6-10%, 11-30%, and >30% damage respectively. The same 16 plants per plot were harvested twice and number and ears evaluated for weight and marketability. Culls were evaluated as to cause of damage and larvae identified and counted. In addition, 10 stalks from each plot were opened to search for borers but none were found.


1995 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 374-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W. Bartels ◽  
William D. Hutchison ◽  
Vincent A. Fritz ◽  
George R. Klacan

Ground-applied treatments of two commercial Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki formulations (MVP and Dipel ES) and tank-mixes with a pyrethroid (Ambush 2E) were evaluated for control of European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), larvae in sweet corn. Treatments were applied at average intervals of 3.4, 5, 7, and 10 days to determine field persistence. Manual infestations of first-instar O. nubilalis were used to augment natural populations. During both years, there were no significant interactions between application interval and treatment for all dependent variables tested, including late instars per ear, percent marketability, yield, and predator density. Regardless of application interval, MVP provided greater larval control than Dipel ES. However, the decline in efficacy of the encapsulated MVP formulation occurred at the same rate as that of the non-encapsulated Dipel ES formulation over the 3.4 to 10-d intervals. Tank-mixes of B. thuringiensis + low-rate permethrin provided no additional control compared with low-rate permethrin alone. Given the infestation levels present in this test, neither B. thuringiensis formulation provided control sufficient to maintain current processor standards of 5–10% infested ears at harvest.


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