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Southwestern
Corn Borer (SWCB) overwinters as creamy-yellow larvae in the stalk base
below the soil. The full grown larva is 1-1/4 inch. In the spring, pupation
takes place in the stalk base. Dull white moths emerge from the stubble, mate,
and deposit their eggs on the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves. While
similar in biology to the European corn borer, the SWCB is the more difficult
insect to control. The SWCB has two or more generations per year. The first
generation attacks whorl-stage corn and is associated with losses to yield by
stunting or killing plants. The second generation occurs during mid-to-late
summer and increases harvest losses through stalk breakage due to extensive
tunneling. In the fall, overwintering larvae increase plant lodging by girdling
the base of the stalk.
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