What damage can European corn borer feeding cause?

The damage caused by European corn borer feeding is particularly significant regarding ear drop and stalk breakage. This pest primarily targets the stalk and ears of corn plants, where larvae burrow into the plant tissue. Their feeding behavior weakens the structural integrity of the stalk, making it more susceptible to breakage, especially under environmental stress conditions like wind or rain. Additionally, if the corn borer attacks the ear, it can lead to ear drop, where the ears detach from the plant prematurely, resulting in yield loss.

This phenomenon is critical because the corn borer not only impacts the health of individual plants but also can have broader implications for overall crop yield. Management practices aimed at controlling European corn borer populations are essential in preserving the plant structure and maximizing the harvest.