Minnesota Corn Borer Survey Underway

ST. PAUL - Sep 13/04 - SNS -- The annual corn borer survey is now underway by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).

Surveyors are walking corn fields in the state looking for pale gray worms, the immature stage of the destructive European corn borer moth. The corn borer survey aims to count the number of larvae found in cornfields. Corn producers and researchers can use the data to explain, prepare for, or attempt to minimize future crop damage caused by corn borers.

Mark Abrahamson, MDA Pest Survey Coordinator, said that while the data may have limited value for making 2005 crop year pest predictions, they can be used for spotting trends in pest buildups and reductions.

"At this point we can't take 2004 corn borer data and say corn borers are going to be up or down in 2005," said Abrahamson. "However, by continuing the survey we are hoping to eventually be able to make those kinds of predictions."

Based on observations made by MDA Plant Pest Survey staff during the growing season, European corn borer numbers are expected to be extremely low during the 2004 survey.

Once the information is collected, it is compiled and posted on the Plant Pest Survey's website. Results from previous corn borer surveys can be found online at: http://www.mda.state.mn.us/pestsurvey .