Corn Pests

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Barracuda1 Gardners, PA Aug 15, 2008

I have found out what the worms are on my corn, but waht is the little back bug that goes through the silk. I think it has 6 legs. What are they and how can I get rid of them organically?

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Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Aug 15, 2008

Corn Sap Beetle (Carpophilus dimiliatus) Organically probably your best bet is to plant a cultivar with extra long shucks. They are very bad on corn when the end of the ear is exposed.
http://everest.ento.vt.edu/~idlab/vegpests/vegfs/cornsapbeetle.html

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LTilton Glen Ellyn, IL(Zone 5b) Aug 17, 2008

FarmerD, where is a good source of information about the length of the husks? One variety I'm growing this year is a disappointment, the tips of the ears are poking out and the bugs are into them.

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Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Aug 17, 2008

Usually a part of the description will read "good husk protection", Husks and flags are attractive and provide good protection", "heavy husk cover", etc.. Most of the newer hybrids designed for market growers have good husk packages. Years back I grew some Iochief which was the worst for attracting these things. Experience is perhaps the best teacher, I grow Silver Queen, Silver King, Silver Princess, Silver Knight, Whiteout, Avalon, Ambrosia, Luscious, Peaches and Cream etc with no problems from Sap beetles.

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LTilton Glen Ellyn, IL(Zone 5b) Aug 17, 2008

Thanks, good to know.

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dirttiger Portland, OR Aug 31, 2008

I just found this thread while I was trying to identify the bug that was eating my corn. It looks like I have sap beetles on my corn as well. They are not supposed to be out this far west though. I live in Portland Oregon!
I don't want to spray my corn or destroy the entire crop since many of the ears are still in perfect condition. Do you think tying some string tightly at the ends of the husks would protect them?

Post #5490649
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