Plowing or turning corn stubble in early spring will greatly reduce overwintering European corn borer larvae. Because proper timing of insecticide application is difficult, early planting and stalk destruction just after harvest are the best management for both European and southwestern corn borers. If an insecticide is used before the young borer enters the stalk, a substantial level of control can be expected. Planting a Bt corn variety is another option for managing both European and southwestern corn borers. These varieties have been genetically engineered to produce a protein that gives excellent control of these borers.
Borers are usually more of a problem in later plantings.
Therefore, the grower should consider planting a Bt variety when planting is delayed. Check the University of Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Performance Tests publication to find the highest yielding varieties for your part of the state. Apply treatments when 25 percent of plants show shothole feeding in whorl. Use 15 to 20 gallons total spray per acre applied over whorl. Ground applications of sprays are usually more effective than aerial applied sprays.