Arkansas Corn acreage in Arkansas increased from 93,000 A in 1995 to 220,000 A in 1998. These increases were due to several factors including low price of other commodities, need for alternative crop rotations and the relatively short growing season for field corn. Although acreage decreased in 1999 due to high levels of aflatoxin in the 1998 crop and from reduced corn prices, field corn will continue to be produced at substantial levels in Arkansas. However, numerous factors including weather, diseases, weeds, low fertility, and insects will continue to suppress yield increases unless they are better managed.
Insects represent a serious threat to field corn produced in the mid-south.
Numerous soil dwelling insects attack newly planted corn seed and seedlings. These include wireworms, seed maggots, and chinch bugs. Rootworms may reduce growth vigor by feeding on corn roots. Armyworms and the corn earworm directly affect the ear and may assist in transmitting pathogens responsible for aflatoxin production. Although the entire plant may be attacked and this attack may occur throughout the production season, in Arkansas the most significant threat is generally from corn borers that tunnel into stalks and ear shanks.