Soil insects are major pests in southern areas. Foliar insects and stalk borers are more common in the High Plains. Major insects include spider mites, European and southwestern corn borers, western corn rootworm, Mexican rootworm, corn earworm, and fall armyworm. Diseases Corn hybrids are bred for genetic resistance to most diseases. Crop rotations and planting disease- resistant hybrids reduce disease impacts.
Seed is treated but no fungicides are applied in the field.
Weeds Weed control is the primary concern of corn producers. Mechanical cultivation, adjusted planting and harvesting dates, and herbicide use are common weed control practices. Pigweed, annual grass, several perennial broadleaf weeds and johnsongrass are major problems. Outlook Public and private breeding programs strive to improve insect and disease resistance. Independent crop advisors check most corn fields.