2025
In Ukraine the flight of the European corn borer is ongoing. It is exactly the time to take care of protecting the crops — since the loss of time can cost the harvest.
The European corn borer is one of the most dangerous pests for maize. Its caterpillars gnaw through the stems and tassels, which not only weakens the plant, but also opens the "door" for numerous infections, reports the LNZ Group agro department. The experts recalled the signs of damage: The females lay eggs on the underside of the leaf (15–20 eggs in a clutch). The caterpillars appear within a few days, hide in the leaf axils and under the cob husks.
Favourable conditions for the development of the pest have already set in:
- Air temperature 18–30 °C;
- Humidity above 70%;
The specialists noted that this year's weather conditions shifted the flight dates — so inspection of the crops is especially important right now. For effective protection they advised Kairos (flubendiamide, 480 g/l) from DEFENDA — an innovative long-acting insecticide:
Application rate: 0.1–0.15 l/ha
- Effective against the larvae of the corn borer, the meadow moth and the cotton bollworm.
- Has no cross-resistance.
- Safe for entomophages.
- Controls even resistant populations.
"Do not delay — protect the maize within the optimal time frame, while the pest is vulnerable," the specialists urged.
