Corn Earworm Damage and Aflatoxin B1 on Corn Ears Protected with Insecticide123

Abstract

Four dent corn hybrids (3 in 1974 and one in 1975) were tested in split plot experiments that included arificial vs. natural infestation of ears with Heliothis zea (Boddie), inoculation of ears with Aspergillus flavus Link ex Fries vs. no inoculation, and ears sprayed with stirofos vs. nonsprayed ears in 1974; included inoculation vs. noninoculation and stirofos treated bags vs. nontreated bags in 1975. Aflatoxin B1 production and corn earworm injury were recorded. No evidence was found in either year for a significant relationship between corn earworm injury and the presence of aflatoxin B1. The insecticide regimen which was designed to totally control insects in both years did not eliminate insect damage nor did it effectively preclude A. flavus infection of the ears and subsequent aflatoxin production.