Management of Second Generation European corn borer using an insecticide approach requires field scouting to determine the need of control and to properly time insecticide or biological control applications. There are two important aspects that need to be considered:

Both vary with geographic location. In higher elevations and cooler areas of the state, the time of the second generation egg laying period is later in the season compared to warmer and lower elevations. The length of the egg laying period is extended in cooler areas and compressed in warmer areas. The map of dates when the second generation will occur can be used to time scouting activities and control. The map that shows the length of the egg laying period provides information about the economic value of ECB management. If the egg laying period is longer than 28 days, it is unlikely that insecticide applications will provide economic control of the pest. If the egg laying period is predicted to be longer than 40 days, you are in an area where both a single and two generation type of ECB coexist. In these areas, an insecticide program can not be implemented in a cost efffective manner.

(Click the maps for an enlarged view)