Submitted to: National Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 10, 1998
Publication Date: N/A
Technical Abstract: Ear-feeding caterpillars and beetles are the insects most frequently associated with mycotoxigenic fungi in corn. Sap beetles are demonstrated vectors of these fungi and are highly attracted to the volatiles produced by Fusarium species. Controlling these insects generally reduces the incidence of mycotoxigenic fungi and their toxins. However, the same treatments can show differing degrees of efficacy for the same variety in different years or for different varieties in the same year. While insect damage is often correlated with the incidence of visible moldiness caused by Aspergillus flavus or Fusarium moniliforme, these factors do not always correlate with toxin levels. Understanding the interaction of the insect, fungus, and the environment with each variety is necessary to more effectively interpret studies aimed at indirectly reducing mycotoxin occurrence through insect control.