Lack of rain can intensify the incidence of pinworm larvae in the corn harvest

With a series of uncertainties and climate instabilities affecting some second-crop corn producing regions, producers must pay extra attention to pests that can affect crop productivity at the beginning of the cycle. An example is the pinworm larva (Diabrotica speciosa), considered one of the main underground pests of cultivation, according to the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa).

When high infestation occurs, crop losses due to larvae can vary from 10% to 13%. Even though estimates by the National Supply Company (Conab) for the production of off-season corn exceed 82 thousand tons, a volume around 10% greater than that of the previous cycle, the damage caused by the larvae can represent significant losses, especially in a scenario like the current one, in which dry weather, irregular rains and the delay in the soybean harvest affected the development of sowing, especially in the center-south region and Central Brazil.

Bayer's specialist market development agronomist, Paulo Garollo, reinforces that the main damage that will impact the grain is linked to the attack of the larvae on the root system. "The entire structure of the plant comes from its root and if it is damaged, as happens with the diabrotic attack, the producer ends up losing productivity, because it will absorb less nutrients and water resources. In this initial period, the adult pest oviposits in the roots nodal roots that are hidden under the soil and after the larvae hatch, which occurs in 6 to 8 days, they drill, penetrate and feed on these roots, making the crop weak and more susceptible to periods of drought, as in this harvest", explains Garollo.

According to the expert, the farmer does not notice this damage until the moment when a wind causes the corn to become lodging, that is, the plant falls over, as it does not have a root to support it. Therefore, controlling this pest is more difficult and it is only possible to identify that there has been an attack when the crop has already been damaged.

"Darker soils, rich in organic matter, are favorable for the incidence of diabrosis, especially after the soybean harvest. The larvae are whitish in color and have a dark brown head, which is why they are called pin larvae. Efficient management of the pest should consider other strategies associated with chemical control, such as the adoption of technologies with specific Bt protein against this incidence", explains the specialist.

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An alternative for controlling pinworm larvae in off-season corn is the VT PRO3 technology, developed by Bayer. "The seed has two proteins aimed at protecting the corn root against attack by diabrotic larvae and against the main aerial pests that attack the leaves, stem and cob of the crop. Biotechnology offers tolerance to glyphosate, enabling efficient plant management weeds", says the Bayer specialist.

Furthermore, this year, Bayer brings to the market VT PRO4, the new biotechnology for hybrid corn. "The Brazilian producer is our great partner and knows that Bayer's hybrids deliver several benefits to him, especially the potential increase in productivity", explains Garollo. "We invest in research and development to deliver a portfolio with more results for farmers' management challenges."