Microorganisms (insect pathogens) that cause diseases in the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis are instrumental in the natural control of this serious pest of corn. Two pathogens (a microsporidium - Noseam pyrausta, a fungus - Beauveria bassiana) overwinter in soil, crop residue, insects and insect cadavers. Because these do overwinter in central Iowa they remain in the ecosystem and cause reduced fecundity and/or mortality of O. nubilalis in the spring. Research is ongoing to conserve and augment the indigenous inoculum of these pathogens. The relationships between the pathogens, the environment and O. nubilalis will be discussed.

Leslie C. Lewis
USDA-ARS
Corn Insects Research Unit
Ames, Iowa 50011
Phone: (515) 294-8614
Fax: (515) 294-2265
E-mail: leslewis@iastate.edu