Crop Profile for Corn (Sweet) in West Virginia

In 1997, a total of 240 farms comprising 874 acres of sweet corn were harvested. The average planting field was less than 19 acres. Annually, crop production value exceeds $983,250 annually (1 and 2). Average annual production cost of sweet corn for fresh market is $204.00/acre and for processing is $69/acre (3). Average sale value of sweet corn for fresh market is $2.40/doz. or approximately $925/acre (3).

Production Regions

West Virginia’s sweet corn is grown in scattered locations across the state. Most of the Mountain State’s sweet corn farms are located in Preston, Randolph, Mineral, Putnam, Hampshire, and Jackson counties (3).

Sweet corn may be planted as early as the last week in March, with successive plantings into early July. Generally, sweet corn is seeded one inch deep at a rate of 12 to 15 pounds per acre with a row spacing of 30 inches. Plants are grown eight to 12 inches apart within rows, depending upon the variety. It is grown in many types of soils, but light, sandy soils with a pH level of 6.5 are optimal. Tilled fields are prepared by disking immediately after harvest of the preceding crop in order to incorporate residues into the soil; manure or other organic materials may be added as well. Some growers use clear plastic, which allows them to harvest by early July and take advantage of early markets. Irrigation during critical periods such as silking, tasseling, and ear development is used by some fresh market growers and all processors to increase both the quality and yield of sweet corn. Typically, cover crops, such as rye or wheat, are used prior to seeding sweet corn to reduce soil erosion and improve soil tilth and fertility (4).

Fresh market sweet corn is planted in relatively small blocks, as successive plantings spaced temporally to provide a continuous supply of peak quality ears for retail or wholesale outlets. Fresh market sweet corn is harvested eight to 21 days after silking, whereas processing corn is harvested five to seven days later when ears are more mature. This is important with respect to insect infestations since processing corn stays in the field longer and is more susceptible to ear invasion after the last silk sprays are applied (4).

Several insect pests invade sweet corn fields in the state. In 1999, the most reported insect pests, listed in order of importance, were corn earworm, European corn borer, fall armyworm, cutworms (black), flea beetle, corn rootworms (northern, southern, and western), and wireworm(3).

1. Corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea)

Damage: In the 1999 sweet corn survey, the majority of sweet corn producers (80% of the responses) listed corn earworm as the most destructive pest in West Virginia (3).

Corn earworm causes significant damage to kernels, usually to the tip of the ear, rendering them unmarketable.

Life Cycle: In the Mid-Atlantic region, pupae overwinter in the soil, but only survive in areas where the frost line is less than an inch below the soil surface. Surviving moths emerge and mate, and females deposit eggs on sweet corn foliage. The early-season larvae that hatch from these eggs may feed on the whorls or undeveloped tassels, but this feeding rarely affects corn production or quality. Adult corn earworms are highly mobile, and moth populations invade the Mid-Atlantic region from the south by mid-summer. Migrant females lay eggs singly on fresh corn silks during July and August. These larvae hatch in three to five days and begin feeding on the silks, working their way into the ear, where they continue feeding on kernels. Larvae feed and develop for 10 to 21 days, then cut through the husk as they exit the ear. They drop to the soil, where they pupate for about 14 days, after which adults emerge to begin the next generation (4).

Chemical Control (5):

Asana XL 0.66EC: Applied at a rate of 5.8-9.6 fl. oz./A; not to exceed 97 total fl. oz./A per season

Baythroid 2E: Applied at a rate of 1.6-2.8 fl. oz./A; not to exceed 20 total fl. oz./A per season

Pounce 3.2E: Applied at a rate of 4-8 fl. oz./A; not to be applied within 1 day of harvest of ear for forage or livestock grazing

Capture 2EC: Applied at a rate of 2.1-6.4 fl. oz./A; not to exceed 12.8 total fl. oz./A per season

Warrior 1E: Applied at a rate of 2.56-3.84 fl. oz./A; not to exceed 3.84 pt./A per season

Management: Blacklight and pheromone traps are available tools for monitoring adult corn earworms . Pheromone traps are species specific, less costly, and do not require an electrical source. In general, traps located approximately 1 mile from corn fields will give a reasonable estimate of area populations. The traps should be checked at least twice a week. Generally, when one or more moths are caught over a five-day period, insecticide applications are initiated in any silking fields on a farm (6).

2. European corn borer (Ostinia nubilalis)

Damage: In 1999, the European corn borer was reported (40% of the responses) as another serious sweet corn pest in the state (3). Larvae damage the whorls, which may affect yields for certain varieties, depending on the timing of the damage. They feed on kernels throughout the cob, causing extensive damage to the ear and reducing marketable yield (4).

Life Cycle: Female moths lay their eggs on the underside of corn leaves from mid-May to early June. Eggs hatch in three to seven days, depending upon temperature. The emerging larvae feed on leaves within the inner whorl of the plant. During tassel development, larvae tunnel into the stalk, where extensive tunneling sometimes causes breakage. Eventually, larvae outgrow the stalk and move to the developing ear, where they may feed on the silks. Larvae enter the ear via the silks, or from the shanks or the side by burrowing through plant tissues. European corn borer generally has two to three generations; it overwinters as a larva in its burrow in the sweet corn stalk or in the stem of a different host plant. Larvae pupate in late April or May, and adults emerge after two weeks to continue the next cycle (4).

Chemical Control (5):

Ambush 2EC: 6.4-12.8 fl. oz./A; not to be applied within 1 day of harvest of ear for forage or livestock grazing

Asana XL 0.66EC: Applied at a rate of 5.8-9.6 fl. oz./A; not to exceed 97 total fl. oz./A per season

Baythroid 2E: Applied at a rate of 1.6-2.8 fl. oz./A; not to exceed 20 total fl. oz./A per season

Capture 2EC: Applied at a rate of 2.1-6.4 fl. oz./A; not to exceed 12.8 total fl. oz./A per season

Diazinon 14G: Applied at a rate of 7-14 lb./A; not to be fed to livestock within 10 days following last application

Furadan 4F: Applied to the second generation ECB only at a rate of 1 pt./A

Lannate LV or OLF: Applied at a rate of 1.5 pt./A; may be toxic to some varieties; not to be fed to livestock within three days following last application

Lorsban 15G: Applied over the whorl at a rate of 6-8 oz./1,000 ft. of row

Pounce 3.2E: Applied at a rate of 4-8 fl. oz./A; not to be applied within 1 day of harvest of ear for forage or livestock grazing

Warrior 1E: Applied at a rate of 2.56-3.84 fl. oz./A; not to exceed 3.84 pt./A per season

Management: Either Blacklight or pheromone traps can be used to monitor the European corn borer (mid- to late May). Catches of three to five moths per night indicate a significant moth activity. When the action threshold is reached, spraying the first generation of European corn borer should be directed into the whorl (6).

3. Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)

Damage: In 1999, 20% of the responses from producers reported Fall armyworm as a sweet corn pest in West Virginia (3). Plants generally can compensate for feeding damage in the whorl stage, although extensive feeding during the early whorl stage may stunt the corn and reduce yields. Late in the season, when whorls are not available, larvae may enter ears through the silk tube and feed on kernels, severely damaging the ear. Fall armyworm becomes such a problem late in the season that it is a limiting factor in the production of late season sweet corn maturing after August 21 (4).

Life Cycle: The fall armyworm overwinters in Florida and the Gulf Coast. Each year, adult moths migrate into the Mid-Atlantic region, usually in early July. Each female moth can produce about 1,000 eggs, which are deposited in groups of 50 to 200 on the underside of corn leaves. Larvae feed gregariously in the whorl when young, then disperse as they grow. Larvae also feed on undeveloped tassels. After feeding and developing for two to three weeks, larvae then pupate in the soil. A new brood of moths emerges within two weeks to continue the life cycle. There are two or three generations per season (4).

Chemical Control (5):

Baythroid 2E: Applied at a rate of 2.8 fl. oz./A; not to exceed 20 total fl. oz./A per season

Diazinon 14G: Applied at a rate of 7-14 lb./A; not to be fed to livestock within 10 days following last application

Dipel 10G: Applied directly into the whorls at a rate of 10 lb./A

Lannate LV or OLF: Applied at a rate of 1.5 pt./A; may be toxic to some varieties. Not to be fed to livestock within 3 days following last application

Warrior 1E: Applied at a rate of 2.56-3.84 fl. oz./A; not to exceed 3.84 pt./A per season

Management: Plastic canister-type pheromone traps are the most effective method of monitoring male fall armyworms. Traps should be hung in fields of whorl stage corn in late June or early July. Action thresholds are based on the percentage of plants infested, not on the numbers of larvae per plant. The time of the infestation also determines, to a large degree, the type and amount of injury that sweet corn may sustain. Once an action threshold is reached, a spray should be directed into the whorls and onto the pre- or green tassels (6).

4. Black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon)

Damage: In the 1999 sweet corn survey, cutworms were not reported as a serious sweet corn pest in West Virginia (3). Severity of cutworm infestation may have been affected by the extreme dry weather during the 1999 growing season.

Life Cycle: Cutworms are a sporadic but potentially serious early-season sweet corn pest in the Northeast. Black cutworm, the most damaging cutworm species in sweet corn, also feeds on a broad range of other vegetable crops. The life cycle is not completely known for this pest in the Mid-Atlantic states. It may overwinter as a mature larva or a pupa or, perhaps, adults, which are carried on the wind from the South. During April and early May, females deposit eggs on debris or dense weeds in moist soil. Eggs hatch in seven to 14 days, and young larvae feed on the leaves of young corn plants. Larger larvae bore into plant stems or cut stems at or below ground level. Larvae develop through seven instars, feeding for four or five weeks before pupating in the soil. Two or more generations appear in the summer, but are not damaging to corn (4).

Chemical Control (5):

Preplant:

Diazinon 14G: Broadcast at a rate of 14-28 lb./A; not to be fed to livestock within 10 days following last application

Lorsban 4EC: Applied as a broadcast spray at a rate of 2-4 pt./A in a minimum of 10 gallons of water; incorporate into the top 2-4 inches of soil

Planting:

Force 3G: Applied at a rate of 4-5 oz./1,000 ft. of row banded, T-banded, or in furrow

Fortress 2.5G: Applied at a rate of 6 oz./ 1,000 ft. of row banded, T-banded, or in furrow

Lorsban 15G: Applied as a 6-7 inch wide band behind the planter shoe and incorporated into top 1 inch of soil; rate of application is 8 oz./1,000 ft. of row.

Postplanting:

Ambush 2EC: Applied at a rate of 6.4-12.8 fl. oz./A; not to be applied within 1 day of harvest of ear for forage or livestock grazing

Asana XL 0.66EC: Applied at a rate of 5.8-9.6 fl. oz./A; not to exceed 97 total fl. oz./A per season

Baythroid 2E: Applied at a rate of 0.8-1.6 fl. oz./A; not to exceed 20 total fl. oz./A per season

Capture 2EC: Applied at a rate of 2.1-6.4 fl. oz./A; not to exceed 12.8 total fl. oz./A per season

Lorsban 4EC: Applied as an aerial or ground broadcast at a rate of 2-3 pt./A

Pounce 3.2E: Applied at a rate of 4-8 fl. oz./A; not to be applied within 1 day of harvest of ear for forage or livestock grazing

Sevin Bait 5%: Applied at rate of 30-40 lb./A

Warrior 1E: Applied at a rate of 2.56-3.84 fl. oz./A; not to exceed 3.84 pt./A per season

Management: Trapping (Blacklight or pheromone) should begin with the earliest warm nights when daily temperatures begin to exceed 50 degrees F. Leaf feeding is the first sign that cutworms are present. On one to two leaf corn, when more than 10% of the plants show fresh feeding, a rescue treatment should be applied. At three- to four-leaf stage, treatment should be applied when 5% of the plant is cut and there are four or more cutworms per 100 plants (6).

5. Corn flea beetle (Chaetocnema publicaria)

Damage: Flea beetle was reported (20% of the responses) as a sweet corn pest in West Virginia in1999 (3). Direct damage due to adult feeding on leaves is insignificant, except in the most severe infestations of slow-growing sweet corn varieties; however, feeding can transmit Stewart's Bacterial Wilt (also known as Bacterial Wilt disease) to susceptible varieties. Some of the processing varieties and many of the fresh market varieties are susceptible to Stewart's Wilt. The disease appears in late May and becomes progressively worse throughout the season (4).

Life Cycle: Corn flea beetles overwinter as adults in litter and debris around fields and feed on weeds until early corn seedlings become available in May or June. Eggs are scattered in the soil at the base of young corn plants. Larvae hatch in 10 to 14 days and feed on the roots for three to four weeks before tunneling into the soil to pupate. Three or more generations are completed annually(4).

Chemical Control (5):

Ambush 2EC: 6.4-12.8 fl. oz./A; not to be applied within 1 day of harvest of ear for forage or livestock grazing

Asana XL 0.66EC: Applied at a rate of 5.8-9.6 fl. oz./A; not to exceed 97 total fl. oz./A per season

Capture 2EC: Applied at a rate of 2.1-6.4 fl. oz./A; not to exceed 12.8 total fl. oz./A per season

Counter 15G: Applied at a rate of 8 oz./1,000 ft. of row in the seed furrow or at a rate of 8-16 oz./1,000 ft. of row if banded

Furadan 4F: Applied to the seed furrow at planting at a rate of 2.5 fl. oz./1,000 ft. of row

Lannate LV or OLF: Applied at a rate of 1.5 pt./A; may be toxic to some varieties; not to be fed to livestock within 3 days following last application

Lorsban 4 EC: Applied at a rate of 2-3 pt./A

Pounce 3.2E: Applied at a rate of 4-8 fl. oz./A; not to be applied within 1 day of harvest of ear for forage or livestock grazing

Sevin 80S: Applied at a rate of 1.25-2.5 lb./A

Warrior 1E: Applied at a rate of 2.56-3.84 fl. oz./A; not to exceed 3.84 pt./A per season

Management: Resistant varieties should be used whenever possible. If susceptible varieties are grown, pesticides should be applied when 5% or more of the plants are infested with beetles (6). Incidence of Bacterial Wilt on sweet corn also has been shown to be directly related to the size of corn flea beetle populations. Control of the flea beetle is the primary means of preventing the disease (4).

6. Corn rootworm (western, northern, and southern)

Damage: In the 1999 survey, rootworms were reported (10% of the responses) as a sweet corn pest in West Virginia (3). Adult western, northern, and southern rootworms feed on silk and pollen. Emerging western and southern corn rootworms may feed on corn leaves. Western and northern corn rootworms cause damage from June through October, and southern rootworms cause damage from April through May and July through October (7).

Life Cycle: Northern and western corn rootworms overwinter as eggs, whereas southern corn rootworms overwinter as adults in the South and migrate north in the spring(7).

Chemical Control (5):

Asana XL 0.66EC: Applied at a rate of 5.8-9.6 fl. oz./A; not to exceed 97 total fl. oz./A per season

Baythroid 2E: Applied at a rate of 1.6-2.8 fl. oz./A; not to exceed 20 total fl. oz./A per season

Capture 2EC: Applied at a rate of 2.1-6.4 fl. oz./A; not to exceed 12.8 total fl. oz./A per season

Diazinon 14G: Applied at a rate of 7-14 lb./A; not to be fed to livestock within 10 days following last application

Management: The severity of the problem during the coming year can be predicted by weekly adults counts during egg laying. Chemical control is warranted when five or more beetles/plant are found and fewer than 75% of plants have silk showing and silk clipping is evident (7).

7. Wireworms

Damage: In 1999, wireworm was reported (10% of the responses) as a sweet corn pest in West Virginia (3). Wireworms tunnel into or feed on the underground portion of seedling stems, causing wilting, distorted growth, and often plant death (4). Adults cause little or no damage (6).

Life Cycle: Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles (Elateridae). Several species attack corn and a variety of other grasses. Eggs are deposited on host plants in late spring. Larvae infest the soil, hollowing out seeds and pruning roots, making them susceptible to rot. Larvae feed and develop for three to five years before pupation (4).

Chemical Control (5):

Diazinon 14G: Broadcast and incorporated into the top two inches of soil at a rate of 14-28 lb./A; not to be fed to livestock within 10 days following last application

Force 3G: Applied at a rate of 4-5 oz./1,000 ft. of row in furrow

Fortress 2.5G: Applied at a rate of 6 oz./1,000 ft. of row

Furadan 4F: Applied to the seed furrow at planting at a rate of 2.5 fl. oz./1,000 ft. of row

Management: Areas where plants have failed to emerge or around wilted or stunted plants should be examined for injury. Bait station can be used in early spring to estimate wireworm activity. On average, if one or more wireworms per bait station are found, treatment is recommeded (6).

Critically Needed Pesticides:

The most widely adopted insecticides for sweet corn insect control program in the state include Pounce, Asana, Baythroid, Diazinon, Lannate, and Sevin (3). As one sweet grower said, "If these pesticides were banned I would quit." Other growers support a minimal amounts of chemical use, in addition to teaching customers how to accept and use less than perfect products (3).

In 1999, the main diseases that were reported by sweet corn producers in the state were Stewart's Bacterial Wilt, Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus, and Maize Chlorotic Dwarf Virus. Other minor disease reported include smut and rust (3).

1. Stewart's Bacterial Wilt (Erwinia stewartii)

Life Cycle and Damage: The bacterium that causes Stewart's Wilt, or Bacterial Wilt, overwinters in the digestive tract of flea beetles and is transmitted by beetles feeding on the leaves. Although flea beetles are not the only insects known to vector this disease to sweet corn, transmission by other insects is not of economic importance. Epidemics of Bacterial Wilt may follow warm winters, which favor flea beetle survival. As many as 40% of overwintering flea beetles carry the bacterium in spring, and this percentage climbs as the season progresses. When young plants are infected, brown discoloration, and, sometimes, cavities, form in the center of the stem. These plants may die. In older plants, infection results in streaked leaves, and growth may be stunted (4).

Chemical Control: There are no chemical controls that work directly infected plant with Bacterial Wilt (4).

Disease Management: The disease is managed by chemical control of the flea beetle vector (4). Flea beetles carrying the bacteria can be expected if the sum of the average temperature for December, January, and February exceeds 90 ° F (8). When 5% or more of the plants are infected with beetles, foliar insecticides should be applied (6). Corn hybrids that showed resistance to Stewart’s Wilt include Golden Gourmet, Natural Sweet 9000, HMX 83685, SuperSweet 7630, Sweet Season, Sugarbi, SuperSweet 8501, and others (6).

2. Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus

Life Cycle and Damage: Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus has a large host range, including at least 251 grass species in 79 genera. It can be spread by aphids from neighboring infected grasses to sweet corn. The virus overwinters in perennial grasses; johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) is an important overwintering host. The disease is spread by at least 12 species of aphids, and transmission occurs within the first few seconds of feeding (4).

Chemical Control: There are no chemical controls that can kill the virus in an infected plant. Often, the control program for European corn borer and corn earworm will keep aphid populations low (4).

Disease management: Management of Maize Dwarf Mosaic virus involves the use of virus-tolerant varieties. Resistant varieties include Enforcer, Biguard, Sliver Red and Seneca 258 (6). Preventing the buildup of the vector aphid populations may help. Elimination of weeds that are potential host plants for the virus, especially johnsongrass and fall panicum, is an important management strategy. However, aphids living on johnsongrasss or other hosts may shift to sweet corn when weeds are killed (4).

3. Maize Chlorotic Dwarf Virus (MCDV)

Life Cycle: MCDV is transmitted by leafhoppers and overwinters in johnsongrass. Other hosts include sudangrass, wheat, crabgrass, and foxtails (6).

Chemical Control: Insecticides have no effect on the incidence of the disease.

Disease Management: Elimination of johnsongrass and reduction of leafhopper populations help control this disease (6).

In the 1999 sweet corn survey, several weed species were reported in sweet corn fields in the state. Weed species, listed in order of importance, include foxtail spp., ragweed spp., lambsquarters, nutsedge, johnsongrass, quackgrass, redroot pigweed, mustard, hemp dogbane, fall panicum, Pennsylvania smartweed, velvetleaf, bindweed, morningglory, and cocklebur (3).

Chemical Control (5): A combination of herbicides, which controls existing vegetation and provides residual grasses and broadleaf control, can be used for effective weed control in sweet corn. In no-till, herbicide combinations include:

Glyphosate (Roundup Ultra 4SC)+ S-metolachlor (Dual II 7.8E) + Atrazine 80WP: Application rates are 1-2 lb./A + 0.96-1.91 lb./A + 1-2 lb./A, respectively. This combination is used when existing vegetation includes dense, well-established annual weeds and/or perennial weeds.

Paraquat (Gramoxone Extra 2.5SC) + S-metolachlor (Dual II 7.8E) + Atrazine 80WP: Application rates are 0.25-0.5 lb./A + 0.96-1.91 lb./A + 1-2 lb./A, respectively. This combination is preferred on sandy soils or for control of grasses during the early growth stages of the weed.

Conventional Tillage:

Preplant Incorporated

Butylate (Sutan+ 6.7EC): Applied at a rate of 3-6 lb./A; must be soil incorporated immediately 2-3 inches deep by disking. It controls annual grasses and certain broadleaf weeds. For better broadleaf weed control, Butylate is combined with Atrazine or Extrazine.

Preplant Incorporated or Preemergence

Alachlor (MicroTech or 2.3-4.6 lb./A of Partner 65DF): Applied at a rate of l.5-3 lb./A It is primarily used to control annual grasses and certain broadleaf weeds. Alachlor is combined with Atrazine or Extrazine to improve control of other broadleaf weeds.

S- metolachlor (Dual II 7.8E): Applied at a rate of 1-2 lb./A; it provides good residual control of most annual grasses and is used as a preplant incorporated to improve yellow nutsedge control. When combined with atrazine or Extrazine, it improves control of most broadleaf weeds.

Atrazine 4FL: Applied at a rate of l-1.5 lb./A; it provides good residual control for nearly all annual broadleaf weeds. Atrazine use requires that the lowest recommended rate be used when it is combined with an annual grass herbicide, in order to reduce the risk of Atrazine residues, which may injure certain crops following sweet corn in the field.

Restrictions: Do not double-crop during a season when Atrazine or any Atrazine-containing products are used. Grass cover crops can be established after corn harvest, provided the recommended rate of Atrazine was not exceeded. Moldboard plowing before planting a crop sensitive to Atrazine is recommended to minimize the risk of injury from Atrazine residue.

Postemergence Herbicides - No-till and Conventional Tillage

Early Emergence:

Atrazine 80WP: Applied to weeds and corn up to 2 inches tall at a rate of 1-2 lb./A; it is primarily used to control broadleaf weeds.

Postemergence:

Bentazon (Basagran 4SC): Applied to young weeds at a rate of 0.75-1 lb./A; it gives good control of common ragweed, Pennsylvania smartweed, cocklebur and velvetleaf, and fair control of common lambsquarters, galinsoga, and yellow nutsedge (4). Grasses are not controlled with this product. Cultivation within 10 to 14 days will increase control.

2,4-D amine 4EC: Applied after corn and weeds emerge a rate of 0.25-0.5 lb./A; it gives good control of most broadleaf weeds, but not grasses. Drop nozzles are used when corn is over 8 inches tall to avoid spraying onto the foliage or into the whorl of the corn. During warm, wet weather, application of this product may increase the possibility of crop injury. The lower recommended rate is used when these conditions prevail. Delay cultivation for 8 to 10 days after treatment to avoid damaging corn due to temporary brittleness sometimes caused by 2,4-D. Sweet corn varieties differ in 2,4-D tolerance. 2,4-D amine is used with caution on new varieties and is not applied from tasseling to dough stage.

Management: Using different mechanical methods, crop competition, rotation, biological controls, flaming, and herbicides provide the most economical and effective weed management in sweet corn. Plowing, disking, cultivating, hoeing, hand weeding, and mulching are the most widely mechanical methods used for weed control in sweet corn (6).

Critically Needed Herbicides:

Herbicides such as Dual, Bicep , Bullet, Prowl, Atrazine, Banvel, 2,4-D and Roundup are the main chemical control options for weed control in sweet corn production. The aforementioned herbicides are widely adopted by sweet corn growers in the state (3). These herbicides also play an important role in an Integrated Pest Management program, and, if banned without effective control alternatives provided, growers will face a major challenge in combating weeds.

Sweet corn producers in West Virginia have reported damage by other pests including deer, raccoon, skunk, crows, geese, ground hog, and other birds. Electric fence (1-wire 30" high) and a 7-foot high fence were reported as effective methods for deer control in the state (3).

John F. Baniecki, Ph.D.
State Liaison Representative (Coordinator), Pesticide Impact
Assessment Program (PIAP)
Extension Specialist, Entomology/Plant Pathology, West Virginia University
414 Brooks Hall
Morgantown, WV 26506
Ph.# (304) 293-3911
Fax (304) 293-2872
E-mail: jbanieck@wvu.edu

M. Essam Dabaan, Ph.D.
Program Specialist,
Pesticide Impact Assessment Program (PIAP), West Virginia University
414 Brooks Hall
Morgantown, WV 26506
Ph.# (304) 293-3911
Fax (304) 293-2872
E-mail: mdabaan@wvu.edu

1. USDA, Census of Agriculture. 1997. Vol. 1, United State Department of Agriculture.
2. Edwards, R. 2000. Personal communication, Deputy Statistician, West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
3. Sweet Corn Pest and Pesticide Use Assessment in West Virginia. 1999. Survey summary, Extension Service, West Virginia University.
4. Sweet Corn Crop Profile in Maryland. 2000. Office of Pest Management Policy, USDA.
5. Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations. 2000. Publication EB-236. Maryland Cooperative Extension.
6. Northeast Sweet Corn Production and Integrated Pest Management Manual. 1995. Adams, R.G. and Clark, J.C., eds. University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension System.
7. Corn Insect Identification Guide. 1996. Agricultural Products Division, American Cyanamid Company.
8. Identifying Diseases of Beans, Crucifers, Cucurbits, Peas, Sweet Corn, and Tomatoes. Northeast Cooperative Publication /NE 31.

This profile was sent to Extension personnel for review. Special thanks are extended to:

Dr. Rakesh Chandran, Extension Specialist, Integrated Pest Management, West Virginia University
Rodney Wallbrown, Extension Agent, Mason County, West Virginia
Wayne Bennett, Extension Agent, Putnam County, West Virginia
Eric Hrin, Staff Writer, Office of Communications, West Virginia University

Survey questionnaires were sent to 37 sweet corn producers in West Virginia. Usable survey responses were received from 10 producers. Results were summarized and reported accordingly.