European Corn Borer on Solanaceous Crops
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European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis). European corn borer is a common pest of peppers in Kentucky. Corn borers overwinter as full-grown larvae in corn stubble. European corn borers enter pepper fruit near the calyx and destroy the inside of the pepper. If you have peppers with damage and entry holes near the calyx then corn borers are likely inside. Adults emerge in late spring to mate, and females will typically lay egg masses on foliage. Generally, there are two generations per year. Male moths are attracted to pheromone traps, which are effective tools to scout for European corn borer.
Adult female European corn borer.
(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team)
Adult male European corn borer.
(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team)
European corn borer damage on pepper.
(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team)
European corn borer damage on pepper.
(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team)
