NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 1 5 



INJURIOUS INSECTS 



EUROPEAN CORN BORER 



Pyrausta nubilalis Hubn. 



The widespread occurrence of the European corn borer in the 

 northeastern United States and Southern Canada has raised a series 

 of problems which can not be readily answered, particularly when 

 the diverse behavior of the insect is taken into account. We are 

 primarily concerned with the status of the pest in New York State 

 and yet a clear understanding of the situation can not be obtained 

 without some reference to the behavior of the insect in other parts 

 of the country. 



History in America. The borer was discovered in Massachu- 

 setts in 1917, and in 1918 caused very serious injury in badly infested 

 fields. The total known infested area at the close of that season 

 was approximately 400 square miles. 



The insect was first discovered at Scotia, Schenectady county, 

 January 29, 1919, and subsequent investigations showed that the 

 borer was somewhat generally established over an area of possibly 

 500 square miles, including portions of Albany, Fulton, Herkimer, 

 Rensselaer, Schenectady and Schoharie counties ; and extending from 

 a little east of Troy westward to Fort Hunter, north nearly to Sara- 

 toga and south to Esperance. 



The federal authorities were notified early of the infestation and 

 rendered material cooperation in identifying the insect and later in 

 determining the limits of the infestation. There was at that time, 

 in spite of well-directed publicity efforts, no reason for thinking an 

 infestation occurred elsewhere than in the eastern part of the State 

 and after due consideration, the official entomologists of the State 

 indorsed a progressive policy which eventuated in a special appro- 

 priation of $75,000 to be expended by the Commissioner of Agri- 

 culture in an effort to exterminate the insect. Operations were 

 pushed with the greatest possible speed and prior to the middle of 

 May the entire known infested area, some 300 square miles, had been 

 very thoroughly cleared up, the corn stalks and corn stubble having 

 been burned or plowed under. The Entomologist in his capacity as 

 a state official advised in regard to the control work, and during the 

 growing season kept a close watch of developments in the infested 

 area for the purpose of obtaining the fullest possible information 



