Some Factors Influencing the Infestation in Corn in the Field by the Rice Weevil

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Abstract
Kernel damage to corn in Louisiana in 1955 averaged 8% at harvest increasing to 22% after 10 months storage, largely attributed to rice weevil, Sitophilus oryza. Ecological areas of the state varied widely in percent of damage with the Ouachita, Red River, and Upper Mississippi Valleys being almost or relatively free respectively and thought to be a result of extensive use of insecticides on cotton in these areas. Field experiments with oil-DDT and endrin sprays at timed intervals and applications show relative damage among the several treatments (17) in protection of corn in the field from rice weevil is positively correlated to bird damage and earworm infestations (63% and 15% rice weevil damage respectively). Of the rice weevil damage 22% was attributed to inherent characteristics of the corn. Practical earworm control resulted from oil-DDT sprays applied 3-5 times directly to silks. Endrin-oil treatments did not coincide with earworm infestation, but apparent correct timing with rice weevil appearance reduced the latter to 0.2% and pink corn scavenger caterpiller to 14%.

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