Lesser Cornstalk Borer

Lesser Cornstalk Borer Found in Peanut Fields

Dan Georgia, Peanuts

Lesser Cornstalk Borer
Lesser cornstalk borer (Elasmopalpus lignosellus) adult male.
Photo by Steve L. Brown – Image Number 1432008 at Forestry Images, a source for forest health, natural resources and silviculture images operated by The Bugwood Network at the University of Georgia and the USDA Forest Service., CC BY 3.0 us, Link

Lesser cornstalk borer (LCB) infestations have been found in southern Georgia peanut fields, nearly a month ahead of average. While rain did fall across a few fields this past weekend, the drought-like conditions that have been seen appear to have set the stage for the first outbreak of the pest in the past four years.

FMC Regional Tech Service Manager Bruce Stripling told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman that LCB is considered an occasional pest.