Profile of the southern corn billbug, Sphenophorus callosus Oliver, an important pest of corn in eastern North Carolina

Abstract

Southern corn billbug Sphenophorus callosus Oliver, was a historically widespread and damaging pest throughout the southeastern United States. However, it only persists as a major problem in poorly drained corn production areas in eastern North Carolina. Unfortunately, little replicated research has been conducted on this insect in corn since the 1980s. The purpose of this profile is to provide a current, comprehensive resource on the biology and ecology of this pest relative to corn, as well as to provide a description of sampling and management methods. This is a univoltine insect with a narrow host range. The only known cultivated host it will reproduce on is corn, Zea mays L., and yellow nutsedge, Cyperus esculentus L. Injury and damage to corn can be caused by adult feeding on seedlings, or by larval development in the crown. The most effective management tactics for southern corn billbug are cultural management tactics, including crop rotation, tillage, proper fertility, drainage, and effective weed control. Neonicotinoid seed treatments are the most important management tactic for this pest, but their efficacy is declining. Hence, this pest may become more problematic across the southeastern United States. A significant portion of the biological research on this insect needs to be revisited within the context of modern corn production practices. Furthermore, more work should be done to understand the mechanisms for effective cultural management tactics. Finally, novel methods of management should be explored for this insect to expand the range of available management tactics.