How to Control Ear Worms in Your Corn Using Bt - Bacillus thuringiensis

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  • Опубліковано 6 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 262

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    I didn't plant a late crop this year. I've learned that late corn is much more susceptible to insect problems. Fortunately, all of the early corn has done well. Thanks John.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    I know what you're talking about. I see that once in awhile. They generally get the growth tip when it's about 3 ft tall. During that time, I don't usually do any spraying. But if it looked like they were getting out of control, then yes, I'd be spraying early and often.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    From what I read, about a week, depending on rain. Yes, any type of worm or caterpillar that consumes it should fall asleep shortly thereafter.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    I saw a study a couple years ago that said leave them alone. So I cut the suckers off half my rows, and left them on the others. I didn't see much difference in production. But it was a lot easier to spray and manage the corn that had been suckered.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    In So Cal, you should be able to replant most anything right now. If you're not quite sure, try some faster maturing varieties.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    I like my corn nice and clean too. This is Reid's Yellow Dent. I grew Truckers Favorite a few years ago and it was similar, very tall with huge ears. I kinda liked the taste of it, but nobody else did. So I'm only growing this for the chickens.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    A little bit of missing corn on the end isn't so bad. But when the worm has eaten down one side, that's a problem. I've used a knife a few times too. Fortunately, this years sweet corn was pretty clean.

  • @Bigelowbrook
    @Bigelowbrook 11 років тому

    We use BT on our broccoli. It makes a HUGE difference. It's a big turn-off when you're eating your meal and you find a cabbage worm mixed in with it.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    I've heard of folks doing the injecting, but I haven't tried it. I generally spray the outside of the stem and that does the trick. The vine borers don't seem to be much of a problem around here. So that might have something to do with it.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    Thanks. I have used some Azomite, but not with any side by side comparisons to say for sure that it made a difference.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    I don't do anything fancy. I apply triple 10 prior to planting, then side dress with 34-0-0 when they are about 18-24 inches tall. Corn really likes a high nitrogen fertilizer as it progresses.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    Well, I try to spray once a week, or after a rain. But since it rained just about every day, I got off schedule a little bit.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    I usually put on some pounds during the winter, then lose it during the summer. It's hard to keep the weight on when it's 100 degrees and you have a diet heavy on vegetables and water. Thanks.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    If you spray the silks as soon as you see them, and stick with it, especially after it rains, Bt will make a big difference in the number of worms you see. I use Thuricide, but there are other named brands that work just as well.

  • @christinasornbutnark1208
    @christinasornbutnark1208 2 роки тому

    Thanks dude this really helped. I live in Huntington Beach, California. I didn’t think I’d have to deal with this… but here I am. Thank you so much. I just finished spraying my silks.

  • @sqwrrl
    @sqwrrl 11 років тому

    BT is a catch-all name. There are 4 types of Bacillus Thuringiensis. BT is a bacteria that has 4 sub-species, the most toxic to bees is BT aizawai. The subspecies BT kurstaki, israelensis, and tenebrionis have minimal toxicity to honey bees. So those are the ones to look for, if you want to spare the honey bees. I know that Thuricide uses kurstaki. It's what I use for cabbage worm and my collards never looked so good.
    Congrats on your corn! Thanks for passing on your knowledge.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    Yes, unless it's raining every day like it was here. Then you spray when you can. It shouldn't affect pollination anymore than rain would.

  • @2ladyhomesteadershodge898
    @2ladyhomesteadershodge898 7 років тому

    I sure do miss you and your common since advice. Hurry back. We need you. Vivian Ann on the side of the mountain in NE Tennessee

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    It would be close, depending on the variety. A quick maturing variety would be a good idea.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    Yes sir.... I spray all of my cabbage, broccoli, kale, etc.... simply spraying the top of the leaf surfaces is usually enough.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    Yes it is. I use it a lot more often in the Spring trying to protect my cabbage and broccoli.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    Bt will take care of the horn worms. You'll need something else for the mites Try Neem oil, or some of the insecticidal soap sprays. If the zucchini is not getting pollinated by bees, you'll need to do it yourself. Break off the male flowers, peel back the blossom, and wipe the center part onto the female flowers. It's very easy to do. Thanks.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    Yes sir, I agree. Corn can be a pain, especially a late crop coming in some time in August. The insects are horrendous then.

  • @OvGraphics
    @OvGraphics 6 років тому

    Thanks for the video Mr. gardener. I used BT powder many many years ago and then I couldn't find it again. Thought about it this year and ordered some off Amazon...Liquid this time. Just wanted to make sure my memory was right...and it was. Silk time is the time to spray. I can vouch that BT WORKS! It's a a must for the home gardener. You did good! (Also for cabbages and tomatoes too. Squash. All that good stuff. Bullet shot tomatoes are history with this stuff!)
    Note to the squeamish: For anyone who isn't a caterpillar this stuff is as safe as non-bleached organic Peruvian wheat flour. Safer than ground up cornflakes. USE IT! But use it as prescribed. If the worms get inside then it's all over but the yuck.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому +1

    I love the back sprayer. It's much easier to pump the handle and keep walking.

  • @totterdell912
    @totterdell912 11 років тому

    Your vids are great entertainment (next stop Hollywood!).
    I'm putting in the dutch bucket system, based on your construction, but 5 gal paint strainers dont exist in Aust, so I decided to go with a 1 gal bag around a 6" plastic disposable flower pot (mouth down) the drain tube thru its side & bag mouth zip tied round the drain tube. The idea is to get a big surface area filtered, but have a cheap rigid frame inside a cheap ( & easily obtained) filter medium. I will also try layered fly screen

  • @FensterfarmGreenhouse
    @FensterfarmGreenhouse 11 років тому

    Those little buggers still got some of ours! I hit the corn several times but there was so much rain it was almost impossible to keep 'em protected.
    Great demo Bobby!
    Chuck

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    For sure. I've been eating sweet corn for a few days now, and it is some kinda good.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    My wife's sister helped me shuck the sweet corn yesterday. And it was just like said... she didn't care much for seeing a worm. Fortunately, the worms were only about 1 out of 10. It rained almost every day while the ears were making, washing off what I had sprayed. So I was very happy with such low worm #'s.

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics 11 років тому +1

    Thanks Bobby, growing our first corn for a few years here due to losing so much in the past.. Shall use the BT this time..
    Cheers once more sir :)

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    Thanks. I over planted the Spring crop, so I didn't plant any late corn. The worst corn I ever did was a late crop a few years ago where I planted purple hull peas on both sides of the corn. The peas drew in every insect known to man. I couldn't keep the moths out of the corn. Out of eight 75 ft rows, I got one bucket of corn. That was a hard lesson, whew. Late corn and peas are a bad combo for me.

  • @txbadgirl1
    @txbadgirl1 6 років тому +2

    Am trying corn again this year. Last time it was full of worms, so now I know what to do....wish I had seen this the first time around...

  • @Quietwoods2
    @Quietwoods2 11 років тому

    BT is a gardeners best friend, it took care of my tobacco hornworms on my tomatoes this year. We work to hard to lose out right near the finish line! Vroooom! Goodbye worms, so long!

  • @BrianSmith1969
    @BrianSmith1969 11 років тому

    Bobby once again information when I need it. After losing my Cucumber and Melon Patch to some worms, I learned, and will try again. I am going to try a few rows of corn too, it is probably late, but I will try. Thanks again for the info!

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    I haven't grown it, but I know of some people down south who have, and they love it.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    I'll be glad to pick you up on my way thru. I hope you're the one holding the sign "Will work for food !" I just brought in a bushel of maters for my wife to make salsa, and there's probably 3 or 4 more that need picking. Time to get back to work. :)

  • @Trunkneck
    @Trunkneck 11 років тому

    That was a greatly helpful video. My wife and I have had a small garden for 20+ years running now and everytime I try corn worms show up. I heard of the spray used but never knew you do just the silk. Thanks for that. I was spraying leaves and coating it once over so to speak. When we move to Colorado we will have a 5 acre plot to play with, in ground greenhouse etc. I can only hope to do half as well as you. Nice work man. God bless.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому +1

    Thanks. Have you side dressed it yet? Once mine gets that size, it's getting ready to take off. So I make sure I give it a good shot of nitrogen.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    Thanks Joe. I'd much rather shuck corn that doesn't have the worms too. After waiting almost 90 days, doing a few minutes of spraying is well worth the effort.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    If you're getting a lot of rain, you probably don't need a tub under the plants. It's ok to let them dry out a little bit. I don't know about heat being related to BER. Most times heat will be the cause of poor pollination, or lack thereof. One other thing could be the variety. I know some tomatoes are more susceptible to BER than others. At 6 ft tall, it sounds like you've done pretty good.... with the exception of BER being a pain.

  • @BornRandy62
    @BornRandy62 11 років тому

    BT is also good for corn borers that attack the roots. If you suddently see a bunch of white moths flying around yoru corn fields you probably already have serious root damage. first high wind and your corn will be on the ground or you will have less produce to harvest because the roots are just ate up and gone.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    Yes, Spinosad is a good option too.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    You need to do it at least once a week, and more often if it rains right after you spray.

  • @RhodeToPrepping
    @RhodeToPrepping 11 років тому

    I ordered some of that stuff for my cabbage and broccoli. Sure happy to know it is safe stuff. You are great, we appreciate you.

  • @BIGALTX
    @BIGALTX 11 років тому

    How many times do you spray the ears? Is once enough?

  • @kerrysmith4726
    @kerrysmith4726 4 роки тому

    Enjoyed the video. I have had problems with the worms eating my corn. Next year I will spray. Thanks

  • @bgroks1
    @bgroks1 11 років тому

    Thank you a lot. I have had big patches of corn in my garden, and they have all got infested with these worms. For me it was hard to find something on the Internet for this problem. I love your videos by the way too. :)

  • @_dave4460
    @_dave4460 5 років тому

    been using bt on winter squash and pumpkins for years (for borers). may try some late silver queen or peaches n cream and it good to hear this advice. thanks for sharing

  • @dellrand3628
    @dellrand3628 6 років тому

    Hi are you still making videos I haven't seen any new ones from you in a while.I always enjoyed watching your videos.

  • @mtpocketswoodenickle2637
    @mtpocketswoodenickle2637 6 років тому

    Awesome advice!...now just add a couple drops of Amways spray adjuvant to each batch you mix. The miracle of making water wetter allows you to get more efficient and effective coverage.

  • @TheSonoman1976
    @TheSonoman1976 11 років тому

    Man...again...wish I could have seen this a week ago. I found worms on my corn this week! I pulled the ones off that I found and then sprayed them with the good stuff. Hope I get some ears like yours bro.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    If the plants are close enough together, the wind will take care of pollination. Did you side dress your corn ?

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    Yes sir. It'll take care of most any type of worm or caterpillar you can find.

  • @mormonslayer71
    @mormonslayer71 11 років тому

    I wish you could make a video everyday, I've learned so much from watching your videos thank you so much. This is my first year of growing sweet corn and I never knew about spraying for ear worm. Seems like I just got me a weekend project on the way. Ones again I appreciate all you do.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    I don't know of a better organic option for them either. Maybe some Neem oil ?

  • @kf9233
    @kf9233 6 років тому +1

    You are so cool! Love your accent! Planning on corn this year. I'll follow what you instructed to do. Thank you so much for your know how. God Bless you and yours.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    Thanks, I hope it helps.

  • @BrianSmith1969
    @BrianSmith1969 11 років тому

    I might not be able to make the grocery store irrelevant, but I have hurt their bottom line. If you can, try and find a local produce stand. We are lucky to have so many choices here in central Florida. Keep up all the great work Bobby and fellow growers.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    I haven't used Spinosad specifically for worms, but I think you'll be in good shape.

  • @rchopp
    @rchopp 11 років тому

    Well if the spray doesn't work, you could take the day off gather up them worms and head to your favorite fishing hole..I quit growing corn years ago I would have to have round the clock guard duty to keep the critters from eating it all. Take care, great tip by the way..

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    I've seen black smut a few times, that stuff that gets on the end of the ear. But it's usually only a few ears. I haven't seen any of it this year.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    The spray might help some, but you'll probably need something a bit stronger. Try some Spinosad.

  • @krimmer66
    @krimmer66 4 роки тому

    Great advice! I would like to specify that BTK would be the better choice i think, it is for caterpillars.. BTI does not work on caterpillars.

  • @barbisrule
    @barbisrule 5 років тому +2

    Thanks. Great information. I miss you on here!

  • @kajahtaa
    @kajahtaa 8 років тому

    Hope you come back to UA-cam some day

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    I like the small ones. They are perfect for spot spraying.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    I saw your weather forecast....just amazing how perfect things can be. Hit those silks and you should be in good shape. ;)

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    Yes mam, those are 2 good things to have around when fighting off insects.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    Thanks. Bt is something that everyone should know about. It really does a great job.

  • @glendelacruz7035
    @glendelacruz7035 9 років тому

    I just watched this video and it's very informative.
    I lost all my corn this year 2015 because of ear worms infestation. At least, now I know what to do. I would recommend this video. Thanks.

  • @mtbotteE85
    @mtbotteE85 11 років тому

    I never used this before, but I have put a drop of mineral oil on the silk of each ear. Works good.

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому +2

    LOL.. I still remember his infamous "I'm all ears" statement. Classic ! Any time that I see moths flying around my garden, I pay attention to where they are landing. If I don't, I find out the hard way.

  • @michheywood2450
    @michheywood2450 11 років тому

    That's some great looking corn! Mine is only calf high and its been in the ground ages but I'm hoping I'll get some corn cobs to eat eventually!

  • @freewaybaby
    @freewaybaby 6 років тому

    Bobby, all your subscribers still miss you! Life goes on, we know, but still.... just sayin'! Be blessed, you and your lovely missus!

  • @LuzYSonidoParaiso
    @LuzYSonidoParaiso 11 років тому

    Can you do a video where you recommend organic pesticides for diffrent plants like corn, beans, pickles, tomatoes. If you can that would help out a lot of new gardeners. Also a video of organic fertilizers that you recommend for different plants

  • @jtdamomma
    @jtdamomma 11 років тому

    Oh, you have perfect timing! I'm so glad you posted this and I'll be out spraying tomorrow AM-thanks to your advice! I have some corn that has 2 main ears and 2 little side ears all forming on 1 stalk. I'm thinking that will make all the ears smaller. I'm not sure WHAT to do about that. I've never had that happen before. First time for this variety, though.

  • @chrisstanton7900
    @chrisstanton7900 Рік тому

    Thank you!!! I’ve been so frustrated with my corn looking so beautiful only to find almost every single ear destroyed when I shuck it!!!!

  • @terrimoreton6077
    @terrimoreton6077 11 років тому

    I've been doing that with my other plants because I saw you self pollinate in one of your previous videos. These specifically, for some reason, don't make it to the flowering stage. They turn brown and fall off before the flower gets large enough to open. I'm in South Florida so I thought it might be the inconsistant weather (1 day hot the next raining - a lot).

  • @wayneleviner6557
    @wayneleviner6557 7 років тому

    Thank you for the info.I had some pretty corn ,but on the ends of it I had a lot of worms. I needed to know this. Thanks again and may GOD bless you!

  • @RhodeToPrepping
    @RhodeToPrepping 11 років тому

    This is the 2nd time I have watched this video. I am going to get some BT. I read a number of posts & remembered as a girl "doing" corn for a full week, from daylight to dark. Now while we never ate any of those fat little worms, I sure have broke off the ends of lots of ears after finding a worm in there eating away. Sometimes we would have to get a knife after our worm damage. We were taking it out of a field so maybe the old timers just planted enough for the worms too..

  • @RVFreeDa
    @RVFreeDa 11 років тому

    Makes my mouth water just looking at that corn!

  • @davidangler4680
    @davidangler4680 11 років тому

    Thanks Bobby, Great practical advice for a heartbreaking problem.

  • @steffaniemccarty3616
    @steffaniemccarty3616 11 років тому

    BTW thanks to you we just started our first 5 bucket hydroponic system. We love your videos. Thanks for the inspiration

  • @sdfft820
    @sdfft820 2 роки тому

    Thank you Bobby. Can you please make a hydroponic strawberry video?

  • @7891234able
    @7891234able 10 років тому

    U r a blessing. Tyvm....I have sweet corn, in buckets on patio..and sooooo pretty.. I was needing to know, how to control the worms, when they start...hoping the directions will tell me, how often to
    Spray

  • @honeybacres
    @honeybacres 11 років тому

    Great video Bobby. I am glad I have never had any trouble with these worms.

  • @dagostino115
    @dagostino115 4 роки тому

    Thank you for sharing your experience with us you save people money ,time and vegetables God bless you brother and may God pour out blessing on your crops this year we may need our crops more than ever with this virus upsetting our country.

  • @jamesharris7206
    @jamesharris7206 11 років тому

    How often do you need to apply this throughout the season? Do the moths continually lay eggs throughout a season or do they have a small range?

  • @Flowerhen
    @Flowerhen 11 років тому

    Thanks for the great video, Bobby! Thatis so everynice looking corn. Mine just started tassling at only five feet tall so i am hoping it will be okay. I have pampered the corn this year. :)

  • @112jungle
    @112jungle 11 років тому

    Nice video Bobby,
    You ever try adding some Glacial rock dust and or azomite on top of your npk fertilizer. It will give your plants everything they are missing from the npk fertilizer. Azomite and grds provide a full spectrum of over 70 trace minerals, many recognized as essential by the National Research Council of Canada

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    Thanks. You explained the Bt details quite well. Nice job. :)

  • @yankeegardener9565
    @yankeegardener9565 Рік тому

    Dang thought you took your videos down i like you info on things thanks for sharing.

  • @bigal25938
    @bigal25938 3 роки тому

    At what stage should the silks get sprayed? Before they start turning brown or after and if you spray silks too early will that mess up their pollination?

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    Thank you very much. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. Do you have any idea where people are getting the "Bt toxin" deal from? It's a topic that comes up any time someone mentions Bt. Obviously there are tons of articles online, but how do you clear it all up?

  • @jasonratchford6819
    @jasonratchford6819 11 років тому

    i used sevin this year, sprayed my plants while the tassels were still in the whorl, my silks emerged about two days later, i so far havent seen any bugs or worms in anything, i am hoping that spraying when i did got the bugs out of the area so i dont have to put anything directly on the ears, i was worried about pollination if i sprayed the new silks, but now that they have pollinated i could spray again if needed i guess, thanks for the vid, corn can be a pain

  • @mhpgardener
    @mhpgardener  11 років тому

    BT will do the job very well. It's nice to shuck the corn and not find any additional "protein" on the ears. :)

  • @meganponce86
    @meganponce86 3 роки тому

    Thank you!!! I’ve been looking everywhere for directions!

  • @22justus24U
    @22justus24U 11 років тому

    Hmmm,.....very interesting indeed. Just have to ask, what do you do for the earworms that are already in the corn when the whorl is coming up at about 4 feet tall? Have you never noticed the nice little rows of holes on the leaf straps when they start unfurling long before the tassel comes out? These too, are corn earworms. By the time the corn is tasseling out, it is way too late...the worms are already in....silk stage can be too late. I believe this is why they want it engineered in.

  • @dandavis2755
    @dandavis2755 9 років тому

    Thanks very much. very useful. last year I lost many kale plants trying to keep up by picking them off. I think for every one I picked off two showed up and ate and ate until the next day. I could not keep up. This year I saw the first signs. they are back. I am going to get some BT now and attack.

  • @mediamaker2000
    @mediamaker2000 11 років тому

    Awesome tip Bobby! I doubt I'll ever need more than my 2 gallon sprayer but that backpack sprayer is way cool! Question: Does BT stop aphids too? That's what got my corn last year.