A BIOLOGICAL ALTERNATIVE TO CHEMICAL PESTICIDES TO CONTROL CORN EARWORM IN HAWAII

Two objectives proposed for Phase I are: to develop low input methods for continuous and synchronous production and delivery of InsterusHz moths for use in Hawaii (Objective 1); and, to evaluate the use of InsterusHz to reduce H. zea infestations in seed corn field plots and refine application models for its delivery (Objective 2). A successful Phase 2 project would develop the approaches and help to define the complementary technologies required to suppress corn earworm (CEW) population levels, lowering the need for chemical controls in Phase 3.