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Ne Usa

Anyone have an issue with the husks of sweetcorn being shredded by something? Birds, squirrels...?
Last year I grew 2 Native American corn varieties, both grew and produced very well but just as the blue corn was in the milk stage and up till kernels started turning blue, something was shredding the husks to get to the corn.
I never saw any signs of an animal and trail camera didn't show any nor any birds nor did traps catch anything.
None of the stalks were pulled down. (This blue variety had very weak stalks so any animal with any weight would have pulled down the stalks).
Finally was able to get 3 cobs of the dried blue corn and 5 of the white corn by putting pantyhose over the ears. Tying and fiber taping didn't help because what ever it was sliced through both.

Sorry if this has already been answered somewhere but a search didn't reveal anything.

3/20/2015 12:55:46 PM

Whitehall Montana

I have the same problem in Montana and found it was earwigs.They hide pretty darn good.Never chew on pumpkins,just corn

3/20/2015 1:38:10 PM

Ne Usa

Really?? These husks look like a Blue Jay or similar bird with large talons just lacerated the husks (outside of Freddy Krueger!).

3/20/2015 2:34:58 PM

Princeville, IL

Yes bugs will do that. cucumber beetles if they are bad enough will make the ear look like it has been shredded. Usually you will see them around though. Have the same problem with my Indian corn. a spraying of insecticide put an end to the problem.

3/20/2015 2:40:03 PM

Ne Usa

Gppd to know theres a solution at least.
Insecticide recommendations anyone?
Thanks.

3/20/2015 5:09:51 PM

Ne Usa

Good to know theres a solution at least.
Insecticide recommendations anyone?
Thanks.

3/20/2015 5:30:14 PM

Bethlehem CT

BIrds cause that kind of damage for me. They can be pretty hard to spot too. I believe they peck right through the husks to get at the kernels thus leaving the husks shredded to pieces. I have lost whole plantings to them.

3/20/2015 6:09:15 PM

Corryton, TN

Do a quick Google search on "bird damage in corn". I think you will see a similar pic of your damage. Red wing blackbirds cost me hundreds every year.

3/21/2015 7:34:45 AM