That was a study published
by Larry Phelan and others in Ohio. Phelan, P.L., J.F. Mason, and B.R. Skinner. 1995. Soil fertility management and host preference by European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), on Zeamays L.: A comparison of organic and conventionalchemical farming. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. Vol. 56. p. 1-8. This ATTRA piece provides a quick summary. Organic Sweet Corn Production http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/sweetcorn.html "It is interesting to note that ECB is one pest problem directly affected by soil management and fertilization. Researchers at Ohio State University collected soils from three sets of neighboring farms that had a history of conventional (inorganic fertilizers, pesticide inputs, and corn-soybean rotations) and organic (animal manures and forage-based, long-term rotations) management. The soil samples were placed in pots and each soil type was amended for nitrogen using [1] ammonium nitrate [2] fresh dairy-cow manure, or [3] no amendment. The potted corn plants were raised in a greenhouse, where ECP adults were released twice per week. The researchers observed preferential egg- laying: ECB adults laid 18 times as many eggs on potted plants with soils from conventionally managed farms, as on potted plants with soils from organically managed farms. This study confirms similar observations made in the late 1970s during research comparing organic and conventional farms in the western Corn Belt." Also see: Phelan, P.L., K.H. Norris, and J.F. Mason. 1996. Soil-management history and host preference by Ostrinia nubilalis: Evidence for plant mineral balance mediating insect-plant interactions. Environmental Entomology. Vol. 25, No. 6. p.p. 1329-1336. Regards, Steve Diver Laura Lengnick wrote: Hi folks,   ***************************************************** To unsubscribe from SANET-MG: 1- Visit http://lists.sare.org/archives/sanet-mg.html
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