Expert: Dale Softley - 8/4/2007

Question
QUESTION: Is it safe to eat a cob or corn that has  been host to a corn worm.  I just cut off the area and rinse well.  On the other hand my daughter will not feed her family corn that has had worms even at the tip.  She says that it could have laid eggs and could cause infestation of worms in humans.  I disagree but have not been able to get that out of my mind.  Is it safe to eat the untouched part?

ANSWER: Yes, it is safe.  I chew on raw corn all the time in fields.
Your daughter should have studied her Biology in high school. The two groups of worms are totally unrelated.
Several cultures eat larva (worms) as part of their normal diet.

A good washing will remove all damage and products of and from the corn ear worm. Just cut the damage off and wash under warm water.  If you prep ears in the microwave, boiling water or steam it would kill any eggs anyway.

Thanks for the question. We had a smile about your daughter.
Dale Softley
Forensic Agronomist
Lincoln, NE



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for putting me at ease.  Now, is it too late in the season to use insecticide to kill any further damage.  Most of the corn is harvested.  I have been reluctant to plant corn because of the pest infestation that always seems to invade the corn.  What do you recommend for next season.

Answer
Corn ear worm is an on going problem.  I will have to check to see what insecticides are cleared for use.  I have several friends that raise sweet corn on a commercial basis, but we have not discussed insecticides lately.  I take it you plant a few rows each year, and need something practical for sprays.  Contact me at dale@softley.com and I will get some information together for you.  I should be in the office for the next few days.