When corn is infested with ECBs, several types of damage can occur. Late-season borers may invade the corn ears. Not only does this result in an unsightly appearance and decrease in yield, but the damaged sites are also likely to be colonized by bacteria and fungi. Production of toxic by-products from certain species of fungi such as aflatoxin can result in the entire crop being rejected at the mill.

Another kind of damage occurs when ECBs tunnel into the solid stalks and create hollow spaces that weaken the plant, which may collapse. Like the damaged ears, damaged stems are also inviting to bacteria and fungi.

Considering what you have learned about stem structure and function, describe an additional problem that is likely to result from ECBs stem tunneling.

To get a better understanding of the structure and growth of grasses like corn, we will study yet a different type of damage from the ECB, called “shot holes.”