The Impact of the Sowing Time on the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner) Attack on Some Romanian Maize Hybrids

European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner) it is the most representative maize pest, for the conditions of the Transylvanian Plateau. The reaction of maize hybrids to European corn borer attack can be influenced by several factors, including the sowing time. Certain corn hybrids show variable susceptibility to this pest. The aims of this study were to (i) evaluate the influence of maize sowing time on the natural attack incidence of European corn borer larvae on ear; (ii) determine the reaction of hybrids from different FAO maturity groups regarding the natural attack on ear of this pest. The research was carried out at Agricultural Research and Development Station (ARDS) Turda from 2021 to 2023, using as biological material 12 Romanian maize hybrids. The timing of sowing influences the susceptibility of maize hybrids to the attack of Ostrinia nubilalis larvae. When maize was sown at temperature by 10°C in soil, a decrease in natural attack of ECB larvae on ear was observed. Hybrids Turda 248, Turda 165, Turda Star, Turda 344 and Sur 18/399 are the most susceptible to European corn borer attack on ear while the most tolerant Turda 380, Turda 2020, HST 149 and HST 148.