CDFA Pest Prevention Plant Regulation Practice Exam

What is the host range of the European corn borer?

1. Only Sorghums

2. Over 30 Plants

3. Sorghums and Polygonum

4. Over 200 Plants

The correct answer is: Over 200 Plants

The European corn borer has a notably wide host range, which is a key factor in its classification and the challenges it poses in agriculture. This pest has been documented to infest and damage more than 200 species of plants. Some of the primary crops affected include corn, which is its most significant host, as well as various grasses, legumes, and some broadleaf plants. This extensive host range allows the European corn borer to thrive in diverse environments and agricultural settings, making it a serious threat to numerous crops across different regions. Its ability to infest such a large variety of plants is crucial for pest management strategies, as it indicates the need for broader surveillance and control measures in agricultural practices. The other options suggest a more limited host range, such as only Sorghums or combinations that do not accurately reflect the true scope of plants affected by this pest. Understanding the vastness of its host range is essential for effective pest prevention and control strategies.