Which insect is responsible for spreading Stewart's bacterial wilt in corn?

Which insect is responsible for spreading Stewart's bacterial wilt in corn?

• A. Corn rootworm
• B. Corn earworm
• C. Corn flea beetle
• D. Corn borer

Answer: (C)

The corn flea beetle is identified as the insect responsible for spreading Stewart's bacterial wilt in corn. This disease is caused by the bacterium Pantoea stewartii, which is transmitted to corn plants primarily through the feeding activity of the corn flea beetle. These small beetles are capable of picking up the bacterium from infected plants and then transferring it to healthy plants during their feeding. In contrast, while the other insects mentioned have their own impacts on corn, they are not associated with the transmission of Stewart's bacterial wilt. The corn rootworm primarily damages the root system of the corn, the corn earworm feeds on the ear of the corn, and the corn borer affects the plant by boring into the stalk. None of these pests are vectors for the bacterium that causes Stewart's wilt, highlighting the specific role of the corn flea beetle in this context.

The corn flea beetle is identified as the insect responsible for spreading Stewart's bacterial wilt in corn. This disease is caused by the bacterium Pantoea stewartii, which is transmitted to corn plants primarily through the feeding activity of the corn flea beetle. These small beetles are capable of picking up the bacterium from infected plants and then transferring it to healthy plants during their feeding.

In contrast, while the other insects mentioned have their own impacts on corn, they are not associated with the transmission of Stewart's bacterial wilt. The corn rootworm primarily damages the root system of the corn, the corn earworm feeds on the ear of the corn, and the corn borer affects the plant by boring into the stalk. None of these pests are vectors for the bacterium that causes Stewart's wilt, highlighting the specific role of the corn flea beetle in this context.