A recent report published in the Proceedings of the National Academy Sciences Monday found that bats are effective at protecting corn from pests and fungal infection, according to Science News. One of the biggest pieces of support was the fact that bats feed on corn earworm moths, which produce larvae that commonly destroy corn crops.
The researchers found that when they blocked bats from cornfields, the kernels contained 56 percent more damaged kernels and 59 percent more corn earworm larvae in comparison to open fields. Furthermore, the corn had a higher incidence of fungal infection, which stems from larva-induced damage.
Bats are worth more than $1 billion a year to the corn industry due to the benefits and protective habits that they have for crops, according to AG Web.
"The larvae feed on corn ears, causing direct damage to yield, but they also can introduce an avenue for infection of the corn ear by fungi, which produce compounds that are toxic to humans and livestock," said Josiah Maine of Southern Illinois University. "By consuming crop pests, bats have tremendous ecological impacts in crop fields."
The numerous benefits that bats have on corn crops make them a prime candidate for helping corn farmers save money. Furthermore, they can help them reduce or eliminate pesticide use, according to Mother Earth News.
"Bats provide a service to corn farmers worth about $1 billion globally," said Maine.
