With rise of the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn.) in the Oderbruch area in the 1990s the necessity of an effective control of this particular pest in the agricultural field became even more important. Since 1997 experiments on controlling the increase of the European corn borer by using insecticides took place in the Oderbruch area. Between 2000–2002 different control methods (Insecticide use, Trichogramma use, Bt-corn use) were tested referring to the local conditions in the Oderbruch area. By cultivating Bt-corn types highest efficiency rates against European corn borer could be detected. Employed insecticides reached out to efficiency rates ranging from 60% to 90%. The application of Trichogramma under local conditions in the Oderbruch area was not satisfying at all.
Since 2003 insecticides of different groups of active agents were examined concerning their biological effect. That is because of insufficient permission status (indication for European corn borer) and development of anti-resistant strategies. This knowledge is a necessary requirement for permission of insecticides to come.