Western Corn Rootworm Education Reloaded: Back to the Basics.
Agronomy & Pest Management
Curtis Young
EXT EDUCATOR/Associate Professor
The Ohio State University
Van Wert
Abstract
One of the most important pests for corn production in the US Corn Belt is the western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera. Management of the beetle seemed to have been made simple by the development of genetically modified rootworm resistant corn hybrids. Development of resistance to these genetically modified hybrids has already been documented to have occurred in production fields in the Central Corn Belt (Focus Area). Educational efforts are needed to help corn producers develop strategies to manage WCR in areas where resistance has developed (Focus Area) and where resistance has not developed (Fringe Area). Part of the educational effort should include the basic biology of the insect, past management programs before the development of the GM rootworm resistant hybrids, and distinguishing rootworm management from the management other corn pests. This presentation covers the basic biology of the WCR, WCR behaviors, the significance of the 1st-year variant WCR and WCR management strategies in both the Focus and Fringe Areas.
Authors: Young, C. E.
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Young, C. E. Ext Educator/assistant Professor, The Ohio State University, Ohio, 45891