Controlling the pest requires planning and a combination of tactics
If the corn rootworm is allowed to feed on its roots in the larval stage, the plants can become vulnerable to other problems later. (Photo courtesy)
WESTFIELD, Ind. – Is it possible to get rid of the corn rootworm? Absolutely, says AgriGold agronomist Ron Roling. A native of eastern Iowa, the self-proclaimed corn rootworm capital of the world, Roling knows exactly what to do to protect corn yields from this destructive pest.
“There is no emergency treatment,” Roling says. “But farmers can eradicate the corn rootworm with a six- to 10-year plan of attack and a combination of management tactics.”
High pressure from corn rootworm expected
Corn rootworm populations have exploded in recent years. “After the mild winter, corn rootworm pressure will certainly be much higher,” warns Roling. In North America, farmers are battling three main species of corn rootworm: the northern, western and southern corn rootworm.
In its larval stage, the corn rootworm can damage plants by excessive root feeding. In areas heavily infested by the rootworm, it is not uncommon to find one or even two of the three root nodes of the corn plant gnawed away. This limits water and nutrient uptake, weakens the corn plant, and makes it susceptible to other problems, such as lodging.
Around the time fireflies appear, corn rootworm larvae hatch and begin feeding on the roots. Later in the season, the larvae become beetles that feed on threads and can affect pollination. While there isn’t much farmers can do to solve the problem at this point, they can use sticky traps to assess pressure and make plans for corn rootworm control next season.
Roling recommends that farmers closely monitor late-planted and newly planted corn fields, especially if surrounding fields were planted ahead of time. “Corn rootworms are attracted to fields with the greenest vegetation and the best food sources,” he says. “Watch for silk cut in those fields and consider crop rotation next year.”
All of the above strategies for controlling the corn rootworm
The best strategy, Roling says, is a combination of all management strategies for the next six to 10 years. This plan should include rotating products that include protection against the corn rootworm, a soil-applied insecticide, beetle bombs and a rotation to soybeans for at least one year.
The selection of corn hybrids is also critical in controlling the corn rootworm. “One of the strengths of the AgriGold range is the numerous above- and below-ground traits of our hybrids,” says Roling. “We can use multiple traits and insecticides over that six- to 10-year planning period. That is critical for controlling corn rootworm resistance.”
Another important protection is crop rotation. “At least one of those planning years should be a soybean year,” says Roling. In his area of the state, corn-on-corn plots are common. “Planting soybeans for one year can reduce the corn rootworm population to zero and keep it there with the corn rootworm management system.”
This soybean year, it is critical for farmers to control weeds and volunteer corn because these materials are hosts for the corn rootworm, Roling says.
Be strategic about timing the insect bomb
In addition to insecticides applied to the soil, farmers in high-pressure areas should also consider a well-timed beetle bomb, Roling says. While farmers may prefer to spray their foliar insecticide when they apply a fungicide at the same time, that’s not always the best time. Male beetles emerge around this time, but female beetles emerge several weeks later.
Applying the beetle bomb at the same time as the fungicide may be convenient, but it’s not the most effective time, Roling explains. “Farmers get better results if they apply their beetle bomb a few weeks later, when the egg-laying females emerge.”
A long-term, systems-based approach can rid fields of corn rootworm. If you need help developing a management plan or deciding on corn hybrids for fields with corn rootworm, contact your local AgriGold agronomist.
ABOUT AGRIGOLD
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AgReliant Genetics is committed to providing trusted seed solutions that help farmers grow. We do this by focusing exclusively on seed and delivering unique, high-performing hybrids. Founded in 2000 by global seed companies KWS and Limagrain, AgReliant Genetics benefits from direct access to a global corn germplasm pool and has a world-class corn research program. About our seed brands – AgriGold® and LG Seeds in the USA and PRIDE® Seed in Canada – we are proud to offer the latest innovations to our agricultural customers, whether they grow corn, soybeans, sorghum or alfalfa. For more information, visit AgReliantGenetics.com.
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Ashley Davenport
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