Adult Management of Corn Rootworms

• Reduce soil insecticide use and area treated.
• Maintain yields.
• Reduce pest populations.

Methods

• Semiochemical bait (includes tiny amounts of carbaryl, fipronil and red dye being tested as replacements)
• semiochemical traps and monitoring
• transgenic corn possible (larvae)

Extent of Implementation
Fiscal Years 1996-2000

• 1997-5 sites (South Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, Illinois/Indiana), 143 growers, 24,580 acres
• Four sites in Texas added, 24 growers, 10,000 acres
• Total of 34,580 acres and 167 growers

Results to Date

• In general, all field sites have a two to three fold reduction in adult rootworm populations (1997-98).
• In 1999 adult populations were higher than expected, but in all instances less than 10% of all fields in each area had economic damage from larval feeding in 1999.
• Substantial economic root protection with the bait method. No impact on natural enemies.