2009 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) 1: Isolate and identify chemical factors responsible for host recognition and host acceptance by western corn rootworm larvae. 2: Evaluate the chemistry of alternate hosts and native sources of resistance in maize to WCR larval feeding for feeding stimulants and host-recognition factors and correlate their chemical profile with WCR behavior on these plants. 3: Evaluate potential applications of WCR larval feeding stimulants. 4: Evaluate feeding behavior of WCR larvae that are resistant to Cry3Bb1 transgenic corn on Bt and isoline corn. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) A collaborative approach will be taken with Colorado State University (CSU). Aspects of the proposal having to do with chemical separations and identifications will be done at CSU along with most of the behavioral bioassays. Objective 4, all field work in Objectives 2 and 3, and insect rearing will be done by ARS in Columbia, MO. Aspects done at each location will be put together toward joint accomplishments. 3.Progress Report This project represents a subcontract of a 2008 funded USDA-CSREES-NRI proposal with CSU and USDA-ARS PIs. The overall objectives of the NRI proposal, including the Colorado State University portion are to:. 1)Isolate and identify chemical factors responsible for host recognition and host acceptance by western corn rootworm larvae,. 2)Evaluate the chemistry of alternate hosts and native sources of resistance in maize to WCR larval feeding for feeding stimulants and host-recognition factors and correlate their chemical profile with WCR behavior on these plants,. 3)Evaluate potential applications of WCR larval feeding stimulants, and. 4)Evaluate feeding behavior of WCR larvae that are resistant to Cry3Bb1 transgenic corn on Bt and isoline corn. A collaborative approach will be taken with CSU. Aspects of the proposal having to do with chemical separations and identifications will be done at CSU along with most of the behavioral bioassays. Objective 4, all field work in Objectives 2 and 3, and insect rearing will be done by USDA-ARS in Columbia, MO. Aspects done at each location will be put together toward joint accomplishments. For the USDA-ARS portion, a Graduate Research Assistant was hired on August 3, 2009. Behavioral bioassays have been initiated toward elucidating potential differences in feeding behavior of selected versus non-selected colonies. Monitoring activities will include email exchange of information and results, telephone conference calls, and personal meetings at the Annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America.