ARS | Publication request: A SYNOPSIS ON THE NUTRITIONAL ECOLOGY OF LARVAE AND ADULTS OF DIABROTICA VIRGIFERA VIRGIFERA (LECONTE) IN THE NEW AND OLD WORLD-NOUVELLE CUISINE FOR THE INVASIVE MAIZE PEST DIABROTICA VIRGIFERA VIRGIFERA IN EUROPE?

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: September 1, 2004
Publication Date: January 15, 2005
Citation: Moeser, J., Hibbard, B.E. 2005. A synopsis on the nutritional ecology of larvae and adults of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (LeConte) in the new and old world-nouvelle cuisine for the invasive maize pest Diabrotica virgifera virgifera in Europe?. In: Vidal, S., Kuhlmann, U., Edwards, R., editors. Western Corn Rootworm: Ecology and Management. Wallingford, United Kingdom:CABI publishers. p. 41-65.

Technical Abstract: The nutritional ecology of larvae and adults of the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte is reviewed. Basic biological facts set the frame for the management options of pest species. Perhaps the most fundamental is the nutritional ecology of an insect, because that is what makes it a pest species in the first place. The necessity for knowledge is even more urgent when pest species are invading new areas, especially when eradication is no longer feasible. It is possible that the feeding habits may differ from the area of origin. In the case of the invasion of Europe by D. v. virgifera, one could argue that it is merely catching up with the distribution of its main host plant, maize. Here, we focus on the knowledge gained in its area of first appearance as a major maize pest (United States) and supplement with recent research from its expansion area in Europe.