Date: 3/30/99

Time: 2:10

Type: Symposium

Number: 150

Application of the areawide concept for managing western corn rootworm in the eastern midwest corn/soybean cropping system

*C. Gerber, C.R. Edwards, L.W. Bledsoe, Dept. of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47905; M.E. Gray, , Dept. of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL 61820 and K.L. Steffey, Dept. of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL 61820
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The Indiana/Illinois areawide pest management program has been designed to test the feasibility of using the areawide concept in the eastern Midwest for managing the western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte. In this study area, WCR apparently have adapted to the corn/soybean rotational system. This development virtually eliminates crop rotation as an effective tool for managing WCR. The areawide rootworm management concept is based upon a semiochemical insecticidal-bait, Slam®, as the primary adult rootworm management tool. Final spray statistics for 1998 showed that of the 159 corn and soybean fields in the managed area, 67 received at least one chemical application. Of the fields receiving treatments, 63 were treated once, and four twice. Over 4,300 acres were treated for adult beetle control. To determine the effectiveness of Slam® used in the areawide program in 1997, we evaluated corn roots for rootworm larval damage in 1998. The average of means for rootworm larval damage within the managed area, was 1.85 in treated strips and 2.18 in untreated strips. Outside of the managed area, the average root rating was 2.63 in treated strips and 3.11 in untreated strips. Preliminary results suggest that adult management in 1997 may have slightly reduced root injury in 1998.

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