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Estimating Corn Rootworm Beetle Populations with Sticky Traps

Objectives

  • Quantifying corn rootworm beetle populations in the summer allows growers to make better informed decisions regarding management options the following season.
  • A survey was conducted in 2016 to estimate corn rootworm population levels in fields throughout the central and northern Corn Belt using Pherocon® AM/NB sticky traps.

Study Description

  • Year:  2016
  • Locations:  773 fields in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota
  • Sampling Methods:
    • Sticky traps placed in field beginning at blister stage (R2)
    • Sticky traps placed per field: 1 or 6
    • Beetles counted on each trap at 7-day intervals with the average per trap recorded
    • Trapping continued for 4 to 6 consecutive weeks
    • Trapping was conducted in both continuous corn and corn soybean rotated fields
Western corn rootworm

Western corn rootworm

Northern corn rootworm

Northern corn rootworm

Results

  • Corn rootworm population levels were categorized at zero, low, moderate, or high for each sampling location in 2016:
    • Zero = no beetles collected
    • Low = traps average < 21 beetles/week
    • Moderate = traps average 21-50 beetles/week
    • High = traps average >50 beetles/week
  • Maximum corn rootworm beetle population levels observed by location across all weeks (Figure 1 and Figure 2):
    • 8.4% of locations had high populations
    • 10.9% of locations had moderate populations
    • 75.8% of locations had low populations
    • 4.9% of locations had zero adults collected
  • Previous crop appeared to influence beetle populations. Across all locations the average maximum count for corn after corn was 21.6; whereas, corn after soybean was 7.6 (Table 1 and Figure 3):
Population levels observed at corn rootworm beetle trapping locations in 2016.

Figure 1. Population levels observed at corn rootworm beetle trapping locations in 2016.

Chart showing maximum population levels observed at corn rootworm beetle trapping locations in 2017.

Figure 2. Maximum population levels observed at corn rootworm beetle trapping locations in 2016.

Table 1. Effect of previous crop on maximum beetle count averaged across all locations.

Previous Crop Average Beetle Count Locs
Corn 21.6 408
Soybeans 7.6 305
Previous crop at corn rootworm beetle trapping locations in 2016.

Figure 3. Previous crop at corn rootworm beetle trapping locations in 2016.

Action Thresholds

  • Traps average <21 beetles per week
    • Low rootworm populations anticipated next year
    • Select a control option for low populations:
      • Rotate to another crop
      • Plant corn rootworm Bt corn product
      • Plant non-Bt rootworm product with Poncho® 1250/VOTiVO® insecticide seed treatment
      • Plant non-Bt rootworm product with soil insecticide
  • Traps average 21-50 beetles in a single week
    • Moderate rootworm populations anticipated next year
    • Select a control option for moderate populations:
      • Rotate to another crop
      • Plant corn rootworm Bt corn product
      • Apply soil insecticide at planting for larvae
  • Traps average >50 beetles in a single week
    • High rootworm populations anticipated next year
    • Select a control option for high populations:
      • Rotate to another crop
      • Apply foliar insecticide in the current year to control adult beetles prior to egg-laying and use a rootworm resistant Bt corn or soil-applied insecticide the following year
      • Consult with your Pioneer sales professional, university extension, crop consultants, or other local experts for recommendations if considering planting a corn rootworm Bt corn product and adding a soil-applied insecticide

Management Considerations

Management Considerations

  • Although Pioneer studies have shown that the HXRW trait remains an effective tool for corn rootworm management, Pioneer and university research suggests that continuous, uninterrupted use of the same corn rootworm Bt technology can lead to decreased corn rootworm susceptibility to that technology, and may result in reduced product efficacy against these insects.
  • To help maintain the efficacy of Bt corn rootworm products, it is essential to develop a multi-faceted rootworm management plan.
  • Your Pioneer Sales Professional or local Extension professionals can assist you in developing best management practices for your operation
  • Please contact your authorized Pioneer Representative or consult with your local University Extension for more information regarding insect resistance management, best management practices and to understand whether there has been insect resistance documented in your area.

Author: Jeff Mathesius

Poncho® and VOTiVO® are registered trademarks of Bayer.

The foregoing is provided for informational use only. Please contact your Pioneer sales professional for information and suggestions specific to your operation. Product performance is variable and depends on many factors such as moisture and heat stress, soil type, management practices and environmental stress as well as disease and pest pressures. Individual results may vary.