Population density of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte beetles in Serbian first year and continuous maize fields

A 5‐year field survey examined western corn rootworm (WCR) (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) beetle density in Serbia from 2002 to 2006. First‐, second‐, third‐, fourth‐ and fifth‐year maize fields were sampled; they represented 64.61%, 21.66%, 9.45%, 3.53% and 0.75% of all sampled fields respectively. Results showed that the mean WCR beetle population density from 794 maize fields differed depending on cropping history. Minimum mean WCR/trap/day was 0.0 in the first‐year maize fields in 2002 and 2006. Maximum mean WCR/trap/day was registered in the fourth‐year and the fifth‐year maize fields (27.8 and 21.2 respectively). Mean population density of WCR adults increased with the number of years of continuous maize from 1.17, 4.61, 6.41, 10.30 up to 13.53 WCR/trap/day for first‐fifth‐year maize fields respectively. Mean WCR/trap/day ± SE exceeded the economic population threshold of >6 WCR/trap/day in third‐year continuous maize fields. Out of 794 maize fields, 697 (87.78%) registered a mean population density below the <6 beetles/trap/day threshold. In only 97 fields was WCR population density >6 beetles/trap/day, a finding that predicts a risk of economic damage to a subsequent maize planting. These data are representative of the Serbian situation from 2002 to 2006; they indicate that WCR are well dispersed across commercial maize fields in Serbia. These results provide new insight into the current low WCR population densities in maize fields managed by crop rotation, a finding that can help in creating long‐term management strategy.     

Predicting western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) larval injury to rotated corn with Pherocon AM traps in soybeans

Crop rotation for portions of east central Illinois and northern Indiana no longer adequately protects corn (Zea mays L.) roots from western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte. Seventeen growers in east central Illinois monitored western corn rootworm adults in soybean (Glycine max L.) fields with unbaited Pherocon AM traps during 1996 and 1997. In the following years (1997 and 1998), growers left untreated strips (no insecticide applied) when these fields were planted with corn. Damage to rotated corn by rootworms was more severe in untreated than in treated strips of rotated corn, ranging from minor root scarring to a full node of roots pruned. Densities of western corn rootworms in soybean fields from 1996 were significantly correlated with root injury to rotated corn the following season. Adult densities from 1997 were not significantly correlated with root injury in 1998, due to heavy precipitation throughout the spring of 1998 and extensive larval mortality. Twenty-eight additional growers volunteered in 1998 to monitor rootworm adults in soybean fields with Pherocon AM traps based on recommendations that resulted from our research efforts in 1996 and 1997. In 1999, these 28 fields were rotated to corn, and rootworm larval injury was measured in untreated strips. Based on 1996-1997 and 1998-1999 data, a regression analysis revealed that 27% of the variation in root injury to rotated corn could be explained by adult density in soybeans the previous season. We propose a sampling plan for soybean fields and a threshold for predicting western corn rootworm larval injury to rotated corn.     

Dispersal and spatial distribution of western corn rootworm larvae in relation to root phenology

• 1 Despite the increasing economic importance of root feeding pests such as the western corn rootworm (WCR) Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, basic parameters about their below ground biology are only partly understood. The present study investigated the dispersal and distribution of WCR larvae in the maize root system during their development at two growth stages of maize (BBCH 13–14 and BBCH 17–18).
• 2 Dispersal of the WCR larvae increased as they developed; the larvae moved off their original place of emergence and into deeper soil layers. Overall, changes in the horizontal distribution of the larvae were more extensive than changes in the vertical distribution.
• 3 The spatial analysis of distance indices revealed that the larvae had an aggregative distribution throughout their development. The feeding site of larvae in the root system was determined by the stage of larval development. Initially, WCR larvae started feeding in close proximity to their emergence location and moved to more developed root tissue towards the end of their development.
• 4 Differences in root phenology mainly influenced the distribution of the larvae at the end of their development, when larvae exhibited increased vertical movement at a later growth stage of maize.
• 5 The mechanisms of these distributional changes and the implications for the management of WCR larvae are discussed, especially with regard to chemical control, because fewer larvae are expected to be targeted at a later growth stage of maize.

     

The influence of weather and geographical conditions on flight dynamics of WCR adults

Since the appearance of western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera Le Conte) (Coleoptera: Chrysometidae) in Romania, many researchers have been made, in more or less success. In this study we try to clarify the ecology of the species in order to predict its evolution and its potential area of distribution. In Romania, this species was signalled for the first time in 1996, in western part of country neighbouring with Hungary. This region is an important area for maize production for seed and silage. Together, the climatic conditions, altitude and their influence on species behaviour and distribution have become more apparent. Their habitat and survival strategies are strongly dependent on local weather patents and altitude. In order to investigate the potential impact of weather and altitude on pest populations, a clear understanding of the nature and characterization of pest is required. In general, most pest species are influenced by warm, rainfall and altitude. Taking into consideration our data from the years 2008 and 2009, we can emphasize a very serious influence of air temperature, rainfall and altitude on WCR flight dynamics in adults. Dry and warm conditions generally lead to increasing of insects' number. Our data shown positive correlations between air temperature (daily mean) and adults number captured on pheromone traps (daily mean), but the there are limits from which these become negative. The same trend was recorded in previous research period (2004-2006). The rainfall is an important factor that influences adults' dynamics in maize fields. Excessive rainfall leads to adults' number decreasing. Our daily observations showed a decreasing number of beetles while rainfall increases. Regarding the altitude, we observed a decreasing number of WCR adults at once the attitude increase. For capture of adults we used pheromone traps, in 3 replications (T1, T2 and T3) at difference altitude where maize was grown. Significant relationship of WCR flight dynamic with weather and geographical conditions were found. Activities were carried out under the PN-II-ID-PCE-2007-1/RO project.     

Population dynamics of a Western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) variant in east central Illinois commercial maize and soybean fields

Three on-farm sites in Iroquois County, IL, each containing an adjacent 16.2-ha commercial production maize, Zea mays L., and soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., field, were monitored for western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), adults from June through September 1999-2001. Mean captures of D. v. virgifera adults as measured with Pherocon AM yellow sticky traps were significantly greater in maize than in soybean. Overall mean numbers of D. v. virgifera adults captured with vial traps were significantly greater in soybean than in maize. Emergence cage data revealed that after 50% emergence of D. v. virgifera adults occurred, peak captures of D. v. virgifera adults occurred in maize as measured with vial and Pherocon AM traps. After maize reached the R2 (blister stage, 10-14 d after silking) stage of development and 90% emergence of D. v. virgifera adults had occurred, peak captures of D. v. virgifera adults were observed in soybean by using vial and Pherocon AM traps. Also, after maize reached the R2 stage of development, numbers of females significantly increased in soybean and decreased in maize. Captures of female D. v. virgifera adults frequently exceeded published economic thresholds in soybean, regardless of trap type used. Estimated survival of variant D. v. virgifera (egg to adult) in these commercial rotated maize fields was 10.7 and 9.4% from 1999 to 2000 and from 2000 to 2001, respectively. This compares with nonvariant D. v. virgifera survival estimates in continuous maize production systems in Iowa of 6.7 and 11% from 1983 to 1984 and from 1984 to 1985, respectively.     

Nutritional resources used by the invasive maize pest Diabrotica virgifera virgifera in its new South-east-European distribution range

Food utilization by adults of the invasive maize (Zea mays L.) (Poaceae) pest western corn rootworm (WCR; Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was investigated in the south‐eastern part of its new European distribution range. At weekly intervals over a 10‐week period, 10 beetles per field were collected from six fields that had a high abundance of flowering weeds and six fields with a low abundance of flowering weeds, with the aim of understanding adult feeding behaviour in Europe and comparing this behaviour with North American WCR. Gut content analysis was performed to determine the use of maize tissue and weed pollen with regard to maize phenology. Furthermore, all pollen found within the gut was quantified and identified to plant species level. The use of maize tissue by adult WCR changed over time according to maize phenology. Pollen originating from plants other than maize was used more frequently as the maize matured. Adults fed on pollen from 19 of 25 different plant species found in maize fields and showed a preference for the pollen of specific weeds. Pollen from weed species was found more often in beetles from fields with a high abundance of weeds compared to beetles from fields with a low abundance of weeds. Females consumed greater amounts of pollen than males, the latter feeding on a wider diversity of host plants. The pollen resources used by adult WCR in Hungary were more diverse compared to WCR in the USA, which may contribute to the invasion success of WCR in Europe.     

The influence of weather on western corn rootworm flight activity at the borders of a soybean field in east central Illinois

The evolution of a new strain of western corn rootworm (WCR) beetle (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) that has adapted to crop rotation by flying from host cornfields to nearby soybean fields to lay eggs is presenting new challenges to farmers in the U.S.A. Corn Belt. Development of effective management tools for the WCR that display this new behavior require knowledge of atmospheric factors that influence their interfield movement. In this study, WCR movement into a soybean field is related to solar radiation, wind speed and direction, air temperature, and precipitation with consideration of biological factors that also influence flight. WCR flight activity and meteorological variables were measured above the canopy of a 1.64 ha soybean field in east-central Illinois between late July and early September, 1997. On 14 days, insect traps were sampled at 30-min intervals. Interfield movement of WCR occurred over a wide range of solar irradiances, air temperatures, and wind speeds. Darkness, air temperatures below 15 °C or above 31 °C, and wind speeds in excess of 2.0 m s^{- 1} prohibited aerial movement of WCR. Within these limits, atmospheric factors had only little influence on the biologically-driven temporal patterns of seasonal and daily WCR flight activity. Atmospheric conditions were conducive to WCR flight 62% of the time during the growing season when WCR were active. Weather conditions substantially reduced interfield WCR movement throughout about one-third of the days when female WCR beetles were abundant at the study site in 1997.     

Abnormally high digestive enzyme activity and gene expression explain the contemporary evolution of a Diabrotica biotype able to feed on soybeans

Western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera) (WCR) depends on the continuous availability of corn. Broad adoption of annual crop rotation between corn (Zea mays) and nonhost soybean (Glycine max) exploited WCR biology to provide excellent WCR control, but this practice dramatically reduced landscape heterogeneity in East-central Illinois and imposed intense selection pressure. This selection resulted in behavioral changes and "rotation-resistant" (RR) WCR adults. Although soybeans are well defended against Coleopteran insects by cysteine protease inhibitors, RR-WCR feed on soybean foliage and remain long enough to deposit eggs that will hatch the following spring and larvae will feed on roots of planted corn. Other than documenting changes in insect mobility and egg laying behavior, 15 years of research have failed to identify any diagnostic differences between wild-type (WT)- and RR-WCR or a mechanism that allows for prolonged RR-WCR feeding and survival in soybean fields. We documented differences in behavior, physiology, digestive protease activity (threefold to fourfold increases), and protease gene expression in the gut of RR-WCR adults. Our data suggest that higher constitutive activity levels of cathepsin L are part of the mechanism that enables populations of WCR to circumvent soybean defenses, and thus, crop rotation. These new insights into the mechanism of WCR tolerance of soybean herbivory transcend the issue of RR-WCR diagnostics and management to link changes in insect gut proteolytic activity and behavior with landscape heterogeneity. The RR-WCR illustrates how agro-ecological factors can affect the evolution of insects in human-altered ecosystems.     

The ineffectiveness of insecticide seed coatings and planting-time soil insecticides as Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte population suppressors

Abstract:  The effect of any management strategy on pest population levels must be researched and determinations need to be made as to how that strategy might work based on the control objectives. In certain areas of Europe, the objective is to contain or eradicate the western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, population. In order to evaluate the impact of insecticide seed coatings and/or planting-time applications of insecticides as WCR population suppressors, plot trials and large field observations were carried out in Italy over a 5-year period. Larval, pupal and adult densities, along with root damage ratings, were estimated at different locations. Data from these studies revealed that the number of WCR adults emerging from untreated plots did not differ from the number of beetles emerging from those treated with insecticides, whether as seed coating or in-furrow applications. Both seed insecticide coatings (imidacloprid, fipronil, thiamethoxam, tefluthrin) and soil insecticides applied in-furrow (chlorpyrifos, diazinon, tefluthrin) did not reduce the number of beetles emerging from monoculture fields, either in plot trials or large field observations. Observations in the USA had previously shown that soil insecticides applied at planting time partially protected basal roots from economic damage, but did not reduce corn rootworm populations. Similarly, in Europe, it has been demonstrated that not only the application of soil insecticides at planting time but also insecticide seed coatings have no role in the containment and/or eradication of WCR. Although insecticide seed coatings and soil insecticides applied in-furrow may provide protection against economic damage to roots, these management strategies do not have an impact on WCR populations and therefore are useless in WCR containment and eradication programmes.     

Captures of western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) adults with Pherocon AM and vial traps in four crops in east central Illinois

It is hypothesized that the long-term rotation of maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) in east central Illinois has caused a significant change in the ovipositional behavior of the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte. Since the mid 1990s in east central Illinois, western corn rootworm adults have been observed feeding on soybean foliage and also now use soybean fields as egg laying sites. This behavioral adaptation has greatly decreased the effectiveness of rotation as a pest management tactic. By using Pherocon AM and vial traps, we evaluated the influence of maize, soybean, oat stubble (Avena sativa L.), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) on male and female adult western corn rootworm densities from April 1998 through September 2000 near Urbana, IL. Our results indicated that western corn rootworm adults are common inhabitants of maize, soybean, oat stubble, and alfalfa. Trapping efforts with both Pherocon AM (attractive) and vial traps (passive) revealed that initial densities of both male and female western corn rootworm adults were greater in maize. Soon after emergence, densities of females began to decline within maize and increase in other crops (soybean, oat stubble, and alfalfa). Results from this experiment support the hypothesis that variant western corn rootworm females in east central Illinois are colonizing crops other than maize at densities of potential economic importance. Those producers who choose to rotate maize with soybean or alfalfa may remain at risk to economic larval injury to maize roots. Potentially, oat stubble also may support levels of western corn rootworm females resulting in sufficient oviposition to cause economic losses to rotated maize the following season.     

Effect of MIR604 transgenic maize at different stages of development on western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in a central Missouri field environment

The establishment and survival of western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, was evaluated on transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner maize, Zea mays L., expressing the mCry3A protein (MIR604) and non-Bt maize with the same genetic background (isoline maize) at different stages of development in 2007 and 2008. Overall, western corn rootworm larval recovery, root damage, and adult emergence were significantly higher on isoline maize compared with MIR604. The number of larvae and adults collected from MIR604 did not significantly differ among egg hatch dates from each maize developmental stage evaluated in either year. In 2007, damage to isoline maize roots was lower than expected and never exceeded 0.24 nodes of damage. In 2008, over 0.60 nodes of damage occurred on isoline maize roots. The mean weight and head capsule width of larvae and adults recovered from MIR604 and isoline maize were generally not significantly different. Results are discussed in relation to insect resistance management of western corn rootworm.     

Heterorhabditis sp. not attracted to synthetic (E)‐β‐caryophyllene,a volatile emitted by roots upon feeding by corn rootworm

The western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is a destructive pest of maize, Zea mays L. in North America and Europe. Larvae and pupae can be controlled with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) of the genus Heterorhabditis. When maize is attacked by WCR, the roots of some maize varieties emit (E)‐β‐caryophyllene that attract EPN to the pest larvae. To use synthetic (E)‐β‐caryophyllene in bioassays for the genetic selection of EPN strains with enhanced chemotactic response to a volatile emitted from the damaged root when attacked by larvae of the WCR, different laboratory bioassays were tested. Three sand assays and one agar assay used synthetic (E)‐β‐caryophyllene as an attractant for H. megidis. In none of the assays, attraction of the nematodes to (E)‐β‐caryophyllene was recorded. Possible reasons why (E)‐β‐caryophyllene was not attracting EPN in the bioassays are discussed.     

Evaluation of Cuphea as a rotation crop for control of western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

The ability to prevent significant root feeding damage to corn, Zea mays L., by the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, by crop rotation with soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., has been lost in portions of the Corn Belt because this pest has adapted to laying eggs in soybean fields. Cuphea spp. has been proposed as a new broadleaf crop that may provide an undesirable habitat for rootworm adults because of its sticky surface and therefore may reduce or prevent oviposition in these fields. A 4-yr study (1 yr to establish seven rotation programs followed by 3 yr of evaluation) was conducted to determine whether crop rotation with Cuphea would provide cultural control of corn rootworm. In support of Cuphea as a rotation crop, fewer beetles were captured by sticky traps in plots of Cuphea over the 4 yr of this study compared with traps in corn and soybean, suggesting that fewer eggs may be laid in plots planted to Cuphea. Also, corn grown after Cuphea was significantly taller during vegetative growth, had significantly lower root damage ratings for 2 of 3 yr, and had significantly higher yields for 2 of 3 yr compared with continuous corn plots. In contrast to these benefits, growing Cuphea did not prevent economic damage to subsequent corn crops as indicated by root damage ratings > 3.0 recorded for corn plants in plots rotated from Cuphea, and sticky trap catches that exceeded the threshold of five beetles trap(-1) day(-1). Beetle emergence from corn plots rotated from Cuphea was significantly lower, not different and significantly higher compared with beetle emergence from continuous corn plots for 2002, 2003 and 2004 growing seasons, respectively. A high number of beetles were captured by emergence cages in plots planted to Cuphea, indicating that rootworm larvae may be capable of completing larval development by feeding on roots of Cuphea, although peak emergence lagged approximately 4 wk behind peak emergence from corn. Based on these data, it is unlikely that crop rotation with Cuphea will provide consistent, economical, cultural control of corn rootworm.     

The effects of a winter cover crop on Diabrotica virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) populations and beneficial arthropod communities in no-till maize

The effects of an autumn-planted, spring-killed, grass cover crop (Elymus trachycaulus [Link] Gould ex Shinners) on populations of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte and its predator community were evaluated in South Dakota maize fields over two seasons. Abundance and size of D. virgifera larvae and adults and sex ratio of adults were measured in maize produced under two treatments (i.e., a winter cover crop or bare soil), as were maize root damage and the abundance and diversity of the predator communities collected on the soil surface and in the soil column. First and second instars and adults of D. virgifera were similarly abundant in the two treatments, but third instars were significantly fewer in maize planted after a winter cover crop. Larvae developed at different rates in the two treatments, and second instars were significantly smaller (head capsule width and body length) in the maize planted after a cover crop. First and third instars and adults were of similar size in the two treatments, and adult sex ratios were also similar. Although initially similar, predator populations increased steadily in the cover-cropped maize, which led to a significantly greater predator population by the time D. virgifera pupated. There was significantly less root damage in the cover-cropped maize. Predator communities were similarly diverse in both treatments. Predator abundance per plot was significantly and negatively correlated with the abundance of third instars per plot. Clearly, winter cover crops reduce D. virgifera performance and their damage to the crop, and we suspect that this reduction is caused by both environmental effects of the treatment on D. virgifera size and development, and of increased predation on the third instars of the pest. Additional data on the impact of cover crops on actual predation levels, grain yield and quality, and farmer profitability, and correlations among pest performance, crop characteristics, and predator populations and behaviors are key components of this system that remain to be addressed.     

Western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) population dynamics

1 The western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte is a major insect pest of field maize, Zea mays L. Larvae can cause substantial injury by feeding on maize roots. Larval feeding may destroy individual roots or root nodes, and reduce plant growth, stability, and yield. Costs associated with managing corn rootworms in continuous maize are annually one of the largest expenditures for insect management in the United States Corn Belt.
2 Even though D. virgifera virgifera has been studied intensively for over 50 years, there is renewed interest in the biology, ecology, and genetics of this species because of its ability to rapidly adapt to management tactics, and its aggressive invasive nature.
3 This article provides a comprehensive review of D. virgifera virgifera population dynamics, specifically: diapause, larval and adult development, seasonality, spatial and temporal dynamics at local and landscape scales, invasiveness in North America and Europe, and non-trophic interactions with other arthropods.
4 Gaps in current knowledge are identified and discussed especially within the context of challenges that scientists in North America and Europe are currently facing regarding pest dynamics and the need to develop appropriate management strategies for each geographic area.     

Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) larval feeding behavior on transgenic maize (MON 863) and its isoline

Diabrotica species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) larval behavior studies have posed a challenge to researchers because of the subterranean life cycle of this pest. To fully understand how the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, injures the maize, Zea mays L., root system, its behavior must be studied. For example, larvae that can detect an area of the root that has a lower amount of toxin, whether from an insecticide or a transgenic maize plant, have an increased chance of survival. This study assessed D. v. virgifera larval feeding behavior on rootworm-susceptible maize and maize containing a biotechnology-derived trait (MON 863) with resistance to D. v. virgifera first instar feeding. Maize plants were grown in a medium that allowed for direct observation and measurements during feeding of larval stadia. Neonates were placed on maize seedlings, and data were taken at 3, 6, 9, and 12 d postinfestation on resistant and susceptible maize. On rootworm-susceptible maize, neonate larvae aggregated at the root tips and began actively feeding, and then they moved to older root tissue. Conversely, some larvae that ingested Cry 3Bb1 from the resistant maize exhibited no movement. Other larvae on the resistant maize moved continuously, sampling root hairs or root tissue but not actively feeding. The continuously moving larvae had visibly empty guts, suggesting possible nonpreference for the resistant root. This study contributes to our understanding of D. v. virgifera larval behavior and provides insight into questions surrounding the potential evolution of behavioral and biochemical resistance to Cry3Bb1.     

Assessment of establishment and persistence of entomopathogenic nematodes for biological control of western corn rootworm

Abstract:  The use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) is potentially one ecological approach to control the invasive alien western corn rootworm ( Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, Col., Chrysomelidae) in Europe. This study investigated the establishment and the short- and long-term persistence of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae), Heterorhabditis megidis Poinar, Jackson and Klein (Rh., Heterorhabditidae) and Steinernema feltiae Filipjev (Rh., Steinernematidae) in three maize fields in southern Hungary, using the insect-baiting technique. All three EPN species equally established and persisted in maize fields. The timing of application (April or June) did not influence the establishment of EPN species. EPNs persisted for 2–5 months, i.e. they survived up to and throughout D. v. virgifera larval occurrence in the soil. Results demonstrate that D. v. virgifera larvae can potentially be controlled by EPNs during the same year of EPN application but no long-term control effect is expected under intensive maize cultivation practices.     

Effectiveness of corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) areawide pest management in South Dakota

Diabrotica barberi Smith & Lawrence and Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) are serious pests of maize, Zea mays L. To reduce the amount of toxicants released into the environment, the Agricultural Research Service implemented a 5-yr (1997-2001) areawide pest management program in five geographic locations, including one in South Dakota. The objective was to use integrated pest management tactics to suppress adult Diabrotica populations over a broad geographic area by using aerially applied semiochemical-baited insecticides. Suppressed populations theoretically should reduce oviposition, limit larval feeding damage to maize roots, and result in fewer beetles emerging in subsequent years. We used emergence cages, sticky traps, and CRW lure traps to monitor adult D. barberi and D. v. virgifera populations. We sampled for Diabrotica eggs, and we determined damage to maize roots. We sampled in several maize fields (control) located near the areawide site. The baited insecticides were effective in reducing adult populations 1 and 2 wk after application, and most remained low for the duration of the maize growing season. Fewer beetles were captured in both sticky and lure traps in the areawide site than in the control site. With a few exceptions, egg counts, adult emergence, and maize root damage were similar between the areawide and control sites; however, maize roots had greater fresh weight in the control site. Although not all goals were accomplished, when considering the amount of toxicant released into the environment, using semiochemical-baited insecticides to suppress adult pest Diabrotica populations seems to be an effective areawide management tool.     

Response of larvae of invasive maize pest Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) to carbon/nitrogen ratio and phytosterol content of European maize varieties

We studied the performance of larvae of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae) on 17 different maize, Zea mays L., varieties from six European countries. Food conversion efficiency studies were performed using a newly established method. The growth of D. v. virgifera (western corn rootworm) larvae and the amount of ingested food was measured and the food conversion efficiency was calculated. In addition, we analyzed the carbon/nitrogen ratio and the phytosterol content of the different varieties. Significant differences between the maize varieties with regard to larval weight gain, amount of ingested food, and food conversion efficiency were encountered. The efficiency of D. v. virgifera in converting root biomass into insect biomass was positively related to the amount of nitrogen in the plant tissue. Furthermore the root phytosterol content influenced the larval weight gain and the amount of ingested food. It was possible to group the varieties into suitable and unsuitable cultivars with regard to D. v. virgifera larval performance on the basis of the phytosterol content. Our results provide the first evidence of the high variability among European maize varieties with respect to D. v. virgifera nutrition. The use of less suitable maize varieties is discussed with respect to integrated pest management strategies.