project - Research and innovation
Reduce and avoid corn rootworm impact with larvae parasites and good farming practices
Reduce and avoid corn rootworm impact with larvae parasites and good farming practices
Objectives
NA
Objectives
The Western corn rootworm (WCR) or Diabrotica virgifera virgifera is an important pest of maize whose larvae can seriously damage roots of maize, leading to yield losses. Accidently introduced in Europe in the 1990s from the USA, this insect is slowly spreading across Europe and it is considered an invasive species. It means a serious threat to maize farmers and its control is difficult and expensive, mainly due to its resistance to chemical pesticides. (see additional information field)
Activities
(see additional information field)
Additional information
Integrated pest management techniques (IPM) can efficiently prevent and suppress corn rootworm. In this respect they are defined as good farming practices that alone or combined with adequate biocontrol agents (normally natural enemies of the disease) enhance health of crops. They may also be applied as an alternative to chemical pesticides.
Two IPM solutions can be applied against maize rootworm: a biocontrol agent (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) and systematic rotation of crops.
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora is a parasite of various insects, including the WCR, which kills the larvae of such insects. It can be found already as a commercial product and can be applied by drenching or spraying to soil and other areas where the pest lives. It is safe to other non-target animals and humans.
On the other hand, WCR is only a risk where continuous maize cropping is practiced. Where maize is rotated, WCR populations are usually smaller and there is little risk of significant damage or important economic loses. Therefore, a systematic rotation of crops in areas with risk of disease is highly recommended. As larvae can develop properly on maize roots only, any crop apart from maize is suitable for breaking the WCR cycle. One year with any crop apart from maize means two years of WCR prevention in a field.
http://www.pan-europe.info/resources/reports/2015/08/integrated-pest-ma…
Project details
- Main funding source
- Other public (national, regional) research funds
- Agricultural sectors
- Cereals
Contacts
Project coordinator
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Pesticide Action Network Europe -PAN Europe
Project coordinator