Western corn rootworm / Diabrotica virgifera

Pest: Western corn rootworm

Latin name: Diabrotica virgifera virgifera Le Conte.

Known hosts: corn, melons, soy, sunflower, etc.

Western corn rootworm is the most dangerous pest for corn, the damage is caused by both larvae and imago, but the larvae cause the most damage during the feed process causing damage to the roots of the corn plant.

Worms eat leaves, pollen in blossom time, and silk. Later, the bugs move to the young ears of maize plants, where they feed on the milky kernels that can be completely destroyed.

On the territory of the Republic of Moldova this moth develops a single generation per year.

Western corn rootworm causes significant crop damage at a density of 5-10 worms per plant (cobwebs).

Product code: AAС0411

Proper use of Pheromone Traps:

Purpose: to monitor and reduce pest numbers. (Mass capturing)     

Early summer:

It is recommended to place traps on plants upon appearance of first inflorescences of corn - 3-5 on each strain at the level of the cobwebs (1.2-1.5 m  above ground level), at a distance of 100-150 m between them or 1 trap for 3-5 small areas.

Mass capturing – from 20 traps per ha.

Severe impairment – from 30 traps per ha.

The traps must be checked every 5-7 days. Pheromone dispensers and adhesive tapes can be replaced as needed. Protective measures are based on the results of the monitoring of population density of pest insects.