Don't Let Rootworms Win

SOLUTIONS

• Follow exact refuge rules as recommended by the hybrid planted.
• Rotate to soybeans or another non-host crop, even if it's once every four to six years. If extended diapause with Northern corn rootworm is an issue in your area, a soil insecticide may help on first-year corn.
• Use a Bt-RW hybrid that expresses a different corn rootworm trait if you've had poor performance or have used the same protein for consecutive years.
• Use a pyramided Bt hybrid that expresses multiple proteins targeted at corn rootworm.
• Use a corn rootworm soil insecticide at planting with a non-Bt hybrid.
• If high rootworm populations and/or a suspect single Bt-RW trait have caused unacceptable root injury in the past, a soil insecticide may help protect some lodging and yield (see sidebar story).
• Consider a foliar-applied insecticide treatment if needed to reduce silk clipping and egg laying by rootworm beetles.
• Most importantly, use a long-term integrated approach to corn rootworm management that includes multiple tactics.