Extended Learning  

 

                  Cultural  practices can be very effective in as well.  One simple example is that of planting corn early.  By allowing corn to get established and grow ahead of the corn rootworm larvae it can be more resistant to any damage that might be caused by the feeding larvae.  This practice may not work in areas of high infestations or in areas where early plantings are not feasible, but in some situations it can provide another management option.

Another very effective cultural practice is that of rotation to a non-host crop.  This is the most effective control option.  By eliminating the host crop or corn the eggs will hatch in the spring, but will soon starve without corn roots to feed on. 

Adults will not be attracted to the field either since there will be no fresh silks.  If adults are not attracted then fewer eggs will be laid in the field as well.  It essentially controls at all stage of the corn rootworm lifecycle.  The Integrated Pest Management and Insect Resistance Management module provides a more thorough discussion of the merits of crop rotation and how to incorporate it into an IPM plan.


Extended Learning