Case Study of a Variant of Western Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica Virgifera Virgifera LeConte, in East Central Illinois

"We are working on this problem because growers do not have enough information that will enable them to practice sound IPM practices rather than just applying soil insecticides prophylactically at planting. In fact, findings from this research might enable growers to reduce the use of soil insecticides. These findings also could open new avenues for managing this important pest. What role dose phenological asynchrony of corn and soybean development play in the egg-laying behavior of the western corn rootworm? In late August of 1999 and 2000, soybean fields were still green; however, early-planted corn was being harvested. Due to earlier corn planting trends, the phenological differences between corn and soybean development are exaggerated. Once corn progresses beyond the R2 developmental stage, western corn rootworm adults move out of corn and into soybean fields; not because they are attracted to them, but perhaps looking for a source of food or moisture. The old adage, ""Corn should be ""knee high"" by the 4th of July"" does not fit the modern corn production paradigm; instead corn is maturing when peak emergence of western corn rootworm occurs. Thus, corn silks as a viable food source are not as available in early-planted corn for western corn rootworm."

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Entomology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Pierce, Christopher Michael Francis

Contributors dc:contributor

• Gray, Michael E.

• Agriculture, Plant Pathology

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3111627

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/86449