Western Corn Rootworm

Common Name: Northern, Western

Genus: Diabrotica longicornus barberi, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera

Identification: see lifecycle

Lifecycle: Both species overwinter as diapausing eggs at the base of the corn plant. The number of eggs ranges from 200 to 1,000 per female, which can translate into 10 to 50 million eggs per acre. After hatching, the larvae move to roots of corn and are typically full grown by early July when they leave the roots and pupate in cells in the soil. The adults emerge in July and August, deposit eggs in September and early October and are killed by the frost. The adult northern corn rootworm is 2/10-of an inch long and green or yellowish in color. The adult western rootworm is somewhat larger and is yellow-brown with 3 prominent black stripes on the dorsum.

Geographic Distribution: The northern rootworm is found in more northerly corn-growing states. The western rootworm is the superior competitor and is found throughout the corn- growing states.

Damage and Treatment: Root injury by the worm results in growth retardation and the plant may fall over after a heavy rain because of the poor root system. Also, adults feed on newly formed corn silks and may clip them, producing ears with few kernels. Treatment should be made when insect populations and/or damage levels reach economic thresholds. Refer to local University Extension Pest Management Guidelines for specific state thresholds.

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Crops affected by Western Corn Rootworm

Additional Pests

Amaranthes
Amaranthus palmeri, Amaranthus hybridus, Amaranthus spinosus
Armyworm, Beet
Spodoptera
Black Nightshade
Common Cocklebur
Xanthium
Cutworms
Agrotis ipsilon, Agrotis orthogonia, Peridroma saucia
Eastern Nightshade
Solanum americanum, Solanum nigrum, Solanum ptycanthum, Solanum saccachoides
European Corn Borer
Ostrinia
Fall Armyworm
Spodoptera
Grasshopper
Melanoplus sanguinipes, Camnula pellacida
Kochia
Kochia
Lambsquarters
Chenopodium
Nightshades
Solanum americanum, Solanum nigrum, Solanum ptycanthum, Solanum saccachoides
Northern Corn Rootworm
Diabrotica longicornus barberi, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera
Pennsylvania Smartweed
Polygonum
Pigweed, Redroot
Amaranthus
Prickly Sida
Sida
Ragweeds
Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Ambrosia trifida
Southern Corn Rootworm
Diabrotica
Southwestern Corn Borer
Diatrea
Spider Mites
Tetranychus urticae, Tetranychus turkestani, Tetranychus pacificus, Tetranychus cinnabarinus
Spotted Cucumber Beetle
Diabrotica
Tobacco Budworm
Helicoverpa
Velvetleaf
Abutilon
Wild Sunflower
Helianthus
Wireworms
Melanotus fissilis, Limonius spp. Many species in the order Coleoptera, family Elatoridae.
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