Insect Alert For

Corn Rootworm

Risk Level:
High Risk Level
Affected Area:
Full page
Alert Details

Corn rootworm hatch is predicted to continue especially across the upper Midwest and into the Great Lakes region while beetle activity is more likely further to the south. Numerous reports of beetle emergence and activity in the field are coming in from as far north as the I-90 and I-94 corridors now, so growers all across the corn-growing region should monitor their fields. To check for corn rootworm, either dig or pull up corn and assess the roots for signs of feeding and/or larvae presence. In soybean, pull up volunteer corn, noting whether the plant pulls easily or not. Take note whether the volunteer corn is GMO or non-GMO corn, and then assess the roots for the presence of larvae and/or signs of root damage/feeding. If larvae are present in numbers, then you may need to consider changing plans for next year. High beetle counts indicates a potential problem as well.