By Scout Nelson
Recently during the "Strategic Farming: Let's Talk Crops" program, University of Minnesota's Dr. Fei Yang, an Extension Entomologist, brought to light the ongoing challenges and new insights in managing two notorious corn pests: the European corn borer (ECB) and corn rootworm (CRW).
These pests, notorious for their impact on crop yields and quality, have evolved to resist traditional Bt corn defenses, prompting renewed focus on innovative management strategies.
The European corn borer, once a major threat controlled effectively by Bt-corn hybrids, has seen resistant populations emerge, signaling a crucial moment to reinforce vigilance.
The corn rootworm's resistance to Bt traits in Minnesota underscores the complex battle against pests that compromise root systems, affecting the plant's water and nutrient uptake.
Research led by the University of Minnesota, funded by the MN Corn Research and Promotion Council, reveals ongoing low ECB populations in the state. A notable exception was a non-Bt field in Crookston, MN, where a significant portion of corn plants suffered ECB damage. While resistance to Bt proteins was not found in these populations, continuous monitoring and reporting of potential resistance remain crucial.
Corn rootworm management now faces the dual challenge of dealing with species adapted to different environmental conditions and the phenomenon of extended diapause in the northern corn rootworm.
This adaptation allows eggs to hatch years after being laid, complicating crop rotation strategies. The rise of Bt resistance in these pests across the Corn Belt, including Minnesota, demands diversified management tactics to sustain control.
Dr. Yang's work extends to greenhouse trials examining the interaction between western and northern corn rootworm species, with initial findings suggesting competitive dynamics influenced by multiple factors, including cold tolerance. This research aims to inform more effective pest management strategies by understanding the biological and ecological nuances of these pests.
Effective management strategies for corn production include careful field scouting, crop rotation, understanding Bt traits, and integrating new technologies like RNAi for corn rootworm control. These strategies, combined with collective attention, are crucial for addressing evolving pest management challenges.
Photo Credit -gettyimages-dszc
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Corn