Development of an „Attract & Kill“ strategy for the control of western corn rootworm larvae

TL;DRAbstract

The western corn rootworm (WCR - Diabrotica virgifera virgifera Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is an important maize pest worldwide and the most damaging part of the beetle’s life cycle is the below ground feeding of the larvae on the maize roots. The larvae use CO2 to locate maize roots. This orientation cue can be incorporated into the chemical control of the larvae by attracting them to a soil insecticide (Tefluthrin) with CO2 emitting capsules, implementing an “Attract & Kill” (A&K) strategy. This mechanism is eventually aiming at enhancing insecticide activity and reducing the application rate of Tefluthrin. Due to the cryptic feeding habit WCR larvae are difficult to observe, so non destructive methodologies were developed to evaluate larval behaviour, movement and spatial distribution. Furthermore the management of the larvae with the capsules alone and in an “Attract & Kill” combination were tested under semi field and field conditions. 1. Changes in the spatial distribution of WCR

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