Good seedbed preparation, fertilizing according to soil test, and timely irrigation help promote rapid growth. Early planting often maximizes yield and allows silks to develop before peak rootworm beetle feeding. Good weed control not only aids early growth and development of corn plants, but also makes fields less attractive to rootworm beetles. Hilling at lay-by time helps brace roots to become more firmly established, thereby reducing the severity of lodging and promoting rapid root regeneration. First Year Corn First year corn is unlikely to benefit from soil insecticide applications.
Crop rotation is still our best recommendation for corn rootworm prevention.
The only exceptions might be first year corn following soybeans or other crops in northeast and eastern Nebraska. In a very small percentage of fields following soybeans or other rotations, northern corn rootworm larvae may damage first year corn because of extended diapause. Presently, these fields cannot be identified. In most cases, preventive treatment with soil insecticide is unnecessary, even in these situations. Insecticides are recommended where losses in yield due to insect damage are likely to exceed control costs.