Finally, NCRW adults are mobile and readily move to other fields that are more attractive for feeding or egg laying. Fields with the greatest rootworm feeding damage in one year may not be as attractive to adult NCRW as neighboring fields. Consequently, the problem can shift between fields in an area. Regardless of the exact reason, hot spots seem to shift from year to year. At this time, we don t completely understand the various factors driving the rapid onset and disappearance of extended diapause problems.
Lodged corn is often the tip-off that corn rootworms are active.
However, corn rootworm feeding is not the only cause of lodged corn. Therefore, it s important to confirm corn rootworm feeding damage before embarking on a rash course of corn rootworm management. High winds and moist soils that occur during thunderstorms provide the key ingredients for lodging. The occurrence and timing of these thunderstorms has a profound effect on whether or not corn rootworm root feeding is revealed by lodging. Once lodging occurs, confirm the presence of corn rootworm feeding by digging and washing roots.