Corn Rootworm (CRW) Diabrotica SPP.: A Review of its Impact to Maize Production and Current and Future Control Options

Abstract

Western corn rootworm (WCRW), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Le Conte), and Northern corn rootworm (NCRW), Diabrotica barberi, are economically significant pests of maize production in the US corn belt. Maize plants are primarily damaged via CRW beetle larvae feeding on root tissue, which impairs nutrient uptake, vertical stability, and ultimately agronomic potential. CRW species are remarkably adaptable and able to overcome many of the agricultural practices and controls developed by farmers and the crop protection industry. CRW has also developed resistance to multiple insecticide classes, both chemical and protein in nature. Modern integrated approaches utilizing agricultural best practices, chemical insecticides, and genetically modified maize varieties with pyramided trait proteins are needed to control resistant populations of CRW. Next-generation technologies that target CRW will provide farmers with effective options to combat this challenging pest.