Combined Impacts of Western Corn Rootworm Larval Feeding, European Corn Borer and Giant Foxtail on Field Corn

Corn rootworm (CRW) beetles exhibit a univoltine life cycle. Feral adults deposit their eggs into the soil of cornfields during July and August where they undergo diapause and overwinter. The following spring eggs hatch beginning in late May and continuing on into the middle part of June. Larvae of the new generation feed on developing corn roots. After reaching the third instar larvae pupate in the soil, and emerge as adults during June and July. Adults live between 75 and 85 days and feed on pollen, silks, and leaf material. Damage occurs as roots from corn plants are fed upon and pruned by larvae. This eventually hinders the plants’ ability to uptake water and nutrients. Extensive root damage may also cause plants to lodge (fall over), resulting in yield losses and an increased harvesting time.