It’s Never Too Late To Plan For Corn Rootworm

JOE BUNCK

EVEREST, KAN.

   Oftentimes, the window from the combine reveals agronomic challenges that may have been overlooked during the growing season. If goosenecked or downed corn is found in a field, it may be an indicator of corn rootworm damage. Taking the time to dig up stalks and examine roots will confirm if corn rootworms were feeding earlier in the season. By harvest time, there is very little to be done to combat corn rootworm other than planning how to manage the billion-dollar pest next season.

   Integrated pest management practices are key to keeping next year’s corn rootworm larvae from damaging cornfields. The easiest way to manage corn rootworm is to regularly rotate fields from corn to another crop such as soybean, alfalfa, sorghum or other cultivars.

   If the field is dedicated to continuous corn, farmers should consider a traited product or corn blend product containing two modes of action for corn rootworm control. Be sure to change up your approach to stay one step ahead of this unwanted pest and avoid using the same Cry protein for more than three years in a row.

   Corn product selection is a critical component for achieving yield goals. While the selection criteria used for historic product selection are still key, it is equally important to select and implement the proper traits to manage insect pressure and maximize yields.

   In Kansas, farmers should always consider Channel products with corn borer protection as well as hybrids with drought tolerance. These trait advantages often are visible from the combine.

   Channel® elite seed products are backed by trait technology from Bayer. These advanced technologies help protect your corn, soybean and specialty crops from insects, drought and other stressors and give you options for combating yield-robbing weeds. With the help of your Channel Seedsman, you can find the right trait technology for your growing conditions on every farm and field.

   Visit Channel.com for more information about Channel products and to find a Channel Seedsman in your area. ∆

   JOE BUNCK: Channel Technical Agronomist