On-Farm Validation of Pherocon AM Trap Utility for Corn Rootworms (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae):

Abstract

A series of participatory on-farm experiments were conducted in northern Illinois from 1991 to 1993 to determine how effectively Pherocon AM traps could be used by farmers to predict accurately subsequent economic infestations of corn rootwom larvae, Diabrotica spp. More importantly, this study sought to assess the potential likelihood of eventual adoption and implementation of a sampling strategy using Pherocon AM traps as an alternative to counting corn rootworm beetles on corn plants. In 1991, farmers utilizing Pherocon AM traps predicted accurately economic and below economic infestations of rootworm larvae for the 1992 season in 71% of monitored fields (12 of 17 fields). The 1992 predictions accurately predicted larval injury in 1993 in only 50% of the cornfields. Heavy precipitation occurred within many of the producers' fields in 1993 and may be partially responsible for these results. In 1994, a questionnaire was sent to all cooperators in an effort to determine their level of acceptance or rejection of Pherocon AM traps. Results from the questionnaire revehed that not a single producer had purchased Pherocon AM traps since the conclusion of our study even though two monitoring seasons had elapsed. Most cooperating producers indicated that reliance on soil insecticides as an insurance strategy for corn rootworms would remain their first choice for larval control unless forced to change or until a better sampling tool could be devised. Despite the findings by researchers in the mid-1980s that Pherocon AM traps could be used to predict economic infestations of corn rootworrns, this investigation underscores the importance of soliciting farmer input and advice prior to the initiation of research efforts aimed at delivering pest management tools for grower use. In essence, growers, the end users of technological innovations in pest management, should be looked upon as research partners throughout investigations of this nature.