From left to right: Corn rootworm larvae, Western corn rootworm, Northern corn rootworm, Southern corn rootworm. 

If left unmanaged, the corn rootworm (CRW) life cycle can take a bite out of your yields, season after season.

Currently, in late summer, adult CRW beetles have hatched and now feed on the growing corn crop. After around 2 weeks, females will return to the soil to lay eggs.

The eggs will remain buried over the winter months. Upon hatching in the spring, CRW larvae will immediately begin feeding on young corn roots. The larvae will then undergo 3 developmental stages before pupating in the soil. No feeding takes place during the pupal stage as the worms grow into adult beetles.

Typically in July, those adult CRW beetles emerge to feed on corn silks, and the cycle continues. An uncontrolled population of corn rootworm can cause damage to your crop. Even worse, the number of insects can expand exponentially if left unchecked.

To manage this highly adaptable pest’s life cycle, we recommend considering Force^® 6.5G insecticide for next season, which features a high-load granular formulation to give you proven control with fewer stops to refill. It manages CRW and other soil-dwelling insects with enhanced convenience.

Learn how to control corn rootworm pressure in your fields with the new Force 6.5G Interactive Infographic.

It’s important to regularly scout for pests that could be eating your profits. Get tips on scouting for corn rootworm (CRW) in our previous post.

While the weather this season may reduce next year’s corn rootworm population in some areas, other locations could see increased CRW numbers. Read our previous post to learn why a wet 2019 won’t stop 2020 insect pressure.

Don’t miss the rest of our Know More, Grow More series on protecting your corn yields from insect pests.

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