Although corn rootworm (CRW) pressure has been low in many areas this season, there’s no guarantee how long that will last, nor that it holds true for all cropping situations. Corn-on-corn and certain soil textures tend to be more conducive to CRW.

Historically, CRW is the most destructive corn pest in the United States, costing growers more than $1 billion annually in reduced grain yield and control measures.

Damage from CRW includes underdeveloped root systems, weak brace roots, reduced nutrient uptake, poor ear fill, and lodged or fallen corn. Beetles feed on new silks and stunt pollination. Feeding sites serve as points of entry for disease and further crop damage. Ultimately this results in fields that are tough to harvest, with low yields and reduced profits. And if left uncontrolled, they lay eggs to introduce the cycle again the following season.

Test plot in Princeton, IL: Non-trait hybrid (left) vs. competitive hybrid (middle) vs. Agrisure Duracade 5222 E-Z Refuge (right).

As you evaluate your corn crop performance this season, pay attention to symptoms and presence of CRW. Then as you plan for 2018, assess your fields’ risk factors to help choose appropriate hybrids. Agrisure Duracade trait stacks provide season-long CRW control, helping protect against CRW damage throughout the pest’s lifecycle by limiting beetle emergence.

For fields battling both CRW and other above-ground pests, the Agrisure Duracade 5222 E-Z Refuge® trait stack delivers that ultimate level of protection. This trait stack combines the CRW control of the Agrisure Duracade trait with the above-ground insect control from the Agrisure Viptera® trait.

Visit the Agrisure Duracade webpage to learn more.

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