Western Corn Rootworm: Ecology and Management

About this book

Western Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, has been a major economic pest of maize in the Americas for many years. However, since the early 1990's it has become an increasing threat to crops in Europe and is expected to spread to all maize growing areas of the continent.

This book provides a comprehensive review of current knowledge of the biology and ecology of this insect pest and how it might be managed in order to limit its damage as it spreads into new agroecological areas. Cultural, biotechnical, and biological control measures are addressed, as are ecological baseline data such as population dynamics, economic thresholds and aspects of its behaviour. The book also examines the potential of plant protection techniques currently used in North America to be applied in Europe.

Contents

Biology of invasive species; Alighting and egg laying behaviour of WCR; Biological control measures; Natural enemy complex of WCR in its area of origin in Mexico; Spatial population dynamics of WCR in USA; Alternative food resources and development of WCR on alternative host plants; A comparison of the population dynamics of WCR in USA and in Europe

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