Very little data is available that quantifies the timing and magnitude of intrafield western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, movement from their emergence site. The objective of this study was to use a rubidium marking technique to quantify aspects of the short-range, intrafield movement of adult western corn rootworms. The study was conducted in an irrigated, first year cornfield located near Mead, NE in 2002. In the center of the field, corn plants in an area 15 x 15 m in size were artificially infested with western corn rootworm eggs. The infested plants were treated twice during the period of larval development with a rubidium chloride water solution applied to both the whorl and the soil around the base of each plant. Initial, short-range beetle movement away from the infested area was quantified with an array of cucurbitacin-baited vial traps and Pherocon CRW Lure traps surrounding the infested area. Beetles were collected frequently from the traps throughout the emergence period and analyzed for rubidium concentration using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. Observations on where mating occurred were also made along transects that extended into the field from the infested area. Results from this study will be discussed in relation to refuge design and corn rootworm resistance management to transgenic corn.
Species 1: Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (western corn rootworm)
Keywords: rubidium marking, movement
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