Evaluation of yellow un-baited sticky traps for corn rootworm (Diabrotica spp.) monitoring, capture rates and utility to ag professionals and growers

Control of corn rootworms (Diabrotica spp.) has been a focal point of growers for decades due to the injury the larval stage inflicts on corn (Zea mays L.) roots. While many control tactics have been developed, these tactics are often overcome by corn rootworm’s high degree of adaptability. Corn hybrids producing an insecticidal toxin from Bacillus thruringiensis Berliner (Bt) are the most recent control tactic overcome by corn rootworms. Sticky traps, a common scouting tool, have been used in the past to assess risk and adjust management tactics, but criteria for management decisions have not been updated in more than 20 years. This study explored the utility of five different yellow, non-baited sticky traps for effectively monitoring corn rootworm populations and their utility to Ag professionals and growers. Sticky traps were placed at three different sites (differing in apparent rootworm susceptibility) to determine capture rates for each type of sticky trap. A survey was subsequently given to Ag professionals and growers after each of them carried out sticky trap installation and replacement for each type of sticky trap. The survey included questions on perceived utility of each sticky trap and estimated cost to grower for employing this method of scouting. Sticky traps differed significantly in their ability to capture corn rootworms and their prospect of being used by Ag proffesionals. This study represents the initial assessment for relating sticky trap capture rates to likelihood of employing this scouting method and will aid Ag professionals and growers in management decisions.