Population Suppression of Western Corn Rootworm by Adult Control with ULV Malathion

ULV malathion (9.7 oz AI/acre) was applied by air to a 16 square-mile area during August of 1968, 1969, and 1970. Adult Diabrotica virgifera LeConte populations were reduced the following season by 39, 54, and 72%. No economic infestations occurred in the treated area the year following any application. Postspray migration of beetles was very limited, but adult migration during the peak emergence period the following season contributed to repopulation of the treated area. Migration and fecundity appear to be density-dependent factors which favor increases under low populations. Area suppression does not appear economically feasible, but adult control in individual fields may be an acceptable alternative to soil insecticides applied for larval control. A model was developed for timing treatments against adults; treatments between Aug. 1–15 should result in adequate population suppression to prevent damage the following season. Mid-August population levels of 1.0 beetle/ plant were an acceptable economic threshold for determining the need for control measures