Content Authors: Porter, Patrick; Bynum, Ed; Parker, Roy D.; Bowling, Robert; Biles, Stephen P.

Pest name(s):

Commodity:

Growth Stage/Timing:

Images:

Monitoring:

Biological Control:

Mechanical Control

Chemical Control

Because the southern corn rootworm lays eggs in the soil after the corn is in the seedling stage, rotating crops will not control this insect adequately. Unlike the Mexican and western corn rootworms, southern corn rootworm can have more than one generation per year.
In most areas of Texas, the southern corn rootworm is a minor pest if the corn is planted in fields that were not grassy or weedy the previous year. However, in the Gulf Coast region (Fig. 2), it has been a significant pest.

Consider seed treatments or an in-furrow or band pesticide application if infestations have reduced plant stands previously (Tables A6 and A7). Seed treatments provide good control, even better as rates increase. The Bt hybrids are relatively ineffective at controlling southern corn rootworm.
For most fields, research has shown that applying in-furrow insecticides at one-half the maximum rate in Table 9 provides the most favorable economic returns for control of southern corn rootworm. Where heavy infestations occur each year, use the higher rates.