Eastern Iowa farmer, Lance Lillibridge, recently shared his successful strategies for managing corn rootworm on his farm. After experiencing a severe infestation of the pest in 2021, Lillibridge implemented fungicide treatments, which he credits for the significant recovery of his fields. By conducting soil tests to identify areas with the highest rootworm populations, he has been able to target his management efforts more effectively.
Lillibridge also mentioned the use of a beetle bomb in conjunction with fungicide applications to control adult insects and reduce the corn rootworm population. He emphasized the importance of scouting to anticipate the risk potential for corn rootworm in the following year, allowing growers to proactively manage the pest before it becomes a problem.
In an interview with Brownfield, Lillibridge highlighted the benefits of testing soil for rootworm DNA to determine whether treatment is necessary. If DNA is present, he recommends treating the soil, but if not, growers have the option to forego treatment.
With his successful corn rootworm management strategies, Lillibridge serves as an example for other farmers looking to protect their crops from this destructive pest. By incorporating fungicide treatments, soil testing, scouting, and beetle bomb applications, growers can effectively control corn rootworm and ensure the health and productivity of their corn fields.
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