Topics will include prevention, scouting tips and advice

ncrease in corn rootworm populations has farmers looking for answers. In an effort to provide research-based education about their options, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is teaming up with field agronomists to offer seven field days across the state, beginning June 29.
Last year, entomologists and field specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach received numerous questions about effective management for corn rootworm as populations have increased the past two years and farmers have experienced enhanced root injury during drought conditions.
Each farm has planted a demonstration showcasing three hybrids (no Bt for corn rootworm, SmartStax, and SmartStax Pro) with and without a soil-applied insecticide.
In addition to ways to prevent corn rootworm, the event will feature scouting tips and advice. Erin Hodgson, professor in entomology and extension specialist in entomology at Iowa State, recommends corn growers dig a few corn roots up in July and August, even if they don’t suspect they have a problem with corn rootworm.
“In most growing conditions in Iowa, you’re not going to see above-ground signs of stress, because we have such good soils,” said Hodgson. “But that doesn’t mean corn rootworm isn’t present or that it won’t be a problem later in the season.”
Hodgson said she’s looking forward to showcasing a diverse approach to corn rootworm management, including crop rotation, transgenics and the SmartStax products. The best way to control rootworm is through prevention. There will also be a novel management tactic, RNAi, planted at each location.
The demos are open to farmers, crop consultants, agronomists and anyone with an interest in rootworm.
The field days are free to attend, but participants are asked to contact the field agronomist hosting each event to RSVP for food and handouts.
Demonstration schedule
June 29
Iowa State Armstrong Research Farm; 53020 Hitchcock Ave, Lewis
Time: 10-11 a.m., part of regular field day that goes until 3 p.m.
Lunch provided at noon, pre-registration requested
CCA credits offered
Contact: Ruth Blomquist. Office: 712-254-4346; cell: 319-541-2969; email: Ruth.Blomquist@usda.gov
July 6
ISU Field Extension Education Laboratory; 1928 240th St., Boone
Time: 9:30 a.m. to noon
CCA credits offered
Lunch provided at noon, pre-registration requested
Contact: Meaghan Anderson at mjanders@iastate.edu
July 7
ISU Southeast Research Farm; 3115 Louisa-Washington Road, Crawfordsville
Time: 1-3 p.m., part of regular field day
CCA training in the morning 9 a.m. to noon, pre-registration requested
Contact: Rebecca Vittetoe at rka8@iastate.edu or Virgil Schmitt at vschmitt@iastate.edu
July 12
ISU Northern Research Farm; 1040 James Ave., Kanawha
Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
Dinner provided before the event
CCA credits offered
Contact: Gentry Sorenson at gentrys@iastate.edu or Angie Rieck-Hinz at amrieck@iastate.edu
July 13
ISU Northwest Research Farm; 6320 500th St., Sutherland
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Lunch provided at noon
CCA credits offered
Contact: Joel DeJong at jldejong@iastate.edu
July 19
ISU Northeast Research Farm; 3321 290th St., Nashua
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Contact: Josh Michel at jjmichel@iastate.edu or Terry Basol at tlbasol@iastate.edu
Aug. 4
McNay Research Farm; 45249 170th Ave., Chariton
Time: 4-6 p.m., part of regular field day
Dinner provided during event
CCA credits offered
Contact: Clarabell Probasco at caknapp@iastate.edu
For more information, contact Ashley Dean at 515-447-3766 or adean@iastate.edu; Erin Hodgson at 515-294-2847 or ewh@iastate.edu; or your local field agronomist.