Z. SZABÓ, I. ONDRUSZ, P. MISKUCZA, T. NYÁRI
State Stud-Estate Corporation, Mezõhegyes, Hungary
J. KISS
Szent István University, Department of Plant Protection, H-2100 Gödöllö, Hungary
C.R. EDWARDS
Purdue University, Department of Entomology, 1158 Smith Hall, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1158, USA

In 2001, the western corn rootworm (WCR) population exceeded the economic threshold level in many regions of Hungary. As a result, farmers need WCR management tactics that can be implemented within their typical, multi-crop farming system. This paper looks at the various available management options with special regard to the areawide pest management strategy.

 The Mez?hegyes farm encompasses an area of 9500 ha of which 3300 ha are in corn (73% seed, 14% silage, 11,7% sweet, and 1,4% commercial corn in 2001). The remaining 6200 ha are made up of wheat, oats, sunflower, peas, alfalfa, sugar beet, and various vegetables. Of the 9500 ha, 5000 ha are under irrigation.

Each year, preparation of a preliminary risk assessment for WCR is required for each field. This is accomplished by estimating the overwintering WCR population in the various fields (pre-crop, pest management applications in pre-crop) and by considering planned insecticide applications (soil application, control of other pests, etc.), while taking into account WCR immigration from the surrounding fields.

For 2001, a preliminary risk assessment was prepared for the total corn growing area of the farm (50% is first-year corn, 45% is second-year corn, and 5% is third-year corn). Thirty-two (32) cornfields were selected for WCR population determinations by surveying with Pherocon AM traps from early July to late August (6 traps on each field, checked weekly).

The WCR infestation level on the farm was highly variable from field to field. The highest number of WCR adults trapped over a seven-day period was 23,1 adults/trap/day in third-year silage corn, 1,7 adults/trap/day in second-year seed corn, 1,1 adults/trap/day first-year seed corn.

Field application tests were made with Cidetrak (Tréce Inc., USA) and Invite (Florida Foods Inc., USA), gustatory stimulant in combination with a small amount of toxicant. Timing of adult control with these compounds and management experiences will be presented in the talk.