On today’s episode we uncover some critical details about one of the most destructive and adaptable insect pests in corn: corn rootworm. It has been referred to as the billion dollar pest for several years, and the reality is it’s probably closer to the two billion dollar pest now in terms of damages.

To explore the impact and management of corn rootworm we are joined by Clint Pilcher, Ph.D., who leads the Technical Knowledge Solutions Team at Corteva Agriscience. We’ll also be hearing from North Central Iowan farmer Randy Madden. Randy offers a unique perspective not only as a producer but also from his experience working with Monsanto as part of their global production team after earning his PhD in seed physiology. He shares that despite high local demand for corn, the journey of continuous corn has certainly come with its own challenges. 

“ Journey is a very good word. I mean, it's obviously a trial and error and over the years we've added our own bulk anhydrous facility...Our high pH soils have proven to be real challenging in corn production as well and managing the insects like corn rootworm….The traits have made that much more achievable and sort of added tremendous value to continuous corn production system like we have now.” - Randy Madden

Scientists have been working on the corn rootworm problem for decades, but with every new solution, the insect continues to adapt. To drastically reduce populations, two steps will be critical including stewardship of the products that today have some efficacy against corn rootworm and getting everyone on the same page to be vigilant against this pest.

“ The most recent tool is RNAI…It is very effective in controlling the adult population, it will eventually kill the insect, but it's much more slow acting than the BTs in controlling that insect. And so you know that, in addition to adult beetle management, is still an effective way of controlling them.” - Clint Pilcher

A few takeaways from this episode: 

1. There is great significance in the concept of area wide management and how it can bring everyone together to control corn rootworm. It would be nice if all agronomic problems could be reduced to just a single product that solved them for good, but as we all know, that’s not how it works. Complex problems require more dynamic solutions. 
2. How impactful the RNAI technology is. Even though it’s not THE singular answer to corn rootworm, having a tool like this can be incredibly powerful if used properly and stewarded properly so that it remains viable for years to come. 
3. The importance of stewardship. It’s not just a buzzword, and Randy’s words really stuck with me: the industry needs to be doing more to make sure we are stewarding the products we have available to us today. Because as you just heard Clint say, any potential new solutions are going to take a LONG time to make their way onto the farm, and it’s going to take all of us in the industry doing our part to preserve what we have that still has some efficacy today. 

Agriscience Explained is brought to you by Corteva Agriscience and hosted by Tim Hammerich. This show is produced by Clint Pilcher, Rayda Krell and Ann Leonard. Jaime Hammerich and Grant Bolton edit these podcasts, and the music was composed by Dmitri Volkov. Subscribe for more Agriscience Explained: From Science to Solutions.