Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 140-150 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 140 Research Report Open Access Impact of Soil Insecticides on Western Corn Rootworm and Maize Yield Shanjun Zhu, Wei Wang Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, China Corresponding email: tina.wei.wang@jicat.org Molecular Soil Biology, 2024, Vol.15, No.3 doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0015 Received: 27 Apr., 2024 Accepted: 02 Jun., 2024 Published: 18 Jun., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhu and Wang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhu S.J., and Wang W., 2024, Impact of soil insecticides on western corn rootworm and maize yield, Molecular Soil Biology, 15(3): 140-150 (doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0015) Abstract The Western Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) is a major pest in maize production, causing significant economic losses globally. This study investigates the biology and ecology of the Western Corn Rootworm, focusing on its life cycle, feeding behavior, and ecological adaptations, which contribute to its persistence and the development of resistance. A comprehensive analysis of various soil insecticides, including their classification, modes of action, and application methods, was conducted, and their efficacy in controlling Western Corn Rootworm populations was evaluated through field trials and experimental data. This study explores the relationship between Western Corn Rootworm infestation and maize yield loss, highlighting the long-term impact of soil insecticide use on maize productivity. It also addresses the development of resistance in Western Corn Rootworm populations and proposes management strategies to mitigate the development of resistance. Furthermore, this study discusses the impact of soil insecticides on the environment and non-target organisms, with a focus on soil health, microbial communities, and non-target species. The role of soil insecticides within an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) framework is analyzed, emphasizing the importance of combining chemical, biological, and cultural control methods. This study identifies the latest trends in soil insecticide development and application, biotechnological advancements, and research gaps, and provides recommendations for sustainable Western Corn Rootworm management practices. Keywords Western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera); Soil insecticides; Maize yield; Resistance development; Integrated pest management (IPM) 1 Introduction The Western Corn Rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is a significant pest of maize, particularly in the United States and Europe. This pest primarily targets the root system of maize plants, leading to reduced water and nutrient uptake, plant instability, and ultimately, significant yield losses (Meinke et al., 2021). The WCR has a notorious reputation for its ability to develop resistance to various control measures, including chemical insecticides and genetically modified crops expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins (Disi et al., 2018). The economic impact of WCR on maize production is substantial. In the United States alone, the costs associated with WCR control and yield losses are estimated to exceed $1 billion annually (Fishilevich et al., 2016). The pest's ability to cause severe root damage results in significant economic losses for farmers due to decreased crop yields and increased management costs (Ferracini et al., 2021). In Europe, although the pest has not caused large-scale economic damage, it remains a serious threat, necessitating ongoing research and management efforts (Gyeraj et al., 2021). Soil insecticides have been a critical component of WCR management strategies. Historically, various classes of insecticides, including cyclodienes, organophosphates, carbamates, and pyrethroids, have been employed to control WCR populations (Krawczyk et al., 2020). However, the extensive use of these chemicals has led to the evolution of resistance in WCR populations, reducing the efficacy of these treatments (Souza et al., 2019). Despite this, soil insecticides continue to play a role in integrated pest management (IPM) programs, often in combination with other control tactics such as crop rotation and the use of transgenic crops (Pereira et al., 2022).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==