Trials on pheromone mating disruption for reducing population of the Western Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Slovenia

Abstract: Preliminary results for reducing populations of the Western corn rootworm beetle, Diabrotoca virgifera virgifera (Dvv), with sex pheromone in maize fields in Slovenia are reported. Research activities were carried out in years 2015-2018 and were focused on monitoring and mating disruption of adult Dvv. Spermatophores dissected from the females and maize roots injury were checked. Sex pheromone was sprayed with a standard field tractor and a classical field sprayer when the first male adult of Dvv on pheromone traps appeared. According to our preliminary results the mating disruption can be a good control system for reducing the population of Dvv according with the guidelines of Integrated Pest Management.