QLK5-1999-01110 Threat to European maize production by invasive quarantine pest, Western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera): a new sustainable crop management approach

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Summary Information



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Integrated Crop Protection & Biological Control : Quality of Life - 5.1.1 Sustainable Agriculture - Plant Systems

Contract No:	QLK5-1999-01110
Source:	Six Month Progress Report - January 2001 - Abstract

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Six Month Progress Report - January 2001 - Abstract

Objectives

The objectives of the DIABROTICA programme are to:

• compare different Western Corn Rootworm (WCR) populations of Europe and the USA by using PCR-methods to assess the genetic variability with regard to host plant preferences and possibilities to use other crop plants as a food source
• investigate the role of primary metabolites on the egg laying behaviour of WCR females (preference)
• assess the relationship between adult preferences and larval development (performance)
• determine the influence of new maize cultivars, specifically genetically modified strains (GMOS) for their impact on WCR population dynamics.
• assess the impact of different crop rotation systems on the population dynamics of WCR
• investigate potential containment methods using new trapping tools and crop management practices
• evaluate naturally occurring plants for their potential as food resources for WCR
• identify the diversity of natural enemies in Europe and also in the area of origin, Central America, which could act as natural regulating agents on WCR populations
• test host specificity of natural enemies from the area of origin prior to importation into Europe-, this is necessary to predict their potential field host range and potential non-target risks
• evaluate the possibilities of biotechnical control of WCR by means of mating disruption technique by employing pheromones and kairomones
• assess the rate of dispersal and potential risk of establishment by WCR in Europe with and without containment measures
• model a cost/benefit analysis of the use of containment measures which will be used to develop a guideline for decision making processes within the EU

Results and Milestones

Western Corn Rootworm (WCR) beetles were collected during the summer of 2000 from 23 sites in Eastern Europe and Italy and were analysed at the USDA-ARS laboratory in Fargo, ND as a subcontractor. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify a portion of the cytochrome oxidase/and cytochrome oxidase genes from the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA, about 600 bp). The region spanning cytochrome oxidase I and II includes a leucine tRNA gene and has been widely used for phylogenetic purposes within insect groups. There is, so far, no indication that the European WCR differs from the WCR genotype that is widespread in North America. Furthermore, to date, there is no evidence of differentiation among the European populations sampled and there is no evidence for populations of WCR in Europe to be related to WCR strains ovipositing in soybean in the USA. From this results it can be concluded, that a single introduction of WCR to Serbia has been followed by a spread to the other Eastern Europe areas now colonizsed and in addition a single introduction to Italy (Venice) has occurred. These results serve as a baseline for the ongoing studies on the ecology of WCR in Europe.

Benefits and Beneficiaries

The project aims to help develop a sustainable, biologically-based agricultural maize production system incorporating a cost effective, safe and environmentally friendly plant protection management programme for the invasive quarantine pest Diabrotica virgifera virgifera.