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

[BioMatNet Database - FP5 Quality of Life Programme]

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

Contacts
Further 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
Project Type:	RS (Research and Technological Development Project)
Start Date:	01-02-2000
Duration:	36 months
Total Cost:	1,594,010 EUR
EC Contribution:	1,116,036 EUR
Scientific Officer:	Massimo BURIONI

Abstract:

Key processes enabling the recently introduced quarantine maize pest, the Western Corn Rootworm (WCR) to invade central parts of Europe and possibilities to control this pest species will be examined by seven partners. Each of the partners offers expertise in crop management, plant-insect interactions, natural enemy evaluation, risk management and biotechnological control methods. The development of a practical approach for the management of this new insect pest species is urgent, because of continual invasion and its potential establishment in Italy confirms theories that WCR will threaten maize production areas in other EU member countries in central Europe in the immediate future. By combining work on the ecology of WCR with work on applied aspects of maize production we will be able to develop and establish a safe and environmentally friendly crop management practice adapted to specific maize production systems in Europe.

Objectives:

The overall objective of the research is to develop and incorporate sustainable, biologically based crop management practices for European maize production to maintain high yield maize production which require less input of chemical pesticides.

The specific objectives for a sustainable control of WCR are as follows:

to characterise plant stimuli which trigger the host plant preferences and egg-laying behaviour of WCR;
to test European corn varieties (non-GMO and GMO) and related non-cultivated plant species for their potential as food resources;
to identify natural enemies in Europe and in the area of origin of Central America;
to improve existing methods for monitoring WCR;
to design crop rotation programmes for specific target areas in Europe;
to improve mating disruption techniques to assist in the control of WCR;
to model the potential economic consequences of different scenarios of invasion of the WCR into countries of the European Union; and
to analyse the cost/benefits of containment strategies to prevent further spread of WCR.

Contacts

Coordinator

Stefan VIDAL / Institut for Plant Pathology and Plant Protection Section Agricultural Entomology / GERMANY

EC Scientific Officer

Massimo BURIONI / European Commission Theme 1 Key Action 5.1.1 / BELGIUM

Participant