Corn rootworm infestation spreads in Germany

The first incidence of western corn rootworm ( Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate has been reported by the German maize committee, the DMK. The state of Hesse also reported the presence of 50 of the insects for the first time. In other states, some 6,000 were found in Baden-Wuerttemberg and 143 in Bavaria. In both states, the infestation was more widespread than before. These findings reveal the spreading of the western corn rootworm, the DMK says. It maintains a current listing of the infestation sites on its website, which is updated with each new find. The website also offers advice on combating the pest. It has been doing so since the first occurence of the pest was reported in 2007 ( Agrow No 527, p 14).