News

Iowa farmer discusses his corn rootworm management strategies

An eastern Iowa farmer says he’s had success managing corn rootworm.

Lance Lillibridge tells Brownfield his farm has significantly recovered after a severe infestation of the pest in 2021. “Walking out here in this field, we’ve only seen one rootworm beetle.”

He says fungicide treatments have been key. “When we spray our fungicide, we’ll use a beetle bomb as well just to try to control the adult insects.”

Lillibridge says conducting soil tests has helped him identify which areas of his farm need the most management. “We like being able to test the soil and find the DNA for the rootworms. If we have DNA present, then we will treat the soil. If we don’t, then we have the option to not treat the soil.”

He says growers should be scouting to anticipate corn rootworm risk potential for next year.

AUDIO: Eastern Iowa farmer Lance Lillibridge 7-17-2024