Development of biological products for sustainable control of the Western Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica v. virgifera, an invasive maize pest in Europe

• Research unit: INNOSUISSE
• Project number: 7487.1;6 LSPP-LS

Short description (English)

Development of biological products for sustainable control of the Western Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica v. virgifera, an invasive maize pest in Europe

Abstract (English)

Subject of project/Short description (480 characters) The invasive maize insect pest, the Western Corn Rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is rapidly dispersing over Europe, and thus ecologically sound and economically competitive control strategies are urgently needed. We aim to develop two biological control products consisting of nematodes and fungi and to integrate biological methods into sustainable control strategies of WCR. To optimize efficacy of nematodes, attraction to maize varieties will be tested and compatibility with transgenic Bt maize and insecticides will be evaluated. The involved companies will be the first to marketing these novel products on the Swiss and European market