CONTAINMENT OF THE WESTERN CORN ROOTWORM DIABROTICA V.VIRGIFERA. CONTINUED SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT 2008 IN SOUTHERN SWITZERLAND BY MONITORING AND CROP ROTATION

摘要

Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Col.: Chrysomelidae), known as western corn root-worm (WCR) and endemic in North America, invaded Europe about two decades ago. Various unsuccessful attempts have been made to eradicate it from the Old World. Management with a variety of strategies is the option now remaining. WCR management in Sbuthern Switzerland by a unique containment approach has been practiced successfully since 2003 using biotech-nical means. Without any chemical pesticides or GM0 input,the Swiss government mandated adherence to strict crop rotation. In addition to the economic benefits of this relatively simple approach, the environment was saved a considerable burden of pesticide applications. Other countries are invited to follow this example of sustainable pest management.