Channel Field Check Up Series: Maximizing corn yield potential

There are many challenges farmers face when it comes to corn rootworm pressure and protecting yield potential from the corn pest.

Corn rootworms can cause significant damage to corn crops, which can result in reduced yields and losses.

However, there are effective strategies for corn rootworm control farmers can use to protect their fields, like utilizing data, sticky traps and SmartStax PRO with RNAi Technology.

It is crucial to gather and analyze data to effectively combat corn rootworms. Every year, you should monitor historical pest pressure levels in your area and track corn rootworm emergence patterns.

This will help you make informed decisions about which preventative measures and treatments would be best.

Collaborating with local agricultural agencies and leveraging digital tools can provide valuable insights into pest management strategies specific to your region.

One monitoring tool that can be particularly valuable are sticky traps. They can help assess corn rootworm populations in your fields.

Placing these sticky traps strategically throughout your fields can help determine the severity of an infestation and help to catch them in a timely manner.

It’s important to regularly inspect the traps and record the number of captured corn rootworms. If the population exceeds the recommended threshold for your area, it may be necessary to look at different methods to control the pest.

SmartStax PRO Technology is revolutionary in that it combines multiple modes of action against corn rootworms. It offers enhanced protection by offering three modes of action by integrating Bt traits along with the all-new RNAi Technology.

This comprehensive approach significantly reduces the risk of resistance development. Utilizing SmartStax PRO Technology in your corn rotation can provide effective, long-term control of corn rootworms and preserve yield potential.

Protecting yield potential from corn rootworm pressure requires proactive thinking and a multifaceted approach. Farmers can leverage the power of data analysis, utilize sticky traps and adopt SmartStax PRO Technology to combat this pest.

By enacting these strategies in conjunction with an integrated pest management approach, farmers may be able to minimize yield losses and ensure the health of their corn crops.

Taking this approach to corn rootworm control is the key to success in maximizing your corn yields.

As the growing season gets underway in Illinois, farmers can consider these tips to enhance yield potential. Early season growth means more competition with weeds.

Ensure timely application of a postemergence herbicide to optimize nutrients, water and sunlight for the cash crop. Also, it’s important to monitor crop health and disease risk.

Determine if a fungicide and insecticide is appropriate and what growth stage would provide optimal benefit.

Bayer is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship®. Bayer products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Bayer’s Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. Commercialized products have been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from this product can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. It is a violation of national and international law to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to confirm their buying position for this product. Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of Excellence Through Stewardship.

Always read and follow pesticide label directions. B.t. products may not yet be registered in all states. Check with your seed brand representative for the registration status in your state.

Important IRM Information: Certain products are sold as RIB Complete® corn blend products, and do not require the planting of a structured refuge except in the Cotton-Growing Area where corn earworm is a significant pest. Products sold without refuge in the bag (non-RIB Complete) require the planting of a structured refuge. See the IRM/Grower Guide for additional information. Always read and follow IRM requirements. Roundup Ready® 2 Technology contains genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate. Glyphosate will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. RIB Complete®, Roundup Ready 2 Technology and Design®, Roundup Ready® and SmartStax® are registered trademarks of Bayer Group. Herculex® is a registered trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC. LibertyLink logo® and LibertyLink® are trademarks of BASF Corporation. Respect the Refuge and Corn Design® and Respect the Refuge® are registered trademarks of National Corn Growers Association. ©2023 Bayer Group. All rights reserved.

Insect control technology provided by Vip3A is utilized under license from Syngenta Crop Protection AG. ©2023 Bayer Group. All rights reserved.