Managing Corn Rootworm and a New Control Option for New York Farmers
Joshua Putman, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program
Across the U.S. and within NY, corn rootworm (CRW) is developing resistance to the Bt-Rootworm traits in our corn hybrids, causing increased root damage and decreasing yields. Yield losses from CRW root feeding can surpass 10% without any above ground symptoms, making this type of loss difficult to detect. Dr. Elson Shields, Field Crops Entomologist with Cornell University, has been working with a biocontrol nematode to combat alfalfa snout beetle in Northern NY and most recently, to battle CRW in the state. "New York research data indicates a single soil inoculation establishes these NY adapted biocontrol nematodes in the soil profile for many years, where they attack a wide range of pest soil insects across a wide variety of crops. During the corn years, these biocontrol nematodes attack rootworm larvae and during the alfalfa years, attack wireworms, white grubs, clover root curculio feeding on the alfalfa and grass in the field" says Shields. With 2020 harvest coming to an end, did you notice any fields of lodged corn? Contact Josh Putman if interested in learning more about this yield-robbing pest.
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Upcoming Events
Cornell Organic Field Crops & Dairy Conference
March 6, 2026
Waterloo, NY
Farmers, researchers, educators, and agricultural service providers from across the Northeast are invited to the 2026 Cornell Organic Field Crops & Dairy Conference, held Friday, March 6, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Lux Hotel & Conference Center in Waterloo, N.Y.
Co-hosted by New York Soil Health and Cornell CALS, the annual conference brings together leaders in organic grain, dairy, and livestock systems to share practical tools, new research, and farmer-tested strategies to support resilient and profitable organic production.
NY Pork Producers - 2026 Producer Summit & Annual Meeting
March 13 - March 14, 2026
Hamilton, NY
Join NYPP for the 2026 Producer Summit, where producers of all sizes and production styles will explore marketing, branding, selling pork, and current consumer trends through practical sessions designed to help build demand, connect with customers, and add value to their operations.
Mid Atlantic Grain Conference
March 15 - March 16, 2026
We're excited to share that the 2026 Mid‐Atlantic Grain Fair & Grain Conference is coming March 15-16, 2026 in Pennsylvania! This two-day event brings together farmers, millers, bakers, brewers, distillers, researchers, and grain enthusiasts to learn, connect, and celebrate local grains. These events will be offered at two seperate locations.
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