Is Diabrotica virgifera virgifera still considered a dangerous pest from crops of Romania?

Abstract

Lately, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera Le Conte adults (western corn rootworm) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) extended the range of host plants and also the spreading area in Romania. Though, until recently it was associatedonly with corn plant (it highlighted the research in Europe) today we can say that this invasive insect, in adult stage,became oligophagous. The current state of research in the field, somewhat restrained, outlines the monitoringaspects of morphology, biology, control and less at plant atractivity. This is the main reason in addressing currenttopics. Also, if we want to answer the question is Diabrotica virgifera virgifera still considered a dangerous pest fromcrops of Romania? the answer is definitely positive. The research took place over the course of tho years of study 2011 and 2012. In our studies we used observation cages type I and II (small cages and high cages). Thus for theevaluation of trophic preferences were achieved through the determination of frequency and intensity of attackson various plants. In the experimental covered setting is obvious attraction towards other than corn comparativewith uncovered setting. By far, the preferred were plants from Cucurbitaceae and Leguminosae. According to theobservations made on the leaves with the highest average attack occurred at the plants of melon, soybean andbeans. The damage done by insects on flowers have highlighted orientation towards plants of sunflower, cucumberand melon. Between variants down to the various plant species in relation to the total number of leaves, flowers, leaves and flowers attacked. Actually, this species invaded the corn crops in western, southern counties, the Nordicand central Romania and damaged few crops. But we supposed that in follow soon will be present throughout thecountry and the attractiveness of the new plants will grow.