Western corn rootworm (WCR) and European corn borer (ECB) coexist in the Serbian maize fields for the last 25 years. It is poorly known how does the WCR, as a soil dwelling insect, influence the appearance and abundance of ECB population in the same field and vice versa. Three-year experiment was conducted in Bečej, Vojvodina province, Serbia. Aim of the study was to determine the flight dynamics of WCR and ECB under artificial infestation with WCR eggs, and preliminary indentify ECB strain in pheromone traps. During three years, the presence of different ECB strains was verified. Population dynamic, according to obtained data, indicate high differences in population abundance. The occurrence of this pest in the field fluctuates. The earliest catch was on 2nd June (2016) and the latest on 17th July (2014). In 2015, when the highest temperature and the lowest humidity were registered, the first ECB specimen was caught on 23rd June. The last catch of moths was earlier in vegetation on 20th August (2014) and the latest on 9th October (2016). In 2015, the last catch was on 10th September. Preliminary results signify the presence of Z pheromone race in the north part of Serbia. Flight of WCR fluctuates during experimental years. The first catch was registered during the first week of July, and last in August 2014-2015, i.e. September 2016. The WCR highest catch, 181 specimens, was recorded during the last field inspection, on 30th September 2016

European corn borer, Western corn rootworm, pheromone traps, flight dynamics, pheromone races

biology

Presentation: oral