Accidentally, in the last year (2010), during monitoring activities by reading of traps installed in maize fields, on other plants than maize were observed numerous individuals adults of Diabrotica virgifera v. Le Conte in a process of intense feeding on leaves and flowers. The researches carried out in western part of Romania, in a small plot of maize grown (in stage silk appeared) in combination with beans and pumpkin (this kind of plots are common). Special attention was drawn to the fact that although there is pheromone traps on maize plant the adult preferred beans leaves and flowers. The studies about the preferences of adult Diabrotica virgifera virgifera Le Conte on different type of host plants was observed in field condition, in cages of isolation. Following the results of these primary data we mention that is important to emphasize attractiveness of Diabrotica virgiferea virgifera Le Conte adults for other plants than maize plants. Is clearly evident the preference of adults for pumpkin (mean of 38.5 individuals/RI, RII, RIII, RIV), followed by maize (32.0 individuals/ RI, RII, RIII, RIV) and beans (29.5 individuals/ RI, RII, RIII, RIV). The number of adults feeding on the flowers, pollen or silk in isolation cage was assigned higher (54 adults/maize, 48 adults/pumpkin and 46 adults/bean) than number of adults feeding on the leaves (14 adults/beans, 12 adults/pumpkin and 6 adults/maize). Taking into consideration the sex ratio, the number of males and females varied from host plant to host plant. After our observations and information from literature regarding other species of genus Diabrotica, we conclude that adults of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera Le Conte could turn to other crops than corn for feeding but also for egg laying. If is happened in natural conditions of beans crop or other potentially host plant then we have to take protection measures by introduction of appropriate crop rotation. Activities were carried out under financially support of the PN-II-ID-PCE-2007-1/RO project.

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Presentation: oral