Recently, the chrysomelid Diabrotica virgifera virgifera Le Conte became a serious pest in European maize cultures. Having in mind the first appearance of species in Romania (Nadlac, Arad) we tried to make know the present situation of this invasive species, especially in west part of country. For the first time, in Romania are mentioned the comparative studies among different localities. During 2009, as well as during previous year, the monitoring of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (WCR) was done continuing the implementation of a usual protocol. For establish of adults number were used hungarian pheromone traps (Csalomon ® Diabrotica v.v. panel type). The traps were installed from June to September, in three repetitios (T1, T2, T3/location). The frequency of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera Le Conte adults was based on readings directly in fields, in 22 localities from 10 counties (Timiş, Arad, Hunedoara, Bihor, Cluj, Satu Mare, Sălaj, Caraş Severin, Alba, Mureş) situated in western part of Romania. For instaling of traps we used the common methods and for finding the location the GPS was used. The researches were made in conventionally maize, untreated against  target pest. Generally, in Romania, esspecially in west part, western corn rootworm spreads rapidly and soon we expect it to be present in the most important growing areas. The pest has spread to all direction. So, this is explanation of the freqvency of adults in all location with instaled traps. The highest level of captures were registered in Arad and Timis counties (over 14000 beetles/traps1,2,3/locality). The first point of appearance in our country was Nadlac from Arad county, and the highest no. of adults were was registered in Simand, a neighboring location of Nadlac (21323 beetles/traps 1,2,3). We acknowledge a technical support of all farmers from different localities who have provided  us the maize fields. The Ministery Education financed this work within the framework of  PN-II-ID-PCE-2007-1/RO project.

Diabrotica virgifera virgifera Le Conte; adult; mean daily captures; maize

Presentation: oral