Adult Corn Rootworms Emerging

 

Northern and western corn rootworm adults were observed in field corn near Page, northern Cass County. The adult northern corn rootworm is green beetle and about ¼ inch long. The adult western corn rootworm is yellow with black stripes on their wing covers and about 5/16 inch long. The wing covers of the male western corn rootworm is almost entirely black compared to the female’s wing covers. Females are often larger than males with extended abdomens (filled with eggs).

 

Corn rootworm beetles feed on the leaves, silk and pollen of corn. Occasionally, beetles congregate and feed on silks during early pollen shed. If silks are chewed back to the tips of ears (less than ½ inch of silks protruding) during the period of maximum pollen shed, poor pollination and grain set can occur. The action threshold is when an average of 5 or more beetles per silk mass is found during the first week of pollen shed. Another management threshold uses silk clipping. When silk clipping is occurring on 50% of the plants during pollen shed, control would be justified.

 

 

 

 

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.