Dr. Fei Yang Discusses Corn Rootworm, European Corn Borer, and Pest MonitoringVideo: Dr. Fei Yang Discusses Corn Rootworm, European Corn Borer, and Pest Monitoring
What insect threats are Minnesota corn growers facing, and what research is helping farmers stay ahead of them?
At the 2026 MN Ag Expo, University of Minnesota entomologist Fei Yang shared updates on three Minnesota Corn-supported research projects focused on insect monitoring, seed treatments, and pest resistance.
Current work includes statewide monitoring programs that use pheromone, light, and sticky traps to track key pests such as black cutworm, true armyworm, corn earworm, European corn borer, and corn rootworm. Researchers are also evaluating whether high-rate seed treatments provide effective corn rootworm control and studying the development of resistance in European corn borer populations to Bt corn traits.
These projects help researchers better understand pest pressures across Minnesota and provide farmers with practical information to support informed management decisions.