From pest management to education: A study of trap crops for the western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) and 3D models for teaching insect morphology and identification

Callohuari Quispe, Yony Tito

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129232 Copy

Description

Title

From pest management to education: A study of trap crops for the western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) and 3D models for teaching insect morphology and identification

Author(s)

Callohuari Quispe, Yony Tito

Issue Date

2025-04-23

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Seiter, Nicholas J.

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Seiter, Nicholas J.

Committee Member(s)

• Schroeder, Nathan E.
• Martin, Nicolas F.
• Bohn, Martin O.
• Ngumbi, Esther N.
• Spencer, Joseph L.

Department of Study

Crop Sciences

Discipline

Crop Sciences

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• larval infestation
• pumpkin
• sweet corn
• plant phenology
• monitoring
• trap crops
• 3D models
• insect identification
• online education
• entomology
• pest management

Abstract

The first chapter presents a systematic literature review examining the effectiveness of trap crops in insect pest management, with a focus on the area allocated to trap crops, their relative attractiveness, and factors influencing success or failure. An analysis of peer-reviewed field-based studies revealed that although trap crop area was expected to influence effectiveness, very few studies experimentally tested variable area sizes. Among those that did evaluate the effect of area, results were mixed: some showed differences within certain percentage ranges, while others found no significant effect, possibly due to the limited variation in area allocation. Overall, no consistent correlation between area size and success was observed, suggesting that other influential factors such as pest behavior, crop phenology, or retention mechanisms may have influenced the outcomes. Major failure factors included “spillover effects,” phenological mismatches, low attractiveness, and small plot sizes. Although most reviewed articles reported successful outcomes, it is important to consider the potential influence of publication bias, which tends to favor the dissemination of optimistic results while underrepresenting failures. Trap cropping shows promise as a sustainable pest control strategy, especially when integrated with techniques like push-pull systems, targeted removal of pests, and the use of natural enemies. The second chapter evaluates the effectiveness of four trap crop treatments: field corn, sweet corn, pumpkin, and a mixture of field corn and pumpkin, to artificially increase western corn rootworm larval injury in corn. The goal was to determine which treatment would enhance beetle attraction and oviposition to improve consistency in field research conditions. Field trials were conducted over two years, and data were collected using unbaited yellow sticky traps, whole-plant counts, emergence cages, and root injury assessments. The mixture of field corn and pumpkin consistently attracted the highest adult populations, likely due to the extended flowering period of pumpkin and the physical refuge that corn plants offered. However, despite significant adult presence, root injury and beetle emergence did not differ significantly among treatments, possibly due to oviposition outside of plots, or the proximity of plots reducing treatment independence. These findings suggest that while adult attraction varies among arrangements, it does not necessarily result in differences in subsequent larval pressure. Therefore, several trap crop configurations may be suitable for research, although larger plots and greater separation are recommended to better detect differences among treatments. The third chapter studies the emigration and immigration behavior of adult western corn rootworms among four trap crop treatments: field corn, sweet corn, pumpkin, and a field corn-pumpkin mixture, using bidirectional Malaise traps. This study aimed to quantify the directionality and intensity of beetle movement to better understand attraction and retention dynamics critical to trap crop effectiveness. Significant effects of both the departure and destination plot on adult captures were found. Pumpkin plots recorded the highest incoming adult movement, while the mixture of field corn and pumpkin had the fewest emigrating adults, suggesting higher retention. Adult flight activity peaked during weeks corresponding to corn anthesis and pumpkin flowering, confirming the importance of phenological timing in trap crop success. These findings reinforce the potential of mixed crop designs to enhance beetle retention. Future studies should incorporate not only greater spatial separation between plots but also spatial configurations that ensure the independence of plot combinations and minimize interference between treatments. The fourth chapter describes the development and evaluation of an online educational course designed to teach insect morphology and identification for agriculturally important pests in corn and soybeans. The course integrated interactive 3D models to enhance understanding of complex anatomical structures. Participants completed pretests and posttests to assess learning gains and submitted surveys to provide feedback. Statistical analysis revealed a significant improvement in knowledge, with higher and more consistent scores on posttests compared to pretests (N = 88, t = -16.94, p < 0.001). Survey responses indicated high levels of satisfaction and self-efficacy, with average ratings above 9 out of 10 across all categories. Participants also reported minimal difficulties using the models and highlighted the models' value in distinguishing insect species and understanding morphological features, such as mouthparts. Suggestions included expanding the model library, enabling side-by-side comparisons, and adding links to further resources. Our findings suggest that digital 3D models can significantly enhance the educational experience for insect morphology and identification, offering a valuable tool for insect education.

Graduation Semester

2025-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129232

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2025 Yony Tito Callohuari Quispe

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