What pest is associated with variable populations in corn fields despite crop rotation?

The Western corn rootworm is known for its capacity to maintain variable populations in corn fields, even when crop rotation practices are applied. This pest has developed adaptive strategies that allow it to thrive in environments where corn is not consistently planted. One of the significant factors contributing to the rootworm's persistence is its behavior of laying eggs in the soil, where they can remain dormant until conditions are favorable for hatching. When corn is rotated with non-host crops, adult rootworms can still survive and emerge when corn is reintroduced, leading to unexpected population spikes.

Moreover, certain Western corn rootworm variants, such as the northern and southern populations, are capable of shifting their feeding habits and life cycles to exploit various crop conditions. This resilience to crop rotation makes them one of the most challenging pests for corn growers and requires a multi-faceted management approach beyond just rotating crops, such as utilizing resistant hybrids, implementing soil insecticides, or adopting integrated pest management strategies to mitigate their impact on corn production.