corn rootworm
noun
: any of several chrysomelid beetles (genus Diabrotica) whose root-eating larvae are pests especially of corn
Examples of corn rootworm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In field trials with severe infestations, the plants had 95% less root damage by corn rootworm larvae compared with conventional corn, according to a 2017 study.
—
Byerik Stokstad, science.org, 27 June 2024
In 2018, Moar and colleagues published a paper showing that the western corn rootworm evolved to stop taking up the dsRNA from its gut.
—Byerik Stokstad, science.org, 27 June 2024
This ability could explain why the Western corn rootworm has spread throughout the maize-growing regions of the world, while other related beetles have been far more constrained.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 24 Nov. 2011
But the Western corn rootworm ignores these rules of engagement.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 24 Nov. 2011
The bacterium targets agricultural pests, such as corn rootworm and Colorado potato beetle, but leaves pollinators like bees unharmed.
—Breanna Draxler, Discover Magazine, 11 Dec. 2013
Trapping and studying the corn rootworm has been Verónica Calles Torrez’s route to exploring North Dakota.
—NBC news, 15 Sep. 2021
The western corn rootworm beetle grows to only the length of a grain of rice.
—Tess Joosse, Scientific American, 16 Aug. 2021
Cucumber beetle larvae, also known as corn rootworms, feed on corn roots, causing plants to weaken and collapse.
—The Editors Of Organic Life, Good Housekeeping, 5 Apr. 2016
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Byerik Stokstad, science.org, 27 June 2024
In 2018, Moar and colleagues published a paper showing that the western corn rootworm evolved to stop taking up the dsRNA from its gut.
—Byerik Stokstad, science.org, 27 June 2024
This ability could explain why the Western corn rootworm has spread throughout the maize-growing regions of the world, while other related beetles have been far more constrained.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 24 Nov. 2011
But the Western corn rootworm ignores these rules of engagement.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 24 Nov. 2011
The bacterium targets agricultural pests, such as corn rootworm and Colorado potato beetle, but leaves pollinators like bees unharmed.
—Breanna Draxler, Discover Magazine, 11 Dec. 2013
Trapping and studying the corn rootworm has been Verónica Calles Torrez’s route to exploring North Dakota.
—NBC news, 15 Sep. 2021
The western corn rootworm beetle grows to only the length of a grain of rice.
—Tess Joosse, Scientific American, 16 Aug. 2021
Cucumber beetle larvae, also known as corn rootworms, feed on corn roots, causing plants to weaken and collapse.
—The Editors Of Organic Life, Good Housekeeping, 5 Apr. 2016
Cite this Entry
“Corn rootworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corn%20rootworm. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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