MODERN AGRICULTURE OFTEN RELIES ON HEAVY CHEMICAL INPUTS THAT CAN BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE SURROUNDING ECOSYSTEM. SUSTAINABLE CROPPING PRACTICES ATTEMPT TO LIMIT THE IMPACT OF AGRICULTURE. COVER CROPPING BETWEEN SEASONS HAS BEEN SHOWN TO INCREASE SOIL HEALTH THROUGH IMPROVEMENTS TO SOIL MICROBIAL BIODIVERSITY. HOWEVER, IT IS UNCLEAR HOW THESE SOIL MICROBES AFFECT PEST INSECTS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT. THE GOAL OF THIS PROJECT IS TO INVESTIGATE HOW SOIL MICROBES FROM COVER CROP CONDITIONED FIELDS CAN IMPACT THE FITNESS OF WESTERN CORN ROOTWORM (WCR), A DAMAGING PEST OF CORN. WE WILL MEASURE INSECT FITNESS TOGETHER WITH THE MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES OF THE INSECT AND THE CORN ROOTS TO SEE HOW CHANGES IN SOIL MICROBES CAN IMPACT OTHER ORGANISMS THAT LIVE IN THE SAME ENVIRONMENT. UNDERSTANDING THESE INTERACTIONS IS IMPORTANT FOR FARMERS TO UNDERSTAND HOW SUSTAINABLE CROPPING PRACTICES AFFECT INSECT PEST MANAGEMENT.

University Of Missouri System, Columbia MO

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