Cereals: European Chafer (Rhizotrogus majalis)

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Pub 812: Field Crop Protection Guide > Chapter 4: Cereals > European Chafer (White Grub)

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Field Crop Protection Guide 2011-2012, Order 2011-2012 publication

Table of Contents

1. Description
2. Integrated Pest Management Option
   • Seed Treatment
     • thiamethoxam – Cruiser 5FS
3. Related links...

Description

European chafer larvae are white and C-shaped with an orange-brown head and dark posterior. This pest can be distinguished from other white grubs by its Y-shaped pattern of anal bristles known as "rasters," located on the underside of the last abdominal segment of the larva. The adult is a medium-sized, light-brown, fawn-coloured, oval scarab beetle, closely resembling the native June beetle.

Image 1. European chafer larvae are white with an orange-brown head and dark posterior. They are distinguished from other white grubs by the Y-pattern of the anal bristles (rasters).

 

Integrated Pest Management Options

Seed Treatment

High-risk areas for chafer withing a field include sandy knolls and areas bordering turf, pasture and tree lines. Chafer grubs infestations can occur one year after soybean crops on sandy soils. Avoid planting winter wheat if chafer grub populations are extreme (more than 4 grubs per 30 cm x 30 cm (square foot)). See OMAFRA Publication 811, Agronomy Guide for Field Crops, for more details.

Active ingredient	thiamethoxam
Trade name	Cruiser 5 FS
Rate (product)	50 mL per 100 kg seed
Comments	For use in wheat and barley. For use in commercial seed treatment facilities only. Do not graze or feed livestock on treated areas for 45 days after planting.

 

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Related links...

• Agronomy Guide for Field Crops - Publication 811
  • Cereal: European Chafer
• Insects
• Cereals