Each year, corn growers across the United States face a persistent and costly threat lurking beneath the soil: corn rootworm. Widely known as one of the most destructive pests in corn production, corn rootworm is responsible for an estimated $1 billion in annual losses. In response to this challenge, Bayer is entering the eighth year of its widely recognized support initiative — The Watch. Designed as a farmer-first program, The Watch provides free tools, real-time educational resources, and expert guidance to help producers monitor and manage corn rootworm pressure before it spirals out of control.
The Root of the Problem: Understanding Corn Rootworm
Corn rootworm may be small, but its impact is significant. It targets corn plants at multiple stages of growth, causing both above-ground and below-ground damage. According to Safeer Hassan, Bayer’s Technical Product Lead for corn traits, “Corn rootworm is a yield-robbing pest that attacks at every stage of its life cycle — from larvae feeding on roots underground to adult beetles above ground.”
The larval stage of corn rootworm is particularly dangerous. As the larvae feed on the root systems, the plant’s ability to absorb water and essential nutrients is severely compromised. This damage doesn’t just affect growth — it can result in yield loss, greater susceptibility to drought, and an increased risk of lodging (falling over), which can make harvest difficult and reduce crop value.
“Once the larvae are active and feeding below ground or adult beetles are present above ground, it’s often too late to intervene with effective treatments,” Hassan emphasized. “That’s why early detection and proactive monitoring are essential. You can’t protect your yield if you don’t understand your pressure.”
What Is “The Watch” and Why It Matters
To help farmers stay ahead of this underground menace, Bayer’s The Watch program offers timely insights, effective monitoring tools, and agronomic support throughout the growing season. Now entering its eighth consecutive year, The Watch is helping corn producers take a proactive, data-driven approach to managing corn rootworm pressure.
Participating in The Watch for the 2025 season provides farmers with access to essential resources that highlight corn rootworm life cycles, regional risk factors, and proven management strategies. One of the cornerstone components of the program is the free Corn Rootworm Pressure Starter Kit, which is available through July 7, 2025. The kit includes sticky traps designed to capture adult beetles — a key indicator of rootworm activity and population trends.
The data collected through sticky trap monitoring can inform crucial management decisions, such as whether to rotate crops, select hybrids with specific traits, or apply targeted treatments in the following season. “By using these scouting tools and understanding the insect’s behavior, farmers can adapt their approach for better results,” said Hassan.
Raise Awareness and Win: The #RootwormWatch Social Media Contest
In addition to the educational component, Bayer is also encouraging farmer engagement through the #RootwormWatch social media contest. After receiving their free starter kits and setting up the traps, farmers are invited to document their monitoring efforts.
To enter the contest, participants must:
- Take a photo of their sticky trap in action.
- Post the image to Facebook or X (formerly Twitter) by August 20, 2025.
- Tag @BayerTraits and use the hashtags #RootwormWatch and #sweepstakes.
Eligible farmers will be entered for a chance to win a premium portable electric cooler, a practical reward for long days in the field. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. Full terms, eligibility criteria, and official contest rules can be found at
Key Dates to Remember for The Watch 2025
To ensure maximum participation and impact, Bayer has outlined a clear timeline for The Watch program:
- Corn Rootworm Week (June 1–7): A week-long campaign across Bayer’s social media platforms to educate, inspire, and equip farmers with practical tips for identifying and managing corn rootworm threats. Expect content focused on best practices, farmer testimonials, and up-to-date agronomic insights.
- July 7, 2025: Deadline to sign up and request the free Corn Rootworm Pressure Starter Kit.
- August 20, 2025: Final date to enter the #RootwormWatch social media contest.
Industry-Leading Trait Technology for Protection
Bayer’s commitment to helping farmers manage corn rootworm doesn’t end with education and monitoring tools. The company’s Crop Science division offers advanced corn trait technologies designed to protect crops under varying pest pressure levels.
For growers operating in regions with medium to very high corn rootworm pressure, SmartStax® PRO with RNAi Technology is a top-tier solution. Backed by three years of field trials (2021–2023), this trait stack has shown to deliver more than double the root protection compared to competing products in similar pressure environments. These trials, conducted across the Corn Belt (CO, KS, NE, IA, IL, OH, ND, SD, MN, WI, and NM), evaluated performance using a standardized Node Injury Score on a 0–3 scale.
For fields experiencing low to moderate corn rootworm pressure, or those that face multiple pest threats such as corn earworm or western bean cutworm, VT4PRO™ with RNAi Technology offers another robust defense option. Both SmartStax PRO and VT4PRO technologies are supported by Bayer’s extensive research network and are designed to work in integrated pest management (IPM) systems that promote long-term field sustainability.
Plan, Protect, and Prosper
With unpredictable pest populations and shifting weather patterns, taking a reactive approach to corn rootworm management is no longer a viable strategy. Bayer’s The Watch empowers growers with the knowledge, tools, and technology they need to stay ahead of the curve.
“The Watch is more than a program — it’s a movement to help farmers make informed decisions that safeguard their fields and their livelihood,” said Hassan. “Don’t wait until the damage is done. Know your pest pressure and protect your yield before it’s too late.”
Farmers interested in learning more or signing up for The Watch
