rootworm

plural rootworms

1. A worm that tunnels through the roots of young plants.

   Dr. Ostlie, at the University of Minnesota, said he had permission from three companies in 2007 to compare how well their insect-resistant corn varieties fared against the rootworms found in his state.

   2009 February 20, Andrew Pollack, “Crop Scientists Say Biotechnology Seed Companies Are Thwarting Research”, in New York Times