This project could best be summed up as a combination research/extension
program. From the research standpoint, it will provide the opportunity to
continue monitoring the progression of the WCR variant. Counties selected to the
project are strategically located and vary from those where this phenomenon is
common to those where the incidence is quite low. Border counties are also
included in the study.
The economic threshold levels for treating corn with a soil insecticide, based
on adult WCR populations in soybean, are statistically sound. However, this
project will allow research the chance to evaluate this data at a much larger
scale than ever before possible and determine if any kind of anomalies develop
over the next few years.
The primary focus of the project is to provide the vehicle and momentum for
growers throughout the region to see first hand the simplicity of this IPM
scouting procedure and embrace it on their farm or within their business prior
to the end of the project. As growers become more confident with the procedure
we fully anticipate that more traps will be seen in soybean fields throughout
the countryside. Growers have a tremendous monetary incentive to adopt this
technology. The prospect of spending less than a $100 a field to determine if a
$15 to $18 per acre investment is needed the following year appears to be a wise
choice. We fully anticipate that fewer fields in the region will be treated with
a soil insecticide in corn. However, we can confidently justify the need for
using a soil insecticide if data obtained in this testing manner does indicate
WCR populations above economic threshold levels. Soil insecticide applications
will be made only where needed. This will result in lower input costs and
reduced pesticide exposure to the producer and lower levels of pesticides
introduced into the environment.
For specific updates please click on the county name to link to it's results page.
