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University of Kentucky experts report that eastern tent caterpillar eggs have begun hatching well ahead of last year and expect the egg hatch to be completed in Central Kentucky by the first full week of March.
Deer hunting accounts for three-fourths of the $1.1 billion in economic value that hunting generates annually in Mississippi, and hunting leases and fees can be an added source of revenue for farmland and timberland owners, says William McKinley, deer program biologist with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
For the 2012 insect outlook, southern soybean growers can expect a new kid on the block — the kudzu bug — as well as the usual suspects.
Several Southeast and Mid-South university entomologists discuss potential insect problems, and what growers can do about them.
The kudzu bug is a new insect pest that has invaded the Southeast and is probing the Mid-South.
“In the fall of 2009, the kudzu bug was first found in the U.S. in nine northeast Georgia counties,” says Phillip Roberts, Extension entomologist, Tifton, Ga. “Today, it’s in 120 counties of Georgia, all of South Carolina, 50 North Carolina counties, one Virginia county, and five Alabama counties.
“We observed a 19 percent average yield loss in Georgia trials in 2010, and even greater losses in 2011. We harvested five trials and our yield loss ranged from 22 percent to 47 percent.
“Growers definitely need to scout for the kudzu bug and treat if necessary. We’re still developing workable thresholds; we suggest treatment when you find three to five bugs per plant.”
While Georgia researches ways to control the new pest, the state still contends with its regular insect problems. The state’s primary pests are pod feeders, mainly stink bugs.
“We also have a complex of foliage feeders, with the velvetbean caterpillar and soybean looper being the primary ones,” Roberts says. “We’ve also had some tough situations with lesser corn stalk borer, which is a sporadic pest for us.”
In 2010, the kudzu bug was found in 16 out of 46 South Carolina counties. Its population exploded and completely covered the state in 2011.
Jeremy Greene, Clemson University entomologist, Blackville, S.C., says, “Depending on factors such as planting date, maturity group, and others we are just beginning to learn about, yield losses from this insect range from zero to 50 percent loss if not controlled.
“We’re still researching cultural methods to control this pest. The kudzu bug responds well to insecticides, but it’s not listed on any insecticide label. We can still legally, but carefully, make recommendations to producers for using insecticides already labeled in soybeans, but we will have to work with the chemical companies to get this pest added to their labels and recommended in ways that will provide good control.
“We have generated some data, but need to initiate more trials, showing which products are efficacious on this insect. We have only had 2011 to do any appreciable field research on this species. We are currently planning for significant research next year.”
Go to Delta Farm Press for the rest of the story.
The North Central IPM Center will host a Crop Protection Visioning teleconference on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET. The purpose of this teleconference is to provide basic information regarding the proposed consolidation of six IPM-related funding lines in to a single funding line entitled “Crop Protection” and to allow participants an opportunity to share their thoughts regarding how this new program might be structured to foster regional and national team building efforts, communication networks, and enhanced stakeholder participation. The new program will focus on plant protection tactics and tools; diversified IPM systems; enhancing agricultural biosecurity; IPM for a sustainable society; and development of the next generation of IPM scientists.
Discover Entomology is a 12-page, color brochure that was written for students from grades 6-12. The brochure explains why studying insects is important for agriculture, medicine, forestry, veterinary medicine, human health, criminology, ecology, and other topics. It can be downloaded for free as a PDF, or can be purchased through the ESA Online Bookstore. The brochure is prefect for insect festivals, Bugapaloozas, and other events. Click here to download or order Discover Entomology.
Wasp and Bee Management: A Common Sense Approach is an in-depth reference based on the principles of integrated pest management (IPM). It includes detailed identification information for wasp, hornet, yellow jacket, and bee species. The risk for stings, swarms, and property damage is discussed and non-chemical recommendations are given if action is appropriate. The spiral–bound, 5-inch by 8-inch book is easy to use when scouting for wasps and bees around the landscape, home, school, or business.
Hear IPM experts discuss best practices for performing regular inspections and preventive measures to reduce contributing factors for bed bugs and lice, as well as proven methods for responding to and eliminating infestations.
Learn how to improve the success of your IPM initiatives for bed bugs and lice by scheduling and tracking inspections as part of a preventive maintenance program.
The webinar will cover IPM standards and proven best practices that will help you:
- Identify, monitor and manage bed bugs, lice and other pests in schools
- Improve precautionary measures
- Prevent an infestation problem
- Improve pest management with less pesticide use and no increase in cost
- Establish preventive maintenance activities to manage pest problems long-term
- Educate instructors, administrators, maintenance/custodial staff, and students
Register now at: https://cc.readytalk.com/r/wiutd6w0iyuf
A confirmation page will appear with a link to add the event to your calendar and an email will soon follow that also has the connection information. If you have questions, ideas or issues, please contact Roger Young at roger@k12masters.com or 1-978-886-6093.
What has been a considerably mild winter thus far has many producers wondering if and how the warmer temperatures will affect diseases and insect pests in their fields in the upcoming growing season. The University of Kentucky’s Integrated Pest Management School can help producers get a jumpstart on their 2012 management strategies.
Kentucky farmers have battled weeds resistant to herbicides containing glyphosate for the past decade. A recent survey of agriculture and natural resource agents with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service indicates these weeds are becoming more widespread.
According to a recent survey of over 250 ryegrass samples herbicide, resistance is on the rise in Arkansas ryegrass populations. This survey involved both random samples and samples taken from fields where either burndown or post-applied wheat herbicides had failed. The survey also included samples from industrial sites, roadsides and commercially available seed.
More at Delta Farm Press.
