26 research outputs found

    SITE-SPECIFIC PEST MANAGEMENT IN NEBRASKA CORN AND SOYBEAN PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

    Get PDF
    Site-specific management (SSM) is widely used by farm producers to fertilize their fields. However, whole field management is currently practiced in integrated pest management (IPM). Site-specific management and agricultural technology can improve IPM especially when precision application of inputs can reduce selection pressure on pest populations, benefit the environment, or save costs of inputs. There is potential for site-specific pest management (SSPM) where pests, or environments vary spatially, and recommended management practices can be applied with precision. Three case studies are evaluated for SSPM to be applied in Nebraska corn and soybean production systems including corn rootworm, preemergence herbicides, and soybean cyst nematode. Additional research will be needed for SSPM to reach its potential in future agricultural production systems. Advisor: Gary L. Hei

    SEASONAL ACTIVITY AND SAMPLING METHODS FOR THE DECTES STEM BORER, \u3ci\u3eDECTES TEXANUS\u3c/i\u3e LECONTE, IN NEBRASKA SOYBEANS

    Get PDF
    The Dectes stem borer, Dectes texanus Leconte, has caused significant economic damage to soybean fields in south central Nebraska during recent years. Most economic injury occurs when soybean plants become susceptible to late season lodging due to larval girdling. Developing a comprehensive management plan for Dectes stem borer in Nebraska is limited by lack of knowledge of seasonal activity and effective sampling plans to monitor adult populations. Field studies were conducted in 2013 and 2014 to describe Dectes stem borer adult emergence patterns, female ovipositional period and adult densities in soybean fields. Calendar date predictions for adult emergence varied, while degree-day predictions were similar across multiple years as the inflection point of both year’s emergence curves occurred near 1250 degree-days since January 1 (50° F. base). Female Dectes stem borer beetles reached peak fecundity during the second and third weeks after emergence and densities in soybean fields peaked during mid-July, after a majority of adults had emerged according to degree-day predictions. Field studies were conducted during 2013 and 2014 to develop a cost effective sampling plan for monitoring adult Dectes stem borer activity. Sticky traps, drop cloths and sweep nets were tested as potential sampling methods. Sweep net sampling was found to be a superior method while sticky traps and drop cloths resulted in low beetle counts. Efficient sweep net sampling schemes were developed to minimize the cost required to achieve a given precision level. A plan consisting of two samples of 150 sweeps each was developed to minimize the field costs for an acceptable precision level for making pest management decisions. Advisor: Robert J. Wrigh
    corecore