Economic Impact of the Sugarcane Aphid Outbreak in South Texas

The objective of this study was to estimate the economic impact of the sugarcane aphid (SCA) outbreak in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), Texas. Local producers were surveyed to gather detailed information about crop production and pest control practices. Collected data were used to estimate the reduction in profit associated with the SCA infestation, as well as the monetary value of the prevented loss attributed to control efforts. Sorghum industry losses were then used to assess the overall economic impact of the SCA outbreak in the RGV economy

Review of Major Crop and Animal Arthropod Pests of South Texas

The Lower Rio Grande Valley is an area in Texas that consists of the four southern-most counties. This area contains a diverse range of agriculture and land-use including vegetable, row-crop and livestock production. The year-around cool to hot subtropical climate means that green vegetation is continually present, including many crops. Geographically, it shares an international border, making it a region vulnerable to new invasive species and the re-introduction of pests that have been previously eliminated in the United States. These combined factors lead to an array of arthropod pests that may have serious impacts on the crops, animals, and people in the region. This review focuses on arthropod pests that have historically, currently, or have the potential to significantly impact vegetables, row-crops, livestock, and humans in the LRGV. This is not an all-inclusive re-view but aims to focus on many of the arthropods that have been significant in the last 20 years

Economic Impact of the Sugarcane Aphid Outbreak in South Texas

The sorghum industry is threatened by a new invasive pest, the sugarcane aphid (SCA), capable of causing substantial damage to crop production and local economies. Little work has been conducted to assess and better understand the economic implications of the SCA outbreak. The objective of this study was to estimate the economic impact of SCA in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV), Texas, where 11.5% of the state production is located. Local producers were surveyed to gather detailed information about yearly crop yields, crop acreage, insecticide application decisions, and management and production practices. Collected data were used to estimate the reduction in growers’ profit associated to the SCA infestation, as well as the monetary value of the prevented loss attributed to control efforts. Sorghum industry losses were then used to assess the overall economic impact of the SCA outbreak in the LRGV economy in terms of output, value-added, labor income and employment effects

The Economic Impact of the Sugarcane Aphid On Sorghum Production

The sugarcane aphid (SCA) has become the most important pest in sorghum since its detection in 2013. Due to its rapid population growth, great dispersion capacity, and reduced availability of effective insecticides this aphid is capable of causing substantial damage to sorghum production. Little work has been conducted to assess and better understand the economic impact caused by the SCA infestation. The objective of this study was to quantify the economic impact of SCA on sorghum growers in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV), Texas, where 11.5% of the state production is located. Forty-one local producers were surveyed resulting in a representative sample of 46,578 acres in 2014 and 49,761 acres in 2015. The questionnaire gathers detailed information about yearly crop yields, crop acreage, insecticide application decisions, and management and production practices. Collected data were used to estimate the change in profit associated to the SCA outbreak. Empirical results indicate that the SCA reduced profit by $64.29/acre in 2014 and by$36.17/acre in 2015. At the regional level, the SCA has caused a total economic loss to farmers in the LRGV of about $31.60M

STRengthening analytical thinking for observational studies:The STRATOS initiative

The validity and practical utility of observational medical research depends critically on good study design, excellent data quality, appropriate statistical methods and accurate interpretation of results. Statistical methodology has seen substantial development in recent times. Unfortunately, many of these methodological developments are ignored in practice. Consequently, design and analysis of observational studies often exhibit serious weaknesses. The lack of guidance on vital practical issues discourages many applied researchers from using more sophisticated and possibly more appropriate methods when analyzing observational studies. Furthermore, many analyses are conducted by researchers with a relatively weak statistical background and limited experience in using statistical methodology and software. Consequently, even 'standard' analyses reported in the medical literature are often flawed, casting doubt on their results and conclusions. An efficient way to help researchers to keep up with recent methodological developments is to develop guidance documents that are spread to the research community at large. These observations led to the initiation of the strengthening analytical thinking for observational studies (STRATOS) initiative, a large collaboration of experts in many different areas of biostatistical research. The objective of STRATOS is to provide accessible and accurate guidance in the design and analysis of observational studies. The guidance is intended for applied statisticians and other data analysts with varying levels of statistical education, experience and interests.In this article, we introduce the STRATOS initiative and its main aims, present the need for guidance documents and outline the planned approach and progress so far. We encourage other biostatisticians to become involved