Integrated pest management: an evaluation of adoption in field crop production

In September 1993, the Clinton Administration announced its commitment to reducing pesticide use and promoting sustainable agriculture through promotion of Integrated Pest Management on U.S. crop acreage. In fact, a goal was set to adopt IPM on 75 percent of the U.S. crop acreage by the year 2000. During the past eight years, the complexities associated with defining IPM and the lack of agreement of what constitutes IPM have resulted in dissimilar assessments in documenting progress to achieve this goal. One complication is the absence of a standardized measurement tool for the adoption of IPM that is applicable across commodities that is adaptable to the needs of multiple agencies. The primary objective of my research was to take an important step towards developing a standardized measurement tool for the adoption of IPM that can be utilized by multiple agencies across different commodities.;The primary objective of my research was to take an important step towards developing a standardized measurement tool for the adoption of IPM that can be utilized by multiple agencies across different commodities. The first subobjective was to evaluate existing measurement devices to develop an appropriate tool with field level applicability. The second subobjective was to demonstrate the use of this tool across state lines with corn, cotton, and soybean production. The third subobjective was to identify the current educational methods and materials being used to disseminate information on Integrated Pest Management.;A standardized measurement tool was developed. This tool is a valid and reliable instrument that can measure the adoption of IPM across state lines with different commodities. As this tool continues to demonstrate it\u27s ability to accurately and precisely measure the adoption of IPM, it will continue to gain prominence as the standardized measurement tool for measuring IPM on U.S. crop acreage

PIPE: Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education

The arrival of soybean rust in the fall of 2004 set in motion an unprecedented coordinated effort of education, research, monitoring, and information distribution. The Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education (PIPE) was developed to provide electronic access to distribution data for soybean rust. In 2006, soybean aphid was added to the system and in time, other crops and pests will be added to PIPE. The PIPE Web address is www.sbrusa.net

Monitor soybean aphid populations on PIPE

The Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education (PIPE) was developed in 2004 to provide electronic access to data for soybean rust. In 2006, soybean aphid was added to the system, and it is anticipated that other pests will continue to be added to this national monitoring network. You can view the current soybean aphid monitoring results at www.sbrusa.net (to view the aphid map, select the second dropdown box under the date on the left-hand side of the screen)

Alfalfa weevil reported on alfalfa regrowth

Farmers should watch their fields after the first cutting for delayed or lack of green up due to activity of alfalfa weevils (both larvae and adults). Reports from northeastern and northwestern Iowa indicate that this pest is causing problems this year in alfalfa stubble. Heavy populations of weevil adults and surviving populations of larvae can delay new growth by feeding on the stubble and new buds as they break. This feeding may reduce yields and forage quality in the second and possibly third cuttings

Economic impact of soybean aphid

Since its introduction to Iowa in 2000, the soybean aphid has firmly established itself as a pest of soybean. In 2003, the largest infestations of this pest occurred in Iowa. Current research is examining accurate sampling methods, refining economic thresholds, and providing farmers with effective management options. In addition, research has been conducted to determine the economic impact of this insect pest, especially during an outbreak year

Recovery of Methane from the Abandoned Golden Eagle Mine Property

The abandoned Golden Eagle underground coal mine in Colorado contains gassy coals from which Stroud Oil Properties, Inc. (Stroud) has been recovering gas since 1996. The mine closed permanently in 1996, and during its operation drained methane from gob and ventilation boreholes. Stroud currently produces about 1.8 million cubic feet of near pipeline quality gas per day from six of these boreholes. Although the project has proven successful, gas recovery has been challenging because of low bottom hole pressure and variable borehole performance. Wellhead compressors are required to boost gas pressure for delivery to the main plant. Connecting additional boreholes to the gathering system often decreases production from existing production boreholes. Increasing gas removal has resulted in air leaks that lower gas quality. Stroud monitors the gas quality and blends any below-spec gas with its above-spec gas to ensure that the resulting product meets pipeline standards. This gas is then compressed for sale into a nearby pipeline. Overburden relaxation and finite difference modeling indicate that overlying coal seams and the coal remaining at the margins of the mined out workings contribute a significant amount of gas to the current production

Fungicide applications in corn may be increasing

In the past, fungicide applications on hybrid corn were mostly regarded as uneconomical. The increased corn-following-corn acres and associated increased disease risk, together with the higher price of corn and fungicide marketing, are responsible for changes in corn production practices. As a result, fungicide applications on corn may be more common in 2007. It is anticipated that most of these foliar fungicide applications will occur during corn tasseling stage and will be aerial applications

Mite watch 2006

Whenever hot, dry weather persists, spider mite populations may develop on both corn and soybean. Twospotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae, are serious pests of many crops throughout the United States. Producers in areas of Iowa where the weather remains dry should be on the lookout for spider mite infestations

Western bean cutworm: Is it time to scout?

The pheromone trap data website shows that western bean cutworm flights are now occurring across Iowa. As mentioned in the previous two ICM Newsletters, scouting is the key to knowing if and when to apply insecticide treatments for control. To scout corn, check 20 consecutive plants at five locations

Western bean cutworms -- trap catches and scouting

Western bean cutworms are being trapped again throughout Iowa in 2005. A network of pheromone traps have been placed throughout the state to assist in scouting efforts for this pest. Iowa State University Extension is cooperating with a number of individuals, including Pioneer Hi-Bred agronomists, in the operation of these traps. Most traps are now in place and results are being posted at www.ent.iastate.edu/trap/westernbeancutworm. Trap data cannot be used to predict which fields should be sprayed, rather they can indicate those areas that have significant moth flights and where fields should be scouted