Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) is a protein inserted into plant genes such as corn, that is toxic to certain insect pests. Bt corn is used by many farmers and is very beneficial to the management of insect pests. To avoid insect resistance to Bt genes there must be a nearby refuge. The refuge is a similar [...]
The dynamics of managing rootworm larvae and adults has changed tremendously the past 10 to 15 years. Before the onset of Bt Corn Rootworm (CRW) genetics, before the practice of controlling adults (beetle bombing) for the purpose of controlling next year’s larva population, granular soil insecticides were the norm, and were very effective. These events [...]
Prior to the introduction of the Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) gene in corn, it was common to treat the vast majority of corn acres in this country for European and/or Southwestern Corn Borer each summer. In many areas, there are two, possibly three flights of the corn borer moth each year. The second flight is usually [...]
Soybeans are a great option for producers to utilize in rotation. Soybeans are not only good for the soil, they are also a good option to clean up fields for other crops in a rotation situation. To avoid weed pressure concerns, producers in Northeast Kansas tend to practice preventive treatments in the fall and early [...]
Western Bean Cutworm can be a serious pest in field corn, significantly reducing yield and quality if not properly managed. In the past, Western Bean Cutworm (WBC) could be found concentrated to smaller hotspots in Eastern Colorado, Western Kansas and other areas of the High Plains. Farming practices such as Strip Till has led to [...]
Spider mites can be a major pest across the Crop Quest trade area. Although we worry about spider mite management mostly in corn, they can be very damaging in sorghum, wheat and soybeans as well. This is a tough pest to kill. In fact, when it comes to spider mites, the objective is not necessarily [...]
