Complex preventative insect management systems that include plant incorporated protectants (Bt toxins) in addition to seed applied insecticides (most commonly neonicotinoids) start at seed purchase in field corn. Seed costs more than doubled from 1990-2010, in part due to the increasing complexity of seed pest management technology. Relatively inexpensive pyrethroid insecticides can also be used for early season insect pest control.
This project aims to optimize early season pest management by comparing insect and slug pest pressure, crop stand, insect damage, and yield in different management systems, teasing apart the relative efficacy of Bt toxins, neonicotinoid insecticide seed treatments, and in-furrow pyrethroid insecticide applications. Conventional non-Bt experiments additionally provide information abut Maryland pest pressure and best management practices should producers wish to use conventional hybrids. Because pest pressure varies from year to year, it is important to repeat this study over three years, ensuring the data set captures outbreaks from occasional pests.
The Maryland Grain Producers are excited to see the results stemming from this research. This is the second year that the Maryland Grain Producers have funded this project, this years amount totaling $18,000.