Alvey Laboratory, Inc. -- Pest Management

Sample 4-Visit IPM Program

IPM CORN SCOUTING

First scout 7-10 days after planting to determine population, cutworm activity, weed pressure and all other pest problems
2-3 weeks after planting, coincident with post herbicide applications
At silking/tasseling to assess silk clipping and second generation corn borer activity, as well as other pest and physiological problems
Post-harvest visit to evaluate chemical and fertility program effectiveness

IPM SOYBEAN SCOUTING

Soybean field scouting program will use planting date and maturity group to determine the optimum scout date for each field. Four field visits will assess weed pressure, insect activity, and foliar disease presence. The visits will be completed between the late vegetative stage and the R5 growth stage, and will use national and regional Asian Soybean Rust forecasts, sentinel field reports, weather data, and other available information for making the field inspections at the most favorable and effective time.

Sample 6-Visit IPM Program

IPM CORN SCOUTING

In addition to the four visit program, an additional visit is made 4-5 weeks after planting to check for first generation corn borer and weed pressure. Also, an additional visit is made near maturity to assess plant condition, including stalk and root strength and standability.

IPM SOYBEAN SCOUTING

In addition to the visits described above, an inspection at 7-10 days after planting. It will include stand assessment, pest scouting and overall plant health. An additional visit will be made near maturity to determine crop condition.

Timing of any or all visits under either program can be tailored to meet your particular needs. We will be happy to adjust accordingly.

SPECIALIZED ALFALFA SCOUTING PROGRAM

An intensive monitoring program designed to help you to protect your investment in the “Queen of Forages”

Field visits every 7-10 days throughout the growing season

Crop examined and swept for appropriate insects, including alfalfa weevil and potato leafhopper

Complete reports given to you for each field after each visit detailing the above, as well as weed pressure, disease presence, growth stage, and overall crop condition

ALFALFA SCOUTING: $6.50/ACRE

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Integrated pest management (IPM) focuses on the use of in-field scouting to recognize and resolve pest problems — weeds, insects or disease — and crop development issues during critical times in the growing season. This intensive approach helps producers make prudent agronomic decisions given a variety of factors. Determining the economic threshold (cost of control vs. potential yield reduction) aids in determining whether to apply a crop protection product, which product to apply, and at what stage. Also known as crop monitoring, IPM is a way to collect useful information on crop growth stages, weed, insect and disease pressures and drought problems. More than merely scouting fields for insect predation or weed pressure, IPM involves identifying and monitoring potential problems to manage their control.

The threat of Asian Soybean Rust is yet another good reason to actively scout fields. Successful, cost-effective control of this disease depends on anticipating, identifying, and treating the crop in a timely manner. It is imperative that soybean producers monitor this disease.

Key Benefits

Crop monitoring allows for early detection of possible problems in the field. Earlier detection means it is easier — and cheaper — to solve the problem.
A long-term cost/benefit approach is taken into consideration. If a specific pressure such as cutworm damage is at a threshold level, the recommendation is to treat, saving the crop and money.
This strategy gives the grower a jump on next season's fertility and chemical choices.

Generally, four or six visits per field are timed to coincide with critical periods in crop development and weed and insect emergence/appearance. The final visit focuses on options for next season's fertility and chemical choices. Timing of visits is tailored to meet particular needs.