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Pests and Weeds Are Predictable Thanks to Web-based Mapping Technology - June 2004

June 14, 2004

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - Growers across the state now have access to timely and accurate pest prediction maps for key insect and weed species to help them plan their pest management activities.
Insect prediction maps for crops such as corn and alfalfa are now available on the Web at http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/field_crops/field_crop_home.htm. They are also available through the "Pest Problem Solver" at http://paipm.cas.psu.edu/17.htm. The weed emergence maps can also be accessed at the same website.

According to Dennis Calvin, professor of entomology at Penn State and project director, the maps enable to growers to anticipate an insect or weed pest's emergence and time scouting and pest management techniques accordingly. "In order for farmers to move away from using pesticides and towards an integrated pest management program, reliable tools to time pest management activities are needed. Providing better technologies to time key pest emergence is valuable to all farmers, regardless of their current production practices and philosophy," says Calvin. "Without good timing methods, pest management techniques may be rendered inadequate, reducing profits to growers."

Scouting, pest identification and pest management tactics are all part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. IPM aims to manage pests -- such as insects, diseases, weeds and animals -- by combining physical, biological and chemical tactics that are safe, profitable and environmentally compatible.

Other information also available includes a calendar of insect activities, a new weed emergence prediction tool, a calendar of scouting activities, economic thresholds, degree-day requirements, scouting procedures, management tactics, pest sheets and links to other information. In addition there is information on genetically modified organisms issues, training modules from Penn State and Cornell universities, and links to more information.

The 2003 growing season was the first full season the system was in place. Cooperators in the program include extension specialists from Cornell University and the University of Delaware. Information for Maryland and several mid-western states is also included on the Web site.

For this growing season, Calvin and William Curran, professor of weed science at Penn State, will be collecting verification data to ensure the maps are adequately tracking pest development across Pennsylvania. "We'll also be conducting field days at various locations with farmers, consultants, and agricultural professionals to demonstrate the use of the maps and discuss the value of pest prediction," says Calvin.

The USDA/Northeast IPM Program is currently funding this effort. Additional project team members include Ron Hoover (On-farm Research Coordinator), Kevin Fry (County Educator), Dave Messersmith (County Educator), and Dave Johnson (PSU Landisville Experiment Station Manager). Map development and generation is a collaborative effort between Dr. Calvin, Dr. Curran, and ZedX, Inc. of Bellefonte, PA, an agricultural weather data company.

The Pennsylvania IPM program is a collaboration between the Pennsylvania State University and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture aimed at promoting integrated pest management in both agricultural and nonagricultural situations. For more information, contact the program at (814) 865-2839, or Web site http://paipm.cas.psu.edu/.