Making Input Decisions for Corn Rootworms in 2016 – Check out New Webcast

Producers throughout the Corn Belt are in the midst of harvest operations. However, it’s not too soon to begin evaluating the value of corn rootworm inputs for 2015 and their potential value for the 2016 growing season. Earlier this month, the Plant Management Network posted a new webcast titled Estimation of Efficacy Functions for Products Used to Manage Corn Rootworm Larval Injury. The webcast was created by Dr. Nicholas Tinsley, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois. The foundation for this webcast was field research conducted over many years and published by scientists from the University of Nebraska, University of Wisconsin, and the University of Illinois.

Tinsley, N.A., P.D. Mitchell, R.J. Wright, L.J. Meinke, R.E. Estes, and M.E. Gray (in press). Estimation of efficacy functions for products used to manage corn rootworm larval injury. Journal of Applied Entomology

During the webcast, Nick Tinsley takes viewers through a logical step by step process in assessing the potential value of inputs (insecticidal seed treatments, planting-time soil insecticides, and Bt hybrids) designed to limit economic losses caused by corn rootworm larval damage. I encourage anyone who is ready to begin making these decisions for 2016 to view this short webcast. It could be time very well spent.

Mike Gray, Professor and Extension Entomologist