Author Archives: greenje

Important “Do” Dates

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  • FEB 6th re: AgCensus – Every 5 years, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service offers producers large and small (>$1K of annual sales or potential) opportunity to participate in the census. The data collected help guide legislature, research, and most importantly, show the value and importance of American agriculture. The law requires that operator information remains confidential and used for aggregate data reporting only.
  • FEB 13th re: EPA Rodenticide Proposed Interim Decision (PID) – Lots of other agencies covering this, but just in case…be aware that many changes are being proposed that could impact your operation. Applicator licensure, restrictions or revoking use, timing and placement, increased PPE, and mandatory or advisory post-application carcass searches, to name a few. Learn more from the Rodenticide Task Force or EPA.
  • MAR 15th re: Commodity Commission Openings – 19 of the 23 state commissions have open seats that need filled. Again, a great opportunity to ensure your voice is heard and help guide decision-making. OPVC is my favorite 🙂 but let your own interest and experience guide you! Learn more and apply via ODA.

Corn earworm population dynamics

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Pleased to announce I was invited to participate in a nationwide analysis of corn earworm trends. This new study from Dr. Lawton (NC State) et al. takes a look at decades-long trapping and soil temperature data to provide some insight into overwintering potential of H. zea, and how we might use models to predict pest abundance. Highlights from the article:

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Week 12

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Quick update:

  • The data table is available (.pdf download); all regional trap counts are within normal limits.
  • The commercial broccoli field at Gervais (GRVS) has been harvested.
  • New traps have been set to detect pests in commercial sweet corn – those counts will be available by next week.
  • **The new “Oregon Pest Monitoring Network” is now available! This collaborative effort between USDA-ARS and OSU provides real-time access to data, including a map of trap locations.
    • To view observations, select the “Pest Observation Dashboard” tab.
    • Use filters to see activity graphs for specific pests or crops.
    • The system also includes a “Report a Pest” function, where growers or reps can inform staff of concerns.
  • If you have noticed a recent reduction of efficacy in the products you use for diamondback moth, please consider taking a short, anonymous survey:

Potato (+200 other plants) Leafhopper

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Leafhoppers belong to Hemiptera: Cicadellidae and one of the most well-studied species is the potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae Harris. It has been proven (1,2) that these insects are long-range migrants, and tend to colonize an area based on surface airflow convection currents and high and low pressure fronts. Because they can be significant agricultural pests (alfalfa, clover, beans, tomato, potato, hops, maple, apple), it is important to understand the factors that contribute to their abundance…

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A Slow Start!

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Unseasonably cool and wet conditions have delayed the start of VegNet this year. Because insects are poikilotherms, their development is directly related to temperature. Some insects are also reliant on adequate moisture. The percentage of armyworm eggs that hatch, for example. We certainly have had ‘adequate’ moisture this spring (!), which could mean more armyworm pressure into the summer and fall.

The NRFC (a NOAA program) produces monthly summary statistics and predictions. Click the image to access their website. TEMP refers to the deviation from historical normal (degrees F), and PRECIP is measured in percent normal.
Both May and June were abnormally cool and wet in Western Oregon.

cutworm moths on a round screen with muddy background
Trapping 50+ moths…in just 3 days… and it’s only May…is…concerning!

Peridroma saucia is common in Oregon. But for the past three years, we are detecting them at much higher-than-normal levels in early spring.

The graph below shows pheromone trap counts (# of adult moths per day) in recent years vs. a long term average. Please note that all data points before May 10th are NOT regional averages. They represent only the Corvallis location. These 5 single-location data points are filled with a dot pattern (hard to see, sorry). However, in 2020, the true regional average (peach diamonds) remained higher than normal until June 1st.

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