We are beginning to sign up acres for the 2012 Integrated Pest Management field scouting program. The acreage sign-up is on a first come, first serve basis. The money will go toward paying the scouts wages and mileage. I will hire field scouts (the number depends on acreage/need) that will be sent to an extensive scout training school and will constantly be monitored and trained by me throughout the season. Having a crop advisor/field scout may be thought of as “cheap insurance” for your production risks. While Bt technology protects cotton from varies caterpillar pests, it does not impact other pests like thrips, cotton fleahopper, and Lygus bug. Consider that one unnecessary spray application for one of these pests or one infestation that goes unnoticed could pay for the price of scouting. What would be the value of an additional set of eyes in the field and an objective reporting of the pest pressure?

A scouting report will be prepared for each field as it is scouted. The report will contain information on specific pest numbers, beneficial insect numbers, growth stage of the crop and economic thresholds. A copy will be provided to the producer and I will discuss pest control options with each producer as needed. I will assist producers with irrigation and harvest aid decisions. A newsletter is mailed out approximately bi-weekly during the growing season. The newsletter contains timely information on insect and disease activity and current research being conducted on these specific problems.

We will scout peanuts for insects and diseases. We will scout once per week until insect or disease pressure dictate more often is required. I will also assist producers with irrigation and harvest decisions. With our shortened time between rotations insect and disease problems are becoming more abundant, therefore it is essential to monitor peanuts closely throughout the growing season to maximize profitability.

This season we will scout cotton, peanuts, grain sorghum, watermelons, sunflowers, wheat and grapes as needed. Each crop will be scouted for insects and diseases as well as development.

This program’s primary goal is an educational effort designed to help you make informed pest management and agronomic decisions. All recommendations are based on unbiased research conducted by Texas A&M University, TexasAgriLife Extension and Texas AgriLife Research.

Please follow this link for the sign up form:   2012ScoutingSignup