As of February 1st our area is still in moderate drought and basically unchanged since last Tuesday. The latest snow doesn’t factor into these ratings and the amount we received isn’t going to ease drought conditions. Things aren’t looking good for improving soil moisture over the week or so. The six to ten-day outlook (Feb. 8 to 12) indicates we are predicted to have a 50 to 70% likelihood of above normal temperatures and a leaning towards a 40 to 50% below normal precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (Feb. 10 to 16) indicates normal temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of below normal precipitation. We are in definite need of precipitation without a great deal likely.
Last week we briefly discussed the history of pesticide development and use from WWII through the early 1970s and the mistakes that were made in overuse, developing resistant pests, and the environmental health issues that arouse. Today, a synopsis of what changed, were we are, and hopefully where we are headed.
• Perhaps the biggest change was the recognition that we couldn’t solve pest problems simply with pesticides and apply them at will. Pests developing resistance to pesticides was one factor as was the deleterious effects on the environment, off-target effects such as birds, especially bald eagles, and on human health. Over the last 50 years an approach recognizing all factors important in pest control was developed Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is defined as: “a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks.” Pesticides are certainly part of IPM but are one of many “tools” in pest management. Sanitation, breeding (both conventional and through genetic engineering) for resistance and tolerance, crop rotations, etc. are all a part of this. Pesticides are used but in a manner to protect the environment, only when needed, and with a thorough understanding of the pest. The key is to use the ecology to aid in pest control, not fight it.
• Along with IPM is a shift in emphasis out in the field from eradication of the pest to suppression to an economically acceptable level. And where possible prevention.
• Today as there are many options in weed control, and to a lesser extent insect control, to vary modes of action (the way the pesticide kills the pest) to prevent resistance. This is still a challenge and takes a great deal of education.
• The process for approving pesticides has changed dramatically since the early 1960s and there is a stringent, rigorous approval process for new chemistries and GMO crops that involves extensive testing and documentation prior to EPA approval. Along with this is research into whole new classes of pesticides, especially insecticides, much safer in the environment.
• Licensing requirements for commercial and private application of restricted use pesticides. This includes regular continuing education and special education for certain pesticides.
Is the system perfect? No. Are we still learning? Yes. But things are significantly better than they were.
Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, or martinv@bartonccc.edu.
