The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, July 23 shows a little more deterioration with a slight increase in abnormally dry conditions. The state is now down to 42% out of dry conditions. Barton County and the area is unchanged. The six to ten-day outlook (July 30 to Aug. 3) indicates a 70 to 80% chance of likely above normal temperatures and leaning 40 to 50% leaning below normal for precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (Aug. 1 to 7) indicates a continued 70 to 80% chance of likely above normal for temperatures, in fact above normal temperatures for almost the whole lower 48 states, and a 50 to 60% chance of likely below normal precipitation. If this happens, it will significantly impact the area’s dryland corn, milo, and soybean crops. Definitely unwelcome news.
The last two weeks we discussed the reason for the development of IPM (Integrated Pest Management) and how it seeks to incorporate all possible methods of pest control in an economically and environmentally sound manner. The broad categories are natural forces, host resistance, biological control, cultural control, mechanical control, sanitation, and chemical control. These are used in combination and work together to hopefully decrease costs and protect the environment. Before implementing anything, the key is proper identification of the pest(s) and the potential damage. Today, a very brief description of each one.
• Natural Forces: everything from climate to predators can either help or hinder pest control. The key is to use these to your advantage. These include: freezing temperatures, rain, wind, seasons, predators, diseases, etc. Over half of all insec genetic engineering techniques. Cultural control includes crop rotations to interrupt life cycles, tillage; altering planting and harvesting dates; and residue management as examples. Mechanical control includes screens, barriers, traps, and heat or cold. Sanitation includes removing food sources, alternate hosts, and shelter/ overwintering sites.
• Biological control, an old but also relatively new aspect includes the use of naturally occurring enemies. It may involve supplementing those enemies already there or making the environment as favorable as possible of those enemies already there. Much research is focused in this area with great care to not introduce something that can’t be controlled once in the environment. The challenge for naturally occurring enemies is how they function and how they respond to the pest.
• Finally, chemical control is on the table. This is typically the most effective and fastest way to control pests. However, as we have learned, care must be taken to prevent host resistance. Additionally, unintended harm to off target plants and animals is a concern as is environmental damage. Human and domestic animal health is also a concern. Much research now focuses on more effective and environmentally safe pesticides.
All of these are important aspects in pest control, maintaining food production, and protecting the environment.
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.
