Location: Peanut and Small Grains Research Unit
Project Number: 3070-22000-017-016-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Nov 26, 2021
End Date: Aug 31, 2024
Objective:
1. Quantify whole field error rates for SCA decisions based on preliminary NE thresholds.
2. Incorporate NE counts into novel SCA sampling plans.
3. Deliver and Evaluate the impact of SCA + NE sampling and decision plans in the US Southern Plains.
Approach:
The purpose of this proposal is to utilize findings from the Sugarcane Aphid Areawide IPM project to incorporate predictable natural enemy thresholds into SCA sampling plans and deliver these plans to grain sorghum producers throughout the US Southern Plains. Population dynamics and experimental studies data from multiple years of evaluation from the gulf coast of Texas to Northern Oklahoma provide the foundation for investigating whole-field error rates associated with preliminary NE thresholds. We are interested in testing two independently developed NE thresholds and quantifying type I and II error rates for predictions of SCA suppression below the EIL. This validation study is planned in
regions that harbor year round SCA + NE populations and those that require annual crop colonization. We also plan to utilize multiple years worth of field data from the Areawide project plus field data generated from proposed studies to investigate how resistant varieties and landscape complexity may influence error rates associated with NE thresholds. However, incorporation of NE counts into SCA sampling plans will require development of integrated sampling plans. Preliminary data on the spatial distribution of NE groups suggest that counts can be integrated, but further empirical and validation studies are required. Fortunately, SCA sampling plans are available as both a cell phone application
and novel sampling schemes (TAM) and combined SCA + NE sampling plans can be developed prior to impact assessment studies. A final goal is to deliver this application to producers and IPM professionals in the region and assess its impact on net profits associated with reduced insecticide use and yield reservation.
