Our demonstration elements include: Crop Diversification Host Plant-Resistance Biological Control Field Scouting

Our goal is to collaborate with wheat producers in evaluating and demonstrating non-chemical pest management techniques, with particular emphasis on the management of the Russian wheat aphid and the greenbug.

Below are brief clarifications of our demonstration elements. See our resources page for other great information.

Crop Diversification

A cropping system can be diversified in a number of ways. The typical diversified system in the arid parts of the Great Plains is a three-year rotation of winter wheat with additional crops such as sorghum, millet, corn or sunflower, followed by a fallow period for one growing season prior to planting wheat. Diversifying cropping systems within a field or a farm can have several desirable results for farmers. For example, it can help in the abundance and effectiveness of natural enemies to control Russian wheat aphids and greenbugs. This means there would be a potential for a reduced pest invasion and, as a result, a reduced need for chemicals to control pests.

See what our Growers of the Month said:  Larry Young  Alton Lerwick  Chris Rundell  Joe Caughlin  Eddie Bryan  Dan Krienke  The Kislings  Todd and Cary Wickstrom

Host Plant-Resistance

Host plant-resistance generally refers to the use of crops with improved defense or protection qualities against pests or diseases.  One way to produce these pest-resistant crop varieties (also known as resistant cultivars) is  through traditional selective breeding. Producers have options when choosing cultivars with resistance to aphids.  However, these cultivars may still undergo aphid infestations but at reduced levels.  As such, they suffer less injury compared to susceptible cultivars (crops without improved resistance).  Ankor, Halt, Praire, Prowers99, Stanton and Yumar are six resistant varieties available for production in areas with high risk of Russian wheat aphid infestation.

See what our Growers of the Month said:  Alton Lerwick  Chris Rundell  Joe Caughlin  Eddie Bryan  Bob Howard

Click for PowerPoint presentations to learn more about resistant varieties: What are resistant varieties? The new biotype and resistant varieties

Biological Control and Field Scouting

Biological control involves the reduction or control of the pest population by their natural enemies (beneficial insects).  Natural enemies play an important role in regulating greenbug populations in wheat in the Great Plains. Field scouting, or field sampling is a way of checking fields for invasive pests.  For example, Glance 'n Go is a method designed to help you to accurately and rapidly sample wheat for greenbug infestations. Learning about both practices (Biocontrol and Scouting) helps determine the need for insecticide use or eliminates the need for insecticides altogether.

Click for PowerPoint presentations to learn more: Fields Scouting and Glance 'n Go What is economic threshold? Pest Identification Natural Enemies Identification

See what our Growers of the Month said: Bob Howard

Other Best Management Practices

These practices include conservation tillage

See what our Growers of the Month said about these specific practices: No-Till       Larry Young       Alton Lerwick       Rodney Hern       Brook Strader Conservation       Alton Lerwick       Wes Phillips Environment       Chris Rundell Understanding the Beef Market       Joe Caughlin Graze-out program and Building Implements       Eddie Bryan Developing a Strong Marketing Plan       Dan Krienke No-Till Efficiency, Labor and Equipment Costs       The Kislings Using New Technology, Maximizing Moisture       Bob Howard Staying Flexible in Drought       Todd and Cary Wickstrom