Many pests, including aphids, mites, and various larvae, can survive the winter in various life stages, such as eggs or dormant adults. As temperatures rise in early spring, these pests become more active, leading to potential outbreaks if not monitored closely. Scouting during this period allows growers to identify pest populations before they reach damaging levels. Early detection is crucial because many pests can reproduce rapidly once the conditions become favorable. Therefore, regular scouting can help identify and quantify pest populations, allowing timely interventions.
An important principle to scout for diseases is to understand what a healthy plant looks like. This is specifically key to identifying seedling diseases. Plants communicate in colour and growth, so when scouting for seedling diseases look for yellowing, wilted, stunted, or dead plants. In general, certain weather and soil conditions favour specific pathogens. For example, foot rot (Microdochium nivale) is a common pathogen in winter wheat, especially under cool and wet conditions during the winter months. The symptoms are apparent in winter and early spring. Early symptoms are yellowing and browning of leaf tips, and in a later stage crown and root rot. This gives distinctive brown patches across the field at the end of the winter.
Many insects can also potentially threaten seedlings and small crops during the winter and early growing season, so scouting for signs of plant damage such as leaf-feeding, plant-cutting, or missing plants is important. Insects feeding below ground can cause thin or irregular stands and poor germination. Digging up seeds or seedlings is important to determine if an insect pest is present. Some insects, such as cutworms, can clip plants at the soil surface; some insects may be nocturnal and burrow into the soil during the day, making it difficult to identify the culprit. Leaf-feeding is more obvious, and sometimes the insect may be present. However, if you see shot holing you may need to cut the plant open to determine what is feeding in the whorl.
The role of biological pest control
Biological control involves the use of natural predators, parasitoids, or pathogens to manage pest populations and the usage of beneficial microbes to protect against diseases. During late autumn, winter, and early spring, the integration of biological control measures can be particularly effective when combined with vigilant scouting practices.
Targeting early-season pests: Many biological control agents are effective against common early-season pests like aphids and caterpillars, and early-season diseases like Fusarium spp, Pythium spp, and Microdochium spp. The Koppert products like the beneficial nematodes Entonem and Capirel, the beneficial bacterium Cerall, the entomopathogenic fungus Mycotal, and the predatory mite Anso-Mite are also active in colder temperatures, helping growers protect crops through winter and early spring. By scouting and identifying pests early, growers can release biocontrol agents at the right time, enhancing their impact on pest populations and preventing pest outbreaks. This in turn ultimately saves costs and safeguards yield.
Optimizing conditions for beneficials: Scouting helps determine the best timing and environmental conditions for releasing biological control agents. For example, understanding pest life cycles allows for the strategic introduction of predators just as pest populations begin to rise early in the season.
Monitoring effectiveness: After releasing biological control agents, continued scouting is essential to assess their effectiveness. Monitoring helps determine if the biological agents are successfully reducing pest numbers or if further interventions are necessary.
Scouting techniques for effective pest scouting
Effective pest scouting involves a combination of visual inspections and the use of tools such as Koppert's wide range of Horiver sticky trap products. Pherodis pheromone lures are also species-specific to attract male moths, beetles, flies, or mealybugs and are very effective for monitoring and early detection of pests. These lures can be used with various kinds of traps, specifically Koppert's weather-proof Deltatrap.
During winter and early spring, specific techniques can enhance scouting efforts.
Visual inspections: Carefully inspect plant tissues, especially the undersides of leaves and new growth, where pests often hide. Look for signs of feeding damage, excrement, or the presence of live pests.
Soil and root sampling: Checking soil and roots for signs of root-feeding pests or pathogens can provide insight into potential issues that may arise as plants start to grow.
Trap monitoring: Setting up sticky traps can help monitor the presence and abundance of flying pests, allowing for early intervention.
Scouting pests and diseases in winter and early spring is vital for effective pest management, especially when incorporating biological control strategies. By identifying pest populations early, growers can make informed decisions. This proactive approach not only helps safeguard crops but also contributes to the overall health of the agricultural ecosystem, promoting sustainable growing practices that minimize the need for chemical inputs. In the quest for effective pest management, vigilance during the off-season can pay significant dividends come planting time.
For more information:
Koppert
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www.koppert.com