agriculture

We have just posted nine short videos that encompass our 2015 - 2016 research results and experiences as a primer as we enter the 2017 season. Presenters are Katelyn Kesheimer, IPM Agent in Lubbock and Crosby counties, Blayne Reed, IPM Agent in Hale, Swisher and Floyd counties, Dr. Ed Bynum, Extension Entomologist in Amarillo, and Dr. Patrick Porter, Extension Entomologist in Lubbock. The videos present data from the Texas High Plains and may not be applicable elsewhere. 1.  Aphid overwintering and seasonal abundance  (3:41) 2.  Early planting is a good idea  (3:40) 3.  "Resistant" sorghum hybrids and seed treatments  (4:23) 4.  First insecticide application threshold  (3:03) 5.  Insecticide application and product efficacy  (8:46) 6.  Timing of a second insecticide application  (4:15) 7.  Rate of damage with uncontrolled aphid populations  (4:05) 8.  Insecticides to prevent sticky harvest problems  (5:56) 9...

Suhas Vyavhare, Extension Cotton Entomologist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Variety selection is the most important decision made during the year. Selecting Bt vs non-Bt or the kind of insect trait package is an important consideration in selecting cotton varieties. Bt cotton is genetically altered to produce certain proteins which are toxic to specific groups of insects. For example, currently available Bt traits in cotton specifically target worm pests such as cotton bollworm, tobacco budworm, and beet armyworm. On the other hand, conventional, or non-Bt cotton does not produce such insecticidal proteins and as a result it is more vulnerable to worm damage. Since the introduction of Bt cotton into US agriculture in 1996, the technology has transformed from a single-gene trait to multi-gene trait packages. The 1 st generation Bt cotton had only a single Bt gene. The second generation Bt technologies, such as Bollgard 2, TwinLink, and WideStrike produce two Bt toxins. Whil...