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March 10, 2017 Vol. 2 – No. 1
Southern High Plains IPM
Weather We started off 2017 with some extra moisture, but the dry and dusty conditions have been the story of March. Mesonet records show Lubbock received 1.94in of rain in January and 0.49in in February, although other totals around the county were higher. Ralls received 2.46in for January and 1.51in for February, and areas near the Caprock received even more rain. Above-normal temperatures continue this month, and plants are beginning to bloom ahead of schedule.
News/Resources Southern High Plains RACE Trials Report 2016 Thanks to Dr. Seth Byrd, Cotton Agronomist, and everyone who worked on the Replicated Agronomic Cotton Evaluation (RACE) trials on the Southern High Plains. You can read the full report here.
Figure 1. Wheat in Lubbock County on an especially windy day.
Preparing for Sugarcane Aphid Part 1, Early Season This article is the first in a series with information on management suggestions based on what we’ve learned over the past few growing seasons.
Integrated pest management updates in Lubbock and Crosby Counties from Katelyn Kesheimer
Cotton Insecticide Performance Trials 2016 Dr. Suhas Vyavhare compiled this report on insecticide efficacy trials on thrips, cotton fleahoppers, grasshoppers, and stink bugs. Cattle Fever Tick Here is some information regarding the recent outbreak of cattle fever ticks.
Figure 2. Bird cherry-oat aphid (top, left) and greenbug aphid (bottom, right) on wheat.
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From the Field Wheat is in good condition (Fig. 1), but would benefit from some rain. It is jointing in several areas and approximately 2 weeks farther along than usual due to the unseasonably warm weather. This could be problematic if we get a late April freeze, but many variables are at play. These include how low the temperatures get and how long they stay there, as well as the growth stage of wheat and moisture content. This is some great information on Freeze Injury on Wheat if we do run into problems. I have heard some reports of Russian wheat aphids in the area and seen small populations of greenbugs and bird cherry-oat aphids (Fig. 2) which is not unexpected given how warm it’s been lately. Fortunately, there were also beneficials feeding on the aphids like lady beetle adults and larvae (Fig. 3), minute pirate bugs and even some parasitoids, which should help us out this growing season.
Figure 3. Adult (left), and immature (right) convergent lady beetles, Hippodamia convergent, in wheat. Both larvae and adults are voracious aphid predators and can often be found near aphid colonies.
Upcoming Events Alternative Crops Conference, Lorenzo – March 21 Lorenzo Community Center, 9:00 am Flyer here or call 806-675-2347 for more information Precision Irrigation Workshop, Abernathy – March 23 Abernathy City Hall Meeting Room, 8:30 am Flyer here or call 806-775-1740 for more information Mosquito Workshop, Lubbock – May 4 Lubbock Research and Extension Center Flyer here or call 254-968-4144 for more information
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Panhandle Wildfire Relief Efforts The wildfires beginning March 6 devastated regions of the Texas Panhandle, as well as Kansas and Oklahoma. If you are interested, you can donate hay, feed, fencing supplies or other livestock or ranch supplies to those affected. Monetary donations are also being accepted. Information can be found here, or you can call 806-677-5628 for general questions about donations and relief efforts. Thank you!
Catch us on the radio! IPM Agent Show: Wednesdays 1:00-2:30pm
Fox Talk KJTV, radio 950 AM
Southern High Plains IPM is a publication of the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service IPM Program in Lubbock and Crosby Counties. Educational programs of Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service are open to all citizens without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin. The information given herein is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names are made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service is implied. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Katelyn A. Kesheimer, Ph.D. Extension Agent – Integrated Pest Management 916 Main Street, Lubbock, Texas, 79404 Questions, comments, concerns? Office: 806-775-1740, Fax: 806-775-1758, Mobile: 806-474-5092 Email:
[email protected] Lubbock Co. Extension: http://lubbock.agrilife.org Crosby Co. Extension: http://crosby.agrilife.org
