Field Crop Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program

James Villegas, Davis, Jeff A., Kerns, Dawson, Wilson, Blake, Huang, Fangneng

Relevance

Insect pests pose a significant threat to the productivity and profitability of agronomic crops in Louisiana. Without effective management programs, these pests can cause substantial yield losses and economic damage. The LSU AgCenter Field Crop Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program provides a sustainable and science-based framework for managing insect pests in Louisiana.

Economic Impact of Inspect Pests

Insect pests not only reduce yields but also increase production costs through increased pesticide use.

Rice: Insect pests such as the rice water weevil, a complex of stemborers and the rice stink bug pose serious threats to rice production. If not controlled, these pests collectively cause an estimated $46 million in annual losses.
Sugarcane: The sugarcane borer, if left unmanaged, significantly reduces both yield and sucrose content. Its impact can reach $50 million in annual economic losses.
Soybean: A complex of stink bugs, including redbanded stink bug, and lepidopteran caterpillars can reduce soybean yields by 20%-40%, potentially resulting in $100 million in annual losses if not effectively controlled.
Cotton: Tarnished plant bugs and bollworms are primary insect pests of cotton. Without effective management, these pests can cause around $30 million annually in damage. Corn: Lepidopteran worms and root feeding insects can cause $15-$20 million in damage annually.
Sweet Potato: Soil insect pests such as sweetpotato weevil, rootworms and white grubs can reduce fresh market value by as much as 75%, resulting in annual economic losses of $27 million.

Extension and Program Response

Scouting and Monitoring Training: LSU AgCenter IPM Programs provide annual trainings to extension agents and agricultural stakeholders on pest identification, resistance monitoring, action thresholds and pesticide safety.
Decision Support Tools: The Insect Pest Management Guide is updated and published annually, and remains available online throughout the year. It serves as a valuable resource for agents, consultants and producers containing suggested control strategies for insect pests encountered in the field. In addition, field crop entomologists support pest management efforts through diagnostic field visits, phone consultations, group and one-on-one discussions, offering practical, on-the-ground expertise.
Resistance Management: The IPM extension programs promote a multifaceted approach, emphasizing the rotation of insecticide classes to slow down resistance development and encouraging the use of resistant varieties when available. Educational outreach includes field demonstrations, newsletter articles, blogs, podcast interviews and in-person consultations.
Invasive Species Monitoring: This involves early detection of invasive insect species that pose a threat to crop production. Field crop entomologists use pheromone traps, field sampling and visual surveys to monitor these pests. Timely identification allows for rapid response and management strategies to prevent establishment and spread.
Pesticide Registration: Entomologists generate data required for Environmental Protection Agency registration for new insecticides needed to protect field crops. IPM extension programs work directly with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the EPA and the agro-chemical industry to facilitate registration of new products as well as emergency temporary registrations to combat insect outbreaks.

Program Outcomes

Economic Savings from Reduced Insecticide Use: IPM practices have led to reduction in insecticide applications across major crops in Louisiana. Estimated annual savings in input costs based on a reduction of just one spray is $7-$10 million in rice, $8-$11 million in sugarcane, $15-$20 million in soybean, $2-$3 million in cotton and $7-$9 million in corn. These potential savings stem from threshold-based applications, reduced reliance on calendar sprays and improved insect pest scouting.
Yield Protection: IPM programs have prevented yield losses of 10%-40%, depending on crop and insect pests.
Resistance Management: Ongoing monitoring of bollworm and stink bug resistance has helped maintain the efficacy of key insecticides and crop protection technology.
Environmental Benefits: Reduced pesticide use has lowered risks to beneficial insects and aquatic systems.
Extension Reach and Adoption: Over 2,000 stakeholders reached annually through insect scout schools, field days and presentations at meetings.