Manhattan, Kansas
September 25, 2008
With fall wheat planting at hand,
Kansas State University
researchers are advising growers that opting to use
insecticide-treated seed to ward off insect problems in the
upcoming crop brings both pros and cons.
"Growers are expressing considerable interest this year
regarding insecticide-treated wheat seed," said entomologist
Jeff Whitworth, crop insect specialist with K-State Research and
Extension. "Our experience with wheat seed treatments suggests
that they work well to protect the seed and seedling up to 21 to
28 days after planting."
This includes protection from wireworms, white grubs, flea
beetles, grasshoppers and aphids. It also includes protection
from Hessian flies if infestations occur within that time frame
and densities aren´t too great, Whitworth said.
"Again from our experience, wheat seed treatments are not
effective against false wireworms, fall armyworms or army
cutworms, even if infestations occur within 21 to 28 days after
planting," added Holly Davis, who runs the K-State Insect
Diagnostic Laboratory.
An exception to the 21- to 28-day protection period is the
aphids -- both greenbugs and bird cherry oat aphids -- that have
been controlled into the spring, she said. These products work
well, but should be used only if needed and assessed with
knowledge of the products´ limitations, due to species
susceptibility and timing of infestation.
More information about wheat pests is available at county and
district K-State Research and Extension offices or on the Web at
http://www.entomology.ksu.edu/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=195&tabid=4 |
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