Integrated Crop Pest Management Montana Small Grain Guide

ICPM n combines chemical, biological and cultural pest control methods with crop management strategies designed for Maximum Profit n Management should efficiently convert water into grain

Is ICPM for you? n In years of abundant rainfall, do my yield levels increase by 7 bushels per inchof additional moisture for barley (4-5 for wheat)? n Do I select a variety that yields best for my location, and has the specific insect and disease resistance necessary? n Is my fertility program based on soil test results, soil moisture, & probable rainfall?

Is ICPM for you? n Do I plant early enough and use adequate seeding rates and row spacing to allow maximum yields? n Does money spent on fertilizer produce profit? n Can I identify weed seedlings, plant disease symptoms and various types of insect damage

Is ICPM for you? n Other than chemical control, do I know additional methods to control crop pests? n Do I examine fields during the growing season other than from the pickup? n Do I accurately measure and record precipitation? n Can I manage crop residue to minimize disease and weed problems, while conserving water?

Is ICPM for you? n If you answered “NO” to any of these questions, ICPM could be for you.

Field Scouting n Crop and pest monitoring should be based on four or more locations within the field. –avoid field borders, fence rows, ditch banks –weeds, insects, disease etc. –keep written records n When to scout –seedling-tillering –tillering-jointing –jointing-heading –heading-maturity

What to look for when scouting n Seedling stage –weeds –soil moisture –plant population –leaf diseases –cutworms –wireworms –aphids

What to look for when scouting n Tillering stage –weeds –plant population –viruses –leaf diseases –cutworms –wireworms –aphids –hessian fly

What to look for when scouting n Jointing stage –viruses –leaf diseases –aphids –hessian fly –sawfly adults

What to look for when scouting n Heading stage –smut –root rots –viruses –leaf diseases –wheat stem maggots –aphids

What to look for when scouting n Maturity –plant height –weeds (especially perennials) –plant head –population –smut –root rots –sawfly

Collecting a plant sample n gently pull or dig plant (keep soil intact) n press soil and roots into a firm ball, place in plastic bag and seal. keep leaves outside bag n keep cool until taking to the county agent or mailing to MSU

Estimating Grain Yield À select appropriate length of row to measure 1 sq. ft. of land (Table I-3) Á select at random 10 sites and measure the predetermined length of row (from step #1)  in each of the rows, count the number of heads à determine the number of kernels per head by obtaining 25 heads from the field at random and counting the kernels in each head

Estimating Grain Yield Ä calculate the number of seeds per sq. ft. (hds/sq ft) x (seeds/hd) = (seeds/ft) Å calculate yield, divided seeds per sq. ft. by the following: –wheat = 20 –2-row barley = 12 –6-row barley = 14 Æ yield = (seeds/sq. ft) / conversion factor

Estimating Grain Yield n Example: n 6” row spacing n Row length = 24” n Avg. Number of heads in row = 37 n Avg. number of seeds/hd = 26.1 n seeds/sq. ft. = 37 x 26.1 = 966 n 966 / 20 = 48.3

Crop Management Information n Field Season Summary Sheet: n Precipitation information (at least every 15 days) oil will prevent evaporation n Stored soil water at planting time n Potential yield n Harvested yield, test weight, protein n Cropping history (Sp. Wht / SF/ Barley)

Crop Management Information n Field situation (variety & planting info) n Soil test summary n Fertilizer treatments & dates n Herbicide treatments & dates

Yield Evaluation n compare harvested yield to predicted n if potential is not achieved, determine yield limiting factors n herbicide damage can cause yield loss up to 7 bu/ac