Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/07
Outputs
Nitrogen rates play an important role in the population dynamics of phytophagous insects. Significant primary consumer density reductions in cotton can be made by avoiding luxury consumption of nitrogen and water. Our recent research shows a decrease in Lygus spp. densities at lower nitrogen rates. There is a point in the system where predator/prey ratio (PPR) stability is achieved yet nitrogen levels are not excessive for plant development. Excessive nitrogen increases pest insect densities decreasing PPR ratios, i.e. the system becomes less stable and pest insects are unchecked by predators and parasitoids for a period of time. Indirectly, biological control of pest insects can be managed by reducing or precision applications of nitrogen. Two major causes for instability of the predator/prey systems occur ie. from insecticide and excessive nitrogen use.
Impacts
Approximately 1 million acres of cotton are grown in the Southwest, 67,000 of which are grown in New Mexico alone. Traditional growers have become accustomed to using luxury amounts of water and nitrogen, in turn attracting invasive insect populations that must be treated with multiple sprayings of insecticide. Central to this project is the idea of using biological control instead of insecticides to treat key pests in cotton production. Eradication programs have virtually eliminated the threat of primary pests in cotton production, so growers can focus on the treatment of secondary pests. We propose at use beneficial natural insect predators to control pest populations in cotton instead of using insecticides in New Mexico. The use of biological control is not only safer, but a more effective defense. Our growers should concentrate on reducing costs, increasing the use of technology and exploiting niche markets, like organic markets, if we are to maintain market share,
any techniques being employed here will prove to be useful in the production of other crops, such as alfalfa and pecans. Improving analytical technology will help growers convert to precision organic management practices.
Publications
- Ellington, J.J., T. Carrillo, J. McCauley, Denise McWilliams, J. Lillywhite, J. Pierce and J. Drake. 2007. Precision cotton production. New Mexico State University Circular 629.
|
Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Penstenus ssp. were released for Lygus spp. control. Due to the lack of operational funds further biological programs have been suspended.
Impacts
It is too early to tell if Peristenus ssp. have reduced populations of Lygus spp.
Publications
- Richman, D.B. Drake, T. Carrillo, S. Leisner, C.S. Bundy and J.J. Ellington. 2006. A color key to the common spiders found in alfalfa and cotton in New Mexico. Cooperative Extension Service. Circular 609.
- Ellington, J., T. Carrillo, J. White, C. Sutherland, D. Richman, J. Drake and S. Bundy. 2005. Guide to the biological control of some common yard and garden pest insects in New Mexico. Cooperative Extension Circular 607.
|
Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Laser and infrared reflectance measurements are being evaluated to increase accuracy and speed. A robotic arm is also being evaluated to automate the system's sorting process. Redesign of the mounting and placement of cameras are being looked at as well. A dry granualar applicator has been ordered to replace foliar liquid applicators for precision nitroben application. Advantages include less weight and longer breakdown of residual nitrogen. Previous research developed a range of parameters which will be used to set baseline detection and application indices. The budget calculator will determine which will be most profitable. We are working with Extension Plant Sciences to increase grower awareness. We are also going to include the budget calculator in the web site once all calculations are verified. A Nitrogen Budget Calculator has been developed by Dr. Jay Lillywhite that will allow growers to change various input variables to estimate profit. The emphasis is
focused on nitrogen, pesticide growth regulator water and labor reduction. This model can be used to compare the cost benefit ratio between organic and conventional grown cotton. It is our plan to post this model on the web so growers have immediate access.Our intent is to commercialize the FARM system to sustain and improve the economic viability of agriculture operations in the United States.
Impacts
Our intent is to commercialize the FARM system to sustain and improve the economic viability of agriculture operations in the United States: Open new markets to farmers and ranchers by offering viable organic and sustainable production alternatives; Reduce production costs on farms and ranches by controlling destructive insects, plant diseases and weeds with sustainable and relatively inexpensive biological control alternatives; Increase environmental quality and the natural resources base upon which agriculture and related economies depend; Establish an outreach program to include a website and newsletter which develops guidelines for organic and sustainable crop management, water use efficiency, and biological pest control.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
In cotton, NDVI readings and pounds of seed cotton produced at five irrigations and 45 lbs N2 were not significantly different from higher water and fertilizer rates. High Lygus densities were highly correlated with high N2 rates but not with high water rates. The density of the beneficial insect complex was not correlated with either N2 or water. Cotton model data has been recorded but thus far not analyzed. Early indicators suggest it may be possible to predict yield from NDVI readings. In order to evaluate the potential reducing inputs for cotton production in New Mexico, these experiments need to be carried out on grower fields to evaluate the economic potential of profit.
Impacts
Research will decrease the use of N2, water and insecticides in cotton production in the west.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Cotton planted at the Leyendecker Plant Science Center received treatments of low, medium and high water allotments and low or high fertilizer applications, replicated four times. Moisture sensors were placed in each replications of water allotment at depths of one, two and three feet. Readings were taken three times a week. Low water allotment constituted maintaining soil moisture in excess of 23 centibars prior to irrigation, medium water allotment maintained moisture readings at 23 centibars and high water allotment never exceeded 23 centibar (luxury moisture consumption). Cardy meter readings were taken once a week to estimate nitrate levels in plant tissue. Five leaves from each replication were taken, macerated and contents analyzed for nitrogen, measured in parts per million. GreenSeeker infrared meter readings were taken 3 times a week from each replication. This gave us an index number that was associated with stress either form water (moisture sensors) or
nitrogen (Cardy meter). One hundred row feet from each replication was vacuum sampled to estimate insect density at least once a week. Insect density will be correlated to index numbers generated from the infrared readings. COTMAN, an expert system for "COTman MANagement" was used to collect physiological crop information based on in-season plant monitoring. The system will track physiological growth patterns and cutoff. These data show there is a significant difference p<.001 in GreenSeeker index numbers from irrigation treatments but not from fertilizer treatments. Insect data, yield and plant physiology data need to be counted and analyzed. Released new species of Trichogramma and Lacewings (Chripocera).
Impacts
This project will allow growers to precisely monitor water, N2 and insects in cotton ecosystems.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
|