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Funded Project

Funding Program: Enhancement Grants - Special Projects

Project Title: Integrated Pest Management of Grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in Texas High Plains Cotton

Project Director (PD): Steven G. Davis [1]

Lead State: TX Lead Organization: Texas Cooperative Extension

Undesignated Funding: $10,345

Start Date: Jul-01-2004 End Date: Jun-30-2005

Pests Involved: grasshoppers

Site/Commodity: cotton

Summary: It is the intent of this `special' research project to further the Southern Region Integrated Pest Management Program (SRII'M) in upland cotton and other warm season crops on the High Plains of Texas. This project will utilize multidisciplinary research, education and extension involvement in addressing IPM and Conservation Reserve Programs (CRP) locally established in Crosby and Floyd Counties of Texas. The time frame proposed is a two-year study with the first year in this localized two-county area. A much broader area of the South Plains along the Llano Estecado Escarpment (six county area) will be involved as the project is extended to the second year. Texas Cooperative Extension (TCE), through the local Extension Agent - IPM, will initially survey, collect specimens and record grasshopper population data regarding species emerging from CRP acres adjacent to high value production fields. Timely recommendations will be made, as needed, for applications with approved pesticides. This project begun out of necessity to; 1) initiate a species diversity data base to recognize predominant species or combination of species which are the most detrimental to cotton and other crop production sites; 2) aid in reducing the threat of insect damage by proactive field-scouting; 3) reduce the use of broad-spectrum insecticides which may prove to be harmful to the environment; and 4) educate and involve agricultural producers in the scouting practices, pest recognition and pro-active treatment of potential grasshopper problems with acceptable practices. CRP acres total in excess of 187,000 in Crosby and Floyd Counties due to provisions of the last two Federal Farm Bills. Ultimately, a full 25% of all cultivated acres could become CRP qualified, according to current provisions, if sign-up is extended. With the extreme populations of grasshoppers that have been experienced in this area for the last two years, potential for extended hot and dry climatic conditions, and the projected numbers from the Hopper® Computer Model for 2004, agricultural producers could experience significant economic in the very near future by these pests. Objectives: Although the species of grasshoppers are fairly well known for this area, there is a necessity to document the actual individuals as a tool for increased understanding of potential outbreaks that may arise. This is especially important as over 400 species of hoppers have been identified in Texas (Metcalf, 1962). Trapping and sweep-netting will be done twice weekly in the mid-April to mid-June time frame. The first year, sampling will be confined primarily to Crosby and Floyd Counties with an ever-increasing five county area sampled during the remainder of the study to document species and their distribution. Random CRP fields, pasture borders and adjacent field crop margins will be the prime target for this sampling regimen. Early sampling strategies mentioned should allow for recognition of hot spots or areas of higher concentrations that will warrant chemical intervention to prevent outbreaks resulting in crop damage. Early scouting will allow for detection of primary instars which potentially can be controlled in a smaller area with less insecticide utilized. Also, adoption and eventual utilization of the RAAT approach through replicated field studies will further reduce pesticide usage. Of increasing importance and one parallel, underlying interest in this study is the stakeholder involvement leading to ownership of the Integrated Pest Management of grasshoppers that are detrimental to the local farming communities. With producer involvement, the sustainable nature of the program will be successful due to local leadership and perpetual participation.

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