Corn seed prices have increased about four-fold in the last two decades. This increase in cost is in part due to new seed traits, such as Bt corn hybrids, pesticide seed treatments, and herbicide tolerance. Because early season insect management products are often applied in combination and overlap in their target spectrum, it is difficult to determine which parts of the package provide benefits for insect pest management in Maryland. Widespread adoption of these technologies has reduced insect pest pressure regionally.
This year's research will compare conventional non-Bt corn to a standard Bt trait package planting bare seed, bare seed with pyrethroid in-furrow, and neonicotinoid insecticide treated seed at three University of Maryland research farms. They will measure pest abundance, beneficial arthropod activity, crop stand, and yield in experimental plots that are as large as possible to improve comparisons of yield and beneficial arthropod activity.
A better understanding of the contribution individual early season insect pest control tactics and the yield gains associated with each, will allow producers to maximize profits and potentially reduce insecticide usage. Reducing insecticide usage can diversify grain markets available and improve the image of agriculture.
The Maryland Grain Producers is honored to have funded insect research since 2015, providing $99,000 towards reducing corn input costs and insect management.
