Understanding decision making for western bean cutworm chemical management in Nebraska through stakeholder surveys

The western bean cutworm (Striacosta albicosta; Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a critical pest of corn found in its native range of the western Great Plains and its expanded range in the Great Lakes. Management with Bt traits or insecticide applications are necessary to prevent larval feeding and yield loss. The most common methods for S. albicosta chemical management in Nebraska are aerial application and chemigation (application of insecticides using an irrigation system). Reports from stakeholders indicate that satisfaction with chemical applications is highly variable. To understand current chemical control practices, we distributed a survey to Nebraska corn growers, crop consultants, and professional pesticide applicators. The survey had 55 questions that covered respondent demographics, details about how aerial application and/or chemigation is practiced, and factors that they believe are leading to successful or unsuccessful applications. A total of 123 responses were received across the three career categories. For both aerial application and chemigation, timeliness of application was the most important factor (80% aerial, 77% chemigation). The second most important factor was effectiveness against the insect pest for aerial (47%) or economic costs for chemigation (69%). Insecticide selection for aerial application was driven by price (82%) and efficacy (88%). Several application factors related to insecticides, rates, tank mixes, spray volumes, environmental conditions, and equipment choices were associated with successful or unsuccessful pesticide applications. Results from this survey will help us to share best application practices with stakeholders to improve pest and resistance management, reduce environmental risk, and provide economic benefits to growers.