Insect Pest Management Videotapes

"Insect Scouting in Corn" and "Insect Scouting in Soybeans and Alfalfa." Robert J. Wright and Keith J. Jarvi. 1989. Available for $29.95 each plus sales tax ($50 plus sales tax for both on one tape) from: Field Scouting, 104 Agricultural Communications, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0918.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) emphasizes using all available control measures, both chemical and nonchemical, compatibly to maintain pest levels below those causing economic loss. Demonstration and education programs to promote IPM in a variety of crops have been funded nationally since 1971 with ES- USDA funds. Commonly, many IPM programs use individuals (often terms "scouts") to regularly check fields for the presence of pest and beneficial organisms. Many states conduct training sessions for individuals planning to work as crop scouts, to train them in pest identification and sampling techniques on the crops in question. These training videotapes were developed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to supplement ongoing programs.

The videotapes were designed to train individuals who will be in the field scouting for insects, which could include field scouts, crop consultants, agribusiness firm employees, and crop producers. Potential users also include individuals who work with these people-Extension personnel and vocational agriculture teachers.

The tapes provide information on identification and scouting procedures for major pest insects on corn, soybeans, and alfalfa commonly found in Nebraska and surrounding midwestern states. A combination of color videotape shots in the field, color photographs, and text slides are used to present the material, accompanied by narration. Identification of beneficial predatory insects and mites is also covered. Introductory material describes what IPM is and the benefits of using this approach in crop production. Both videotapes are available in 1/2 inch VHS format. The corn videotape is 26 minutes long, the soybean and alfalfa videotape 21 minutes long.

Classroom training sessions are often conducted during Winter or Spring, when it's difficult to have an outdoor laboratory session to demonstrate what to look for in the field. The videotapes, through use of color footage of insects as they appear in the field, provide a potential substitute for a field training session. Another possible use is for individuals to view them at home and have them available for review at the beginning of the field season as a "refresher" course. They could also be used in vocational agriculture classes as additional resource material about agricultural crop production.