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Integration of Cotman into an Existing Scouting Program

W.C. Robertson, J.B. Welch, and Q.R. Hornsby


 
ABSTRACT

COTMAN, a computerized system to aid in cotton management, is a tool producers and consultants are integrating into their management programs. This survey evaluated various methods in which COTMAN could be integrated into an insect scouting program and compared changes in scouting techniques and other management decisions. Four Arkansas COTMAN users who attended training sessions and used the program in their daily activities in 1996 were surveyed. The survey represented over 20,000 acres of cotton. COTMAN data was collected during a 10 week period utilizing published guidelines. The whole plant search method of insect scouting was used by crop advisors participating in this survey. The time required of personnel to collect COTMAN data in the field ranged from 20 to 23 minutes per field visit. Of the 21 minutes required to collect COTMAN and insect scouting data by the same field crew, 6 minutes were required for COTMAN. Time spent in the office and traveling between fields varied for field personnel. Additional time required of management for interpretation and development of recommendations and ranged from 3 to 15 hours per week. The direct cost of labor and travel ranged from $1.27 to $1.75/ac for once a week, and $3.49/ac for twice a week data collection of COTMAN. The direct cost of labor and travel was determined to be $4.80/ac when COTMAN and insect scouting was collected by the same field crew. These costs did not include overhead or return to management. Total fruit counts and percent small square set determinations were eliminated from scouting procedures as a result of COTMAN. These time savings can allow for COTMAN and insect scouting to be performed by the same crew in a similar time frame as that required for the traditional insect scouting. Those surveyed indicated that COTMAN provided quality control measures to their scouting programs because of the strong cross-check for early- and mid-season square set and insect activity, especially in the terminal of the plant. Recommendations by COTMAN for insecticide and crop termination were used with a high level of confidence by those responding to this survey. COTMAN can be integrated into an existing insect scouting program and can benefit the producer as well as those providing the service.



Reprinted from Proceedings of the 1997 Beltwide Cotton Conferences pp. 475 - 477
©National Cotton Council, Memphis TN

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Document last modified Sunday, Dec 6 1998