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Farm Level Spatially-Variable Insecticide Applications Based on Remotely Sensed Imagery
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ABSTRACT This is a continuation of an experiment that began in 1999, and was further explored in 2000. It consisted of the use of remotely sensed imagery to identify habitat suitable for the tarnished plant bug Lygus lineolaris. Remotely-sensed imagery maps areas of vibrant crop growth, facilitating on-the-ground scouting efforts to determine which areas of the field (or fields) may need to be treated by pesticides to prevent yield loss. The imagery may also provide a template for the generation of site- specific insecticide prescriptions (for example Bidrin, $6.80/acre). The 2001 Spatially Variable Insecticide (SVI) experiment at Perthshire Farms encompassed nearly 1000 acres. Remotely sensed multispectral imagery was collected every 7 to 10 days over the study site and was used to direct insect sampling. There were a total of 15 SVI applications during the growing season. Analysis of the yield data indicated no significant difference between spatially variable and blanket insecticide applications. Use of SVI technologies reduced insecticide usage and application costs by 44% and 33%, respectively. |
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Document last modified May 20, 2002
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