Have a Plan and Be Prepared When a Farmer Calls
Being a reliable and confident source of information leads to long-term farmer customer relationships. Knowing what a farmer needs before he needs it helps you be prepared when they call.
“I advise having a plan in place with a grower that includes options which can be implemented if scouts or consultants identify a pest species that needs to be addressed,” says Jeff Moon, market development specialist, Corteva Agriscience. “This can not only eliminate surprises but also help the retailer stock appropriate products, so they are ready to implement the plan.”
Moon notes that pressure from soybean aphids over the past two years has been consistent and an outbreak of spider mites occurred in 2023. Both pests can be destructive and a challenge to control. Maintaining resistance management stewardship while gauging the timing of aphid control applications is crucial, and the life cycle of spider mites adds to that complexity.
“While other products offer limited control, Ridgeback insecticide has performed well the last two years on both of these troublesome pests,” Moon says. “Although no two production seasons are exactly the same, discussing 2023 issues with growers should be central when planning for 2024.”
In addition to covering what happened to individual grower customers, Moon recommends incorporating what the retailer saw across the entire service area. Winter update meetings also are a great chance for retailers to hear about issues from the past season and solutions they can offer their farmer clients.
Wide spaced, very clean soybean field
“Aphids and mites won’t show up until later in the growing season, but it is a good idea to make sure your farmers know what symptoms to be looking for in their crops,” Moon says. “Spider mites tend to show up in dry or droughty conditions, so if lack of moisture brings on those conditions, stay on high alert and be ready.”
The action threshold for aphids is 250 per plant with populations increasing. Frequent scouting is essential and will help farmers preserve the crop’s maximum yield potential. Plants that are already under stress from moisture will deteriorate quickly once aphids and/or mites move in.
It is always good to remind farmers that Ridgeback® insecticide fits well in their product stewardship efforts because it offers two modes of action – Isoclast® active and bifenthrin. Delivering quick knockdown and long-lasting residual control will be needed when those pyrethroid-resistant soybean aphids and other sap-feeding and chewing pests meet threshold levels in corn and soybeans.
With one easy-to-use premix, Ridgeback insecticide is an excellent rotational partner for on-farm sustainability and resistance management.
“Know what you are looking for ahead of time and be ready to implement your insect control plan as needed,” Moon says.
Ridgeback insecticide with Isoclast active from Corteva Agriscience gives corn and soybean growers a new weapon against difficult-to-control pests, including pyrethroid-resistant insects. Refer to product label for complete product use information.
™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. Ridgeback® is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Isoclast® is a registered active ingredient. Always read and follow label directions. ©2024 Corteva. 020241 BR (03/24) CAAG4TFRM057