Impact of conservation tillage and other cultural practices on tobacco insect pests.
PI(s): Semtner, Paul J
Investigators: Srigiriraju, Lakshmipathi, Reed, Thomas David
Abstract: Research is underway in cooperation with Dr. David Reed of the Southern Piedmont AREC to investigate insect pests and their management on conservation-tilled tobacco. Results indicate that conservation-tillage reduces the incidence of aphids and flea beetles, but its impact on hornworms has been inconsistent. Findings also indicate that flue-cured tobacco grown in conservation tillage systems can produce yield and quality similar to conventional tobacco. Research is being continued to evaluate various cultivation methods, cover crops, and insecticides for managing insect pests on tobacco. This research has helped increase the use of conservation tillage in flue-cured tobacco production in Virginia.
Description:
Commodities: Tobacco
Resources: Agricultural Experiment Station Facilities, Entomology Laboratory - Southern Piedmont AREC, Facilities at Southern Piedmont and Southwest Virginia ARECs
Disciplines: Biological Control, Ecology, Environmental Quality, Integrated Pest Management, Pesticides, Sustainable Agriculture
Audiences: Agribusiness, Commodity Groups, Environmental Groups, Extension Agents, Government Agencies, Graduate Students, Producers, Researchers
