MATCH TRAITS TO RISK: Cutting out rootworm protection to save money could backfire if you are in continuous corn, especially if you have experienced problems before. Tom J. Bechman
The Indiana Certified Crop Adviser panel includes Steve Gauck, an agronomy manager for Beck's, Greensburg; Jeff Nagel, agronomist for Keystone Cooperative, Lafayette; Marty Park, agronomist with Gutwein Seed Services, Rensselaer; and Dan Quinn, Purdue University Extension corn specialist, West Lafayette.
My lender says to "trim more costs." Should I switch to hybrids without rootworm or corn borer traits? We haven't had insect problems lately.
Gauck: Trimming costs and maintaining yield is critical. Selecting the right hybrids is the largest yield factor after weather. Yet many go there first to cut costs. Have rootworms been a concern in your area? Once your crop is planted, you don't have any options to treat corn rootworm. If you have not had a rootworm issue, it could be a place to reduce costs.
Corn borer can be treated with good scouting. Monitor corn borer moth flights, determine egg laying time and make an application when larvae hatch. But you must control corn borers before they enter plants.
Cutting back on insect traits depends on how risk averse you are. Consider all your management practices. What gives the best return on investment? What gives lower ROI? Decide where cuts should be made.
Nagel: Growing season weather plays a big role in yield potential. However, modern genetics coupled with intentional management result in impressive yields and handle in-season stresses better overall.
For the seed decision, focus on yield potential and stability first. Add insect protecting traits where you're most likely to see benefits. Best yield-potential hybrids often come with insect protecting traits.
Corn rootworm pressure is lower even in historically high-pressure areas. Corn rootworm protection is likely only needed in higher risk situations like corn-on-corn.
European corn borer and western bean cutworm infestations are sporadic. First-generation ECB and WBC can be reasonably managed with scouting and insecticide, but it takes effort and time. Second-generation ECB and corn earworm are more difficult. Collaborate with a trusted adviser to assess insect risk and make informed decisions.
Park: Focus on maximizing yield potential in the most cost-effective manner. Consider how much risk to accept. If your area has potential for rootworm damage, take that into consideration. There are some insecticide options that could be applied at planting but compare costs per acre vs. built-in traits. If your area frequently has potential for ECB, consider that risk. Rescue treatments are not nearly as effective as traits and insecticide.
Corn hybrids with insecticide traits are usually glyphosate- and/or glufosinate-tolerant. If you use those herbicides, not using traits could mean adjusting your herbicide program and cost more. Plant hybrids with the best agronomics and a consistent performance record while considering potential insect risks.
Quinn: Align your trait package with actual insect risk. Historically, low pressure in Indiana opens the door to considering hybrids without rootworm protection in rotated fields. In continuous corn, the risk remains too high. If you switch to hybrids without rootworm traits, monitor fields closely by placing sticky traps for adults or digging and rating roots.
To trim costs, match traits to your true risk level. It might mean stepping down from multiple insect traits in rotated fields while maintaining stronger trait packages in continuous corn or fields with documented insect issues. That reduces seed costs without unnecessary risk. However, annual scouting is still critical, so you can respond promptly if insect pressure rises.