STOPPING THE MARCH OF FALL ARMYWORMS (ALABAMA'S SWEEP NET MONITORING PROGRAM)
Extension Education
Ken Kelley
Regional Extension Agent
ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM
BREWTON
Abstract
\r\n Fall Armyworms had a devastating impact on Alabama livestock and forage producers in 2010. Drought conditions and high temperatures provided an optimum environment for the pest to do hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage to Alabama Forage crops. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association worked together to help keep forage producers informed of armyworm movement and management options in 2011 in an effort to keep from repeating the disaster of 2010. Sweep nets were purchased by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. A YouTube video was filmed to illustrate proper armyworm scouting techniques using the sweep nets. A timely information sheet was published explaining how to use the sweep nets. Two Alabama Cattlemen magazine articles were written to teach cattlemen about fall armyworm biology and management. Sweep nets were distributed to numerous cattle and forage producers, and to the local county extension offices. Regional and County agents addressed local and state cattlemen’s groups to inform them of how to use the sweepnets and how to control armyworms if they were detected. A website was created to highlight where armyworms had been located in the state, and a listserv was formed to get the information to as large of an audience as possible. The program proved highly successful, saving the forage producers of Alabama approximately $817,920 in 2011.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: W.K. Kelley, K.L. Flanders
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Kelley, W. County Extension Coordinator, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 36426
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Flanders, K. Extension Specialist Professor, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 36849