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University of Wyoming
 

IPM STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE BLACK GRASS BUG MANAGEMENT IN WYOMING GRASSLANDS ENROLLED IN CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM

(WYO-413-07)

Agriculturists in Wyoming and several other western states (Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Arizona, Oregon, and Washington) are facing an unprecedented increase in rangeland damage by black grass bugs (BGB) (Hemiptera: Miridae). Aggravated by continuing drought, this damage is most severe on improved grasslands enrolled in the CRP, covering over 6 million acres in these states. The affected grasslands rapidly deteriorate, losing their value as wildlife habitat. The BGB infestations often spread from grassland to adjacent wheat fields, causing significant crop losses. Stakeholders are seriously concerned with the BGB problem and expressed willingness to collaborate on the project. The purpose of this field-oriented, multi-disciplinary project is to develop an integrated strategy for sustainable BGB management in CRP grasslands allowing to protect ecosystem conservation and biodiversity. It will be based on assessment of BGB infestations through remotely sensed/GIS and ground survey techniques. Potential management approaches include livestock grazing, mechanical harvesting, and insecticide applications, which may be combined in an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. Management options will be evaluated for their efficacy, cost-effectiveness and environmental risk reduction. The most efficacious, economical, and sustainable IPM approaches will be demonstrated to land managers to enhance adoption.