Veteran's Day

We don't have a specific blog assignment due today and I was going to post my extra credit assignment but I decided to blog about Veteran's Day instead.

First of all: to all the veterans I want to thank you for serving our country.

Secondly: to all the soldiers, wherever you are stationed, thank you for serving our country & I hope you come home safely.

Thirdly: for the families thank you for supporting your soldiers

This year Veteran's Day holds a different meaning for me. As some of you know, last month my favorite veteran, Daddy Mac passed away. I wasn't able to go home to celebrate his life with my family and today I'm thinking about him and his service to our country. I wasn't born when he was in Japan and Korea but one of my fondest memories him relates to his service. Daddy Mac would never say "good-bye" but he would give me a big hug and say "I'll see you later. " He said that he did that because he always hated leaving his family and having to say good-bye so this was his way of accepting this hardship.

I feel that some people don't truly understand the hardship that those of us with family & friends in the military go through. When our loved one is overseas in a combat zone- we watch the news, pray everyday, and jump when the phone rings. Our thoughts are always with that person- where are they today, are they okay, and hoping that they are safe.

This morning I was greatly disappointed that I couldn't watch the Veteran's Day Parade and add my silent support for those serving and those that had served. I did take the time to thank a soldier on my way to class. I also texted one of my friends to wish him a nice day. This is one day that I think we should all be able to take off and take the time to do something nice to recognize those that make the sacrifice to serve our country.

So I want to thank Daddy Mac, Andy, Steve, Dave, Herald, Gary, Jason, Phil, Pat, Eric, and AJ for serving our country; I'm glad that you all made it back home!

This week we had more insect bytes due so mine are below:

http://ent612.wetpaint.com/page/strawberry (lygus bug is a key pest on strawberries)

http://ent612.wetpaint.com/page/brown+recluse+spider (yes, I got to do an arachnid!!)

Extra Credit

Ah Extra Credit- I'm sure some of you are thinking does she REALLY need extra credit? Well, in my opinion, YES!!! I really do.

So one of our extra credit "assignments" is to find two videos (one bad & one good) based on a crop that we have looked at (corn, wheat, soybean, alfalfa, sunflowers, and sorghum) on http://www.you-tube.com/. Then we are to explain why we liked or disliked each video. We can only do two crops since each crop is worth 5 points and there is a maximum of 10 extra credit points.

So first up: CORN


In my opinion this is a good video. Two men (Darren & Brian Hefty) have a television show (Ag PhD) where they talk about several aspects of farming. I looked at a few of the shows videos before I found this one. In this episode they discuss tips for when to use fungicides in corn. I appreciate the fact that they talk about how important weather is when determining if using a fungicide is justified. However, I think the video could be improved with better photography (its a bit grainy) and if they discussed the diseases and signs of the disease in more detail.



In my opinion this is a BAD, BAD, BAD video for many reasons. If you don't want to watch the video I understand its 10 minutes LONG - yes I watched the entire video. It seems to be what occurs in this farmers life when he's harvesting corn; he harvests corn, loads corn, unloads corn, drives through town (NOTE- they have nice bus stops), and repeat (several times). In addition, there are no words or text so unless you are a farmer or know a lot about farming- you have NO IDEA what's going on. No I'm not a farmer so I'm guessing as to what he's doing. However, the music is great (sounds a bit like Enimga) so I enjoyed listening to that while being bored by the video. However, I think this could become a good video with editing (lots of editing). In addition, add some text or voice overs for what's going on (for example- the farmer could introduce the video by saying "Hi I'm [insert name here] and I'm going to show you a typical day when I'm harvesting corn."). Now, I understand that this video was done in some other country (likely a slavic country given the text at the end of the video {credits?}) but I'm sure that not everyone in this persons country knows what he's doing and there are translator software packages out there. For those of you with young ones- I'm curious as to if your children liked the video (lots of cool machinery) so if you could give me some feedback on that aspect I would appreciate it.



I admit that this video was just for fun. I was looking for corn videos and ran across this one and despite the fact that its not educational it is visually & musically enjoyable. Think of this as a reward for sitting through the above 10 minute video- a well deserved reward!



Next up: SOYBEANS

I found another good video on insects. However, this video is VERY long (16 minutes). They do use text to break up the video and provide information such as economic thresholds. In addition they have music in "text breaks". However, I think this video could be improved by cutting the video in half in essence making two videos (one for Japanese Beetle and one for Soybean Aphid). In addition, I think that Dr. Cullen could discuss natural enemies of these two pests in order to provide a more complete picture of these soybean insect pests.



So I thought I would see if I could find a better harvesting video. I watched several and they are all similar to the 10 minute corn video. However, this one while still bad for all the non-informative reasons mentioned above is MUCH BETTER than the corn video. So please note that this one is shorter (much shorter- less repetition) and the song kicks ASS (yes, it's more metal so be forewarned before going down this road). If there are any farmers out there that are interested in making a video of your harvest, please, please, please tell us less farm machinery oriented people what you are doing so we can learn. Thanks! (Note- I did talk to one of my friends about these harvesting videos and he agrees with me that there should be some detail about what the farmer/grower is doing)



And to end on a high note: I found dancing slugs (that's right I said dancing slugs)! Enjoy!!

How on earth do Dectes survive the winter?

This week we had ANOTHER indoor lab. I'm sorry, I would have rather gone out in the sprinkles (if you could call them that) and looked at anything (dirt, soybean lodged plants from Dectes larvae, jack-o-lanterns, heck even pre-Halloween Christmas decorations). My brain really didn't want to be inside and thinking!

Images from extension.missouri.edu

Dectes larva (left); Dectes adult (right)

So, this weeks assignment was to look at if Dectes texanus (Dectes stem borer) are cold tolerant or cold intolerant (avoid cold). Dectes is a stem borer in soybean; its “original” host is sunflower but in Kansas it is typically found in soybeans (weird, right? another one of entomology's conundrums). For more information on Dectes: http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef149.asp


Cold tolerant insects have “defenses” that keep them alive after they have been frozen at the supercooling point. These defenses include the use of ice nucleating proteins, production of cyroprotectants, and restriction or tolerance of intracellular freezing.

Cold intolerant insects, also, have defenses against cold but often die when they are frozen at the supercooling point. These defenses include migration, hibernation, avoidance, and removal of ice nucleating materials from gut.

For more detail on insect winter survival strategies: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insect_winter_ecology

We used a “frosty” (seriously that's what they are called) to lower the temperature of 10 thermoconductors with Dectes larvae on them and wrapped in gauze to -15 degrees C and look at survival. Unfortunately, only two of these showed the curve that our teacher is looking for but he reassured us that he has done this several times and that all of the Dectes died. So how do they survive the winter in Kansas?

We then looked at reasons why/how Dectes larvae (overwintering life-stage) would be able to survive in the winter, in Kansas in the two plants (sunflower & soybean). The class came up with several hypotheses:


Tunnel humidity caused by frass cap at end of stem
Stem Size
Chamber Size (width)
Snow and/or soil as insulation against cold
Dectes size (more pith in sunflowers so larger in sunflowers than in soybeans)

The class decided to test chamber size by selecting three representatives from each crop (sunflower and soybeans) with a similar amount of soil around the roots, place the thermocoupler electrodes into the stem to a depth where the Dectes larva would overwinter (so under the soil), and run the experiment until it plateaus out so where there is no more change. So the idea is to see if there is a difference between the two crops. I would say that the hypothesis is that it takes longer for the wider chambers (sunflowers) to reach the supercooling point (-15 degrees C).

For further information on how this experiment was done please look at the teachers class blog: http://ipdmanhattan.blogspot.com/

The below graph is the result of "our" experiment. Each line is a mean of the three plants; xsun is the sunflower, xsoy the soybean, and the control is a measure of the external temperature of the plants (the termocouplers were attached to the outside of the plants).


The first thing to note about this graph is that the control rapidly drops in temperature whereas the plants have a slow descent into the colder temperatures. This indicates that the plants provide some protection for the Dectes larvae overwintering in these plants. The second key point is that the plants plataue above the supercooling point of -15 degrees C which further strengths the thought that the plants are providing protection for the overwintering larvae. The third point is that the sunflowers have a "gentler" slope than the soybeans which may provide more time for overwintering larvae to "adjust" to the colder temperatures. The final point is that soybeans and sunflowers plateau at the same time which indicates that at that point there is no advantage over one plant or the other for the survival of the overwintering larvae which as mentioned earlier is above the supercooling point.

My initial thought about this study was that we might need another control which represented stems without a ball of dirt around them. Now that I've looked at the data I'm undecided about another control (it could help and it shouldn't hurt the data). Setting that aside- I think this data tells us quite a bit and indicates that perhaps just being in the plant keeps the Dectes alive during the winter. However, I think a more important question (given the above data) is why the shift from the original host plant (sunflowers) to soybeans?

Experience rating:

Interesting even though we didn't get to "play" outside. Now that I've looked at the data I have more questions than I did during the class devoted to this lab.

I have another FREE BLOG WEEK! CARTOONS!!!

So since we had an exam our teacher extended the deadline for the discussion blog which as you may know I posted last week.

So I have another week where I could find a couple more cartoons (to be honest I had already planned them out) for my "godson" and hear what his mom and dad have to say about watching MORE insect cartoons.

So first up: Happy Halloween (Samhain for those of you pagan inclined)!

For all the growers out there- this is what the caterpillars are doing in the spring in your field, garden, flower pot, yard, etc.

And finally but most importantly, another "dragonfly" for Matthew! To be honest the insects are actually damsel flies but I'll save that discussion for another day.

I hope everyone enjoys their week & has a Happy & safe Samhain!!!

We did have the sunflower insect byte due this week & wheat (links below) is due the following week so I took care of both of them so I could free up some time for research writing (YEAH RIGHT!!!).

http://ent612.wetpaint.com/page/tumbling+flower+beetle Sunflower Pest

http://ent612.wetpaint.com/page/orange+wheat+blossom+midge Wheat Pest

Ah- so before I forget I rode me bike through City Park on my way home & another lace bug rode with me home. They are so pretty- at least I think they are pretty but I'm an entomologist what can I say? Lace bugs are pests on ornamental plants but I still like them maybe I would like them less if they wanted to munch on my "balcony garden."

Eggplant Lace Bug
Photo from organicgardeninfo.com

(On far Right) Sycamore Lace Bug Photo from marietta.edu

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7428.html Follow this link to learn more about lace bugs as a pest.

WARNING- Angela on the “soap box” regarding intellectual property & research

This week we did not have a lab but we were asked to read a couple of brief articles and then we were to have a discussion regarding the papers.

Waltz, E., 2009. Under Wraps. Nature Biotechnology. 27 (10): 880-882. Link for the article below:

http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v27/n10/pdf/nbt1009-880.pdf

American Seed Trade Association's Executive Committee (2009), Biotechnology Industry Organization's Food & Agriculture Section Governing Board (2010). Research with Commercially Available Seed Products (Internal ASTA Draft). Unpublished Policy Recommendations pending approval(s). Link for general information regarding ASTA below:

http://www.amseed.com/

To briefly explain the “problem” which is addressed in Waltz's article: there are several crop industry companies with seed products which have genetically modified traits; in order for farmers to use these seeds they must sign a “technology stewardship agreement” which states that they can't conduct research on the seed or give it away for research & if they do they risk a lawsuit; furthermore, scientists must get permission from the seed company to perform any research on the seeds & are frequently denied the request or told that they can not publish the results which essentially makes the research findings useless for the scientist, buyer (grower/farmer), and consumers; given this vicious circle when a grower asks for information regarding trials & efficacy he/she only has the word of the seed company & no information from an independent consultant & therefore can't make an intelligent & informed decision regarding his/her choice of seed.

The ASTA draft is the result of a meeting in July which attempts to address researchers concern over not being able to perform this necessary & perhaps critical research. The draft does suggest cooperation between researchers and seed companies in order for researchers to be able to perform the research but the seed companies are not required to follow these suggestions.

I, as a consumer, researcher, & entomologist, find the current operating procedure disturbing & makes me wonder what exactly the seed companies are trying to hide from their consumers. I realize that there are multiple companies that produce these genetically modified traits & they have specific processes that they want to protect. However, I'm not interested in gene technologies & it's my understanding that is WHY YOU HAVE A PATENT to protect the technology not prevent credible research from occurring. Furthermore, in the past researchers were allowed to test hybrids and companies (the same ones with stewardship agreements) were willing to provide the hybrid and publication of results was allowed. So what has changed? Is it the cost of creating the gene traits, the increased demand for more improved crops, the market demand (its hard to sell some of the crops with these traits in foreign markets), ????? I'm not sure but what I do know is that should I get a job working as a consultant I won't be able to do that job effectively & neither can any other consultant, researcher, or extension specialist. How can I answer any questions regarding the efficacy of these seeds, potential long-term effects, the validity of the companies claims, etc. The fact is that under current practices I can't because I don't know, I can't test it, an neither can you.

As some of you know, every other Wednesday I attend a “bitch n stitch” session with some friends. At this meeting, we work on various craft project (mending, knitting, crochet, etc.) and we talk about whatever is on our mind. So this week we discussed different jobs, the proposed government medical care plan, literature, and the above problem. I found it interesting that despite the groups diverse range of backgrounds & education we had the same opinions about the topic. First of all, we don't have a problem with genetically modified crops. However, we are curious about why many countries (European Union) do not allow most of these technologies to be imported into their countries so why are we using these technologies & decreasing our ability to be competitive in the overseas market. Secondly, we would like to see how exactly these traits are or are not affecting non-target organisms (including humans) in what would be considered valid experiments. Furthermore, are there any long-term effects on the environment when using these technologies. Thirdly, insecticide resistance was mentioned and NOT by me. It appears that the public is aware of insecticide resistance although they may not understand how it occurs they are easily educated & informed about the implications of resistance. So, the fact that there is concern about the possibility of insects developing resistance to these traits especially with the fact that there is Bt resistance is not a trivial concern. Finally, the discussion regarding insecticide resistance lead to a conversation about “Silent Spring. ” We discussed how it changed the public perception of insecticides, how insecticides are used, & then the resulting legislation due to public concern. This lead me to wonder if this is the direction that GMO's are headed for- more public awareness, legislation, restrictions, costs, etc.

I, then, decided to performed my own Internet research to find information regarding these “stewardship agreements.” Waltz's article is in fact is correct, these agreements do in fact restrict how the seeds can be used. In fact, I was horrified about some of the requirements these companies enforce with these stewardship agreements (products that can be used, farm transfers, etc.). In addition, the stewardship agreements require farmers to follow insect resistance management (IRM) and refuge requirements that are required by law (EPA- Environmental Protection Agency), which, in my opinion, is a good idea. However, I wonder how many people are actually checked by the seed companies to insure that they are following these legal requirements. Furthermore, I read the stewardship guide for Agrisure ® Traits which helped me understand what traits they offer and what exactly separate and common refuges are and how they can be handled. So if this is on the mid-term exam I'm GOOD! The below links are for the stewardship agreements and the stewardship guide if your interested.

Link for Syngenta seeds, Inc. Stewardship Agreement

http://www.agrisuretraits.com/assets/Traits/Syngenta%20Stewardship%20Agreement%20final%20reformatted%208-17-09%20to%202%20pgs.pdf

Link for Syngenta Stewardship Guide

http://www.agrisuretraits.com/assets/Traits/GS-178%20Stw_Gd_5.pdf

Link for 2009 Monsantao Technology/Stewardship Agreement (Limited Use License)

http://www.dahlcoseeds.com/images/corn/2009Monsanto.pdf

NOTE: I chose these companies because I had heard of them, I could not find one for Pioneer so that's why I don't have one from them, and one of the above companies was mentioned by my group of friend (they do not have a good reputation with the "common" public and NO I will not tell you which one it is).

We were given an additional week to post this discussion but I chose to go ahead & post mine since it was done BEFORE I found out that we had an additional week.

Lab 5: The benefits of “overachieving”

This weeks lab assignment was to compare the results from last weeks lab. However, I did this with the last blog so I get a “FREE” blog week.

We spent the lab time briefly discussing the results and how we could compare our results to the class at large. In addition, some of us stayed to see the greenbug alarm response. Unfortunately, I did not take any photos but with my camera they would not have really shown anything.

However, I did take a look for some videos and I found this cartoon discussing biocontrol in gardens. It's cute so good for the kids but it's a bit inaccurate regarding releasing lady bugs. My suggestion for lady bugs is to release them a few houses from yours and then pray that they migrate to your house.

Here is another video which talks about biological control and how you can use it for gardens.

This week we had to turn in another insect bug byte so the link for my insect is below:
http://ent612.wetpaint.com/page/corn+flea+beetle

And just for fun- I found another insect cartoon!

Lab 4: The JOY of estimating soybean damage

This weeks lab assignment was to look at two different ways of estimating plant damage in soybeans. Unfortunately, this did not mean that we were allowed out into the field but the “field” was brought to us.

We used two different types of qualitative methods:
The first one was to look at soybean plants and determine the types of damage to the plants and try to determine what type of insect caused that damage.

The early planted soybeans had already gone through senescence. So they were brown and dead looking. It was difficult to determine what kinds of damage the plant had sustained. It appeared like it had some root loss but this could have been caused by being ripped out of the ground. However, “real” root loss is caused by various grubs (beetle larvae). I would say that its too late to sample these plants again especially since its so difficult to see the damage.

On the other hand, the late planted soybeans were green and yellow and it was easier to find potential insect pest damage. Some of the leaves had “window paining” damage which is usually caused by caterpillars. There was chewing damage in the middle of the leafs which is indicative of bean leaf beetle feeding. Chewing damage in the leaf margins indicates the presence of grasshoppers and caterpillars.

Some of the soybean pods had round damage which indicates more caterpillar feeding. I think that the late planted plants coudl be sampled again and could benefit from a sampling of the pests that are in the field.

The second estimation method involved estimating soybean leaf damage. Sixty leafs were obtained from the KSU Ashland Research Farm and were placed in plastic sandwich bags. Each student was asked to estimate the percent of damage on the leaf and write it down in a grid. My leaf estimates ranges from 1-96%, the mean was 26.1, and the standard error was 25.4. The standard error is quite high but in this case where we are estimating damage it is quite possible that there would be that much variation in the estimates of leaf damage. The teacher and his students used a scanner and image analysis software to determine the actual leaf damage estimate. The then compared the students estimates to the actual leaf damage estimate.

The teacher posted the above graphs with the equations and R2 values at the below link if you are interested in the r2 values and linear equations.

http://ipdmanhattan.blogspot.com/2009_10_01_archive.html

The class r2 values range from 0.8447 to 0.6798. The r2 values indicate the fit between the observed (our estimates) and the model (the scanner). R2 values run from 0-1, where 1 indicates a "perfect" fit. So our estimates are fairly good to medium in range.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coefficient_of_determination link for more information on r2 values

I did not "win" the prize for having the best r2 value but my r2 of 0.7801 was good enough for second place so I can't complain. Additionally, this indicates that my mean and standard error were very good and there was that much variation.

Experience rating:

So-so, I would rather have been outside and not in a lab but I did learn that my leaf estimation is decent.

On a non-lab related note. One of my friends heard the below song and suggested that I listen because "its me." I agree, and it does have one of my favorite insects in the title so if you like music and can handle metal then check it out. The video is not theirs but is done by a fan and he/she includes dragonfly slides so it is "educational" to a small degree.

Note that I FINALLY figured out how to embed videos into the blog!!!!!

This week we also turned in another bug byte so to see mine click on the below link:

http://ent612.wetpaint.com/page/convergent+ladybeetle