Scouts are trained in the identification of pests, techniques for mon- 

 itoring field populations and recordkeeping. This requires I to 2 weeks 

 training before field operations begin. Subsequently, one-half day 

 per week training sessions are required throughout the season to maintain 

 quality and introduce the scouts to new pests they will encounter as 

 the season progresses. 



Scouts do not make recommendations on pesticides or other pest con- 

 trol strategies to farmers. Each time the farmer's field is scouted, 

 a copy of the scout's report is given to both the farmer and the county 

 agent. A copy is retained by the state pest management leader to 

 use in computer simulation or other program decisions and evaluations. 

 If private consultants cooperate in the program, the consultant would 

 receive a copy of the scout's report. A qualified professional who 

 is either an Extension specialist, county agent, or private consultant 

 then discusses the scout's findings with the grower. The grower has 

 final responsibility for making the decision on the type of pest control 

 he uses. 



Records are maintained of the type of management practices employed 

 by farmers so that progress of grower adoption of new practices can 

 be evaluated. Where computer monitoring is feasible, information 

 obtained from field scouting, along with weather and crop development 

 data, is programed into university computers from which rapid feed- 

 back of recommendations can be made to county agents and others 

 for transmittal to growers. Growers are reached by personal contact, 

 mailed notices, and newsletters. Newsletters are usually provided 

 to all growers in the area. 



Program Accomplishments 



Growers in a cotton insect pest management program typically use 

 2 to 4 fewer insecticide applications than nonparticipating growers. 

 This often represents a 35 to 50 percent reduction in insecticide use, 

 and net profits of $25 to $95 per acre, depending on insect population 

 densities, timing of insecticide applications, and yield increases. In 

 1977, because there had been adequate educational support of the cotton 

 insect management program, about one-half of U.S. cotton acreage 

 is under some type of pest management program. 



In the pilot pest management projects on other commodities, the pilot 

 projects have shown that the number of applications and amount of 

 pesticides can be reduced 30 to 70 percent in situations where unwarranted 

 or poorly timed applications have previously occurred. 



