While many of the factors that deter-mine insect pressure are beyond a grower's control, such as weather, corn production practices can have a direct impact on pest infestation. Entomologists recommend that growers understand variables both in and outof their control and, if possible, take steps to help control insect populations the following year. Entomologists say that crop rotation, tillage methods, timing of planting and plant population are examples of production decisions that can have a bearing on the level of insect damage a grower may experience. A corn-soybean rotation is one of the most basic methods of management, since most corn pests cannot survive in a rotated soybean crop. Dennis Calvin, Professor at The Pennsylvania State University, says tillage practices also impact insect infestation. No-till or reduced-till fields typically experience heavier insect pressure than fields with conventional-tillage corn production.
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