Article
Economics of Integrated Insect Management in Stored Corn
Journal of Economic Entomology
(2010)
Abstract
Insects can cause substantial damage to stored grain. In addition, consumers and therefore food processors are increasingly interested in chemical-free products. Integrated pest management (IPM) may increase farmers' profits while reducing their use of pesticides. This study uses a stochastic dynamic programming framework to model the economics of optimal insect control in corn, Zea mays L., stored on-farm with multiple controls conditional on the biophysical conditions of the grain in the bin. We find that for farmers who have a contract with a food processor, where there are quality premiums, the optimal management strategy depends on monitoring the biophysical conditions of the grain and the time period under consideration. For farmers who deliver to the commodity market, their current practices are optimal.
Keywords
- insect management,
- stored corn,
- IPM,
- stochastic dynamic programming
Disciplines
Publication Date
2010
DOI
10.1603/EC09390
Publisher Statement
This article is the copyright property of the Entomological Society of America and may not be used for any commercial or other private purpose without specific written permission of the Entomological Society of America.
Citation Information
Yigezu A. Yigezu, Corinne E. Alexander, Paul V. Preckel, D. E. Maier, et al.. "Economics of Integrated Insect Management in Stored Corn" Journal of Economic Entomology Vol. 103 Iss. 5 (2010) p. 1896 - 1908 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/dirk-maier/31/