Using a combination of predictive modeling and real-time data, some growers in the Salinas Valley should be able to better manage diamondback moths in brassica crops this summer. The effort is part of a pilot program between FMC Corporation and Nutrien Ag Solutions to use the new FMC Arc™ farm intelligence platform. The diamondback moth is one of the most prolific pests on brassica crops throughout the world with an estimated annual economic impact exceeding $4 billion, according to FMC. Crops being monitored include Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower. "This unique technology will enhance the ability of Nutrien Ag Solutions representatives to help growers better manage destructive diamondback moths through an integrated pest management strategy." said Ronaldo Pereira, president FMC Americas Region.
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The pilot program will run through mid-September 2020, the peak season for diamondback moths. Nutrien Ag Solutions PCAs and scouts will be actively monitoring insect traps throughout the Salinas Valley while FMC Arc farm intelligence will visualize that data as detailed maps on a proprietary mobile app. The innovative platform offers a full suite of features, including customized alerts through a mobile app to indicate when action is needed in a field, two-way communication between the user and the FMC technical services team, reliable data and high-quality graphics, including graphs and heat maps. This functionality helps PCAs and growers easily track the progression of pest pressure and, ultimately, predict it. The highly visual and accessible pest information will help Nutrien Ag Solutions PCAs be more efficient and effective in scouting and delivering pest management recommendations to growers than in the past. FMC plans to refine and validate an advanced pest prediction model for diamondback moths based on current and historical data.
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