New Mexico State University’s Agricultural Science Center in Artesia will host its annual field day on September 26, focusing on pest management and crop research. The event, which runs from 3:30 to 7 p.m., is free and open to the public, with dinner provided and activities for children.

Dave Lowry, interim research director of the center, emphasized the importance of addressing issues faced by farmers in eastern New Mexico and west Texas. "Cotton and alfalfa are mainstays of production in the region; thus, much of our attention is directed toward those crops," Lowry stated. He added that the research conducted has broader implications for integrated pest management, soil health, and irrigation practices.

Field tours will feature presentations from various experts:

- Phillip Lujan: Integrated pest management of soilborne cotton disease.

- Ivan Tellez, Jane Pierce, and Tricia Monk: Cotton bollworm management in okra-leaf cotton.

- Luis Cadena and Ricardo Ramirez: Integrated pest management in alfalfa.

- Evangelina Carabotta and Ricardo Ramirez: A guide to local alfalfa predators.

- Jane Pierce and Tricia Monk: Insect safari.

Additionally, tabletop demonstrations will cover topics such as fruit DNA extractions and constructing a mason bee house. Graduate student research posters will also be displayed.

Researchers at the center are investigating biological control methods for insect pests to save costs on insecticide applications while reducing environmental impacts. A study by Pierce and Tellez indicated that effective biological control of alfalfa weevil could save New Mexico growers $1.2 million annually. Similarly, controlling pecan nut casebearer biologically could result in savings up to $1.6 million per year.

For more information about this year's field day or to register for attendance, contact Luiza Cardone at 575-646-3586 or visit https://rsvp.nmsu.edu/rsvp/artesia.

PHOTO CAPTION: New Mexico State University Extension agronomist Robert Flynn discusses his research at the 2021 field day at the Agricultural Science Center in Artesia. This year’s field day will take place from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 26. (NMSU photo by Josh Bachman)

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Man wearing a hat standing in a field.