Overview: Risk Factors and Historic Levels of Pressure From Insect Pests of Seedling Corn, Cotton, Soybean, and Wheat in the United States

Abstract

Abstract The use of neonicotinoid insecticides in the United States has grown by about a factor of four since the mid-2000s. Seed treatments account for a significant fraction of overall insecticide application to crops, and a large proportion of major U.S. crops are now planted using seed treated with neonicotinoids. Neonicotinoid insecticidal seed treatments are primarily intended to protect crops against sporadic or minor early-season pests. A better understanding of factors that influence the risk of economic infestations and extent of crop damage by sporadic pests is needed to target neonicotinoid insecticidal seed treatments use based on expected pest pressure. In a series of papers, we review the distribution, ecology, and historical management of seed and seedling pests targeted by neonicotinoid seed treatments in U.S. corn (Zea mays), soybean (Glycine max), wheat (Triticum aestivum), and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). This information is key to region-specific management practices that reduce the risks and increase the benefits of neonicotinoid seed treatments.