Wheat, Peanut and Other Field Crops Research
Stillwater, Oklahoma

United States Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Research Service
1301 N. Western Rd.
Stillwater, OK 74075-2714
Phone: (405) 624-4141
Fax: (405) 624-4142

The Wheat, Peanut and Other Field Crops Research Unit is the primary ARS unit developing pest management technologies for aphid pests of wheat and other cereals, and for sclerotinia blight and other diseases of peanut in the western peanut growing region. These pests are currently the primary focus of the research unit. Together they account for average annual losses of over $100 million to agriculture in the western United States. The research unit consists of eight scientists, eight technicians, four administrative personnel, and several temporary appointments and students. 

The mission of the USDA-ARS, Wheat, Peanut and Other Field Crops Research Unit, Stillwater, Oklahoma is to provide wheat, peanut, sorghum, and barley producers with new technologies to protect their crops from insect pests and diseases. Our research programs produce advanced management technologies, such as genetically resistant crop plants, biological control of insect pests using their natural enemies, and pest monitoring and decision-making tools. These technologies, and others, are integrated into a package of pest management tactics for application in a diversity of cropping systems. Our research also provides fundamental knowledge of insect pest and disease biology, ecology, and genetics that lead to new, efficient and cost effective, pest management solutions. Reducing crop producer’s pest management costs through reduced dependence on chemical pesticides and more efficient pest management strategies increases productivity and decreases the cost of agricultural production. This is good for the producer, the consumer, and the environment.

A team approach to research is used in the unit. Entomologists in collaboration with plant geneticists determine genetic mechanisms of host plant resistance and identify germplasm resistant to the target pests and diseases. This research is ongoing because the pests adapt over time to overcome previously effective sources of resistance. Researchers also elucidate the ecology and biology of pests to help determine ways to circumvent this process. Unit scientists conduct research to develop biological and cultural control methods for pests, pest monitoring tools, and management decision support systems in an effort to maximize the value of pest control technologies by providing an integrated package of pest management tools.