Retired Cornell Extension Entomologist and Professor; still focused on commercializing persistent biocontrol nematodes for long-term soil insect control.
Western US
Joined April 2013
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Elson Shields retweeted
Local dairy got in to start with some of my corn tonight. Looks amazing driving through the field with the side-by-side.
Anxious to see what my Adjuster comes up with for an appraisal!
New ride. Started building 5/2019. Final FAA inspections 6/1/2026. 190 mph pony. Great morning for a flight
Biocontrol nematodes “save the day” in another farmer’s field against rootworm
My planter f up. 15yr c/c forgot to turn on insec on 2 vt2/tre hybrids. No below ground protection except for @PBiocontrol I was expecting a train wreck and am pleasantly surprised/shocked. I'm not advocating this practice of no below ground protection.
Rootworm damage on the Vorceed trait. Typical 1-1.5 node feeding where the associated RW Bt is ineffective due to rootworm resistance. Rootworm larvae continue to feed after ingesting a toxic dose of RNAi causing this damage. In general terms, one node of root damage =10 bu loss
Bayer’s prediction about 2026 rootworm severity and farmers using persistent biocontrol nematodes for enhanced rootworm control
Geographic illustration of farms across the US utilizing persistent biocontrol nematodes against soil insects in agriculture. These include rootworms, wireworms, and root weevils
Geographic illustration of farms across the midwest utilizing persistent biocontrol nematodes against rootworm.
Great way to apply persistent biocontrol nematodes against rootworm. A number of acres inoculated using this equipment in 2026 in Iowa and Illinois
Elson Shields retweeted
In Illinois this week pulling soil samples to test for @PBiocontrol nematodes. Most of these fields were applied a year or longer ago. A one time application to control Corn Rootworm can last for decades!
Elson Shields retweeted
Add our biocontrol nematodes for a truly independent mode-of-action against rootworm. A single application provides multi year control.
Growing Bt Corn?
Not complying with refuge requirements allows the resistant population to multiply and threaten the effectiveness of Bt traits.
To manage resistance, check out these best practices: manageresistancenow.ca/insec…
Elevated Corn Rootworm Pressure Projected For The Midwest - AgWeb agweb.com/news/crops/corn/el…
Application of Persistent Biocontrol Nematodes to organic vegetables growing in South Texas for wireworm control
Live in Iowa? Curious about Biocontrol Nematodes and their impact on controlling Rootworm? Join us for lunch (on us)
Elson Shields retweeted
I worked for 20 years in "Big Ag" so you don’t have to. This is what they don’t want you to know:
Farmers don’t have time for conspiracy theories.
Romanticize farming all you want, but without modern tools, you’d starve.
GM crops aren't frankenfood.
They cut pesticide use, resist drought, and improve yields, all while passing some of the strictest safety checks in science.
They are the least unknown crops.
Your food is safe. Period.
Pesticides are tested more rigorously than most medicines.
Farming isn’t killing the planet.
Modern farming uses less land, less water, and fewer inputs than ever before. Innovation is the solution, not the problem.
Organic farming still use pesticides. Some are more toxic and less effective than synthetic alternatives, meaning higher doses are needed.
If you really care about feeding the world and protecting the planet, focus on facts, not fear.
My name is Simon and my goal is to make people smarter, not angrier.
Drop a “Hi” in the comments and let me know if you have any questions about Ag!
