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Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS)

The USDA operates a program called the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) which provides support to states to conduct pest detection activities beyond those that are conducted by the states. CAPS projects support the pest detection infrastructure in each state as well as providing funds for specific pest detection projects. Most of these projects are focused on high-risk exotic pests that do not exist or are of limited distribution in the United States. Early detection of new pests is critical to the early containment and possible eradication of these pests. A brief description of each of the current Kansas CAPS projects is listed below.

Cereal Crop Nematode Survey

The purpose of this 3 year study is to provide early detection of infestations of exotic nematodes and general population information of endemic plant parasitic nematodes. The data provided will help support domestic and foreign exports of grain from Kansas and other states. It will also aid in determining best practices for movement of machinery across state lines. The entire state acreage on a prorated county basis will have been surveyed by the end of the project. The 1st year's survey is now completed. The 2nd year will be underway in the spring of 2009.

Core/Infrastructure Project

This project provides resources to improve the infrastructure of the existing network of program cooperators involved in pest detection in Kansas. Improved communications between industry, extension, and other state cooperators will enhance the effectiveness of current programs and better utilize the resources available.

National Emerald Ash Borer Survey

The Emerald Ash Borer is an important invasive pest that have been found and have destroyed millions of ash trees in parts of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Wisconsin and Missouri. The Emerald Ash Borer has been found in Wisconsin and Missouri in the summer of 2008 during this national survey. This project will greatly improve the chances for early detection and making eradication or control a more manageable task. For more information on the Emerald Ash Borer go to http://www.emeraldashborer.info/.

National Light Brown Apple Moth Survey

The Light Brown Apple Moth is of significant importance because of the economic impact this pest could have on the wine and orchard industry of Kansas. The nursery and orchard industry could have stock rejected by other states as a result of an infestation. Loss of markets, lost customer confidence, and quarantines enacted by other states could cost the industry and the states involved millions.
Setting traps for the Light Brown Apple Moth in high risk sites will greatly improve the odds of eradication and containment success. Benefits of early detection could lessen the severity of the cost to nursery, vineyard and orchard owners. For more information go to www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/lba_moth/index.shtml.

Karnal Bunt National Survey

Collecting and submitting wheat grain samples as part of the National Karnal Bunt survey is necessary to continue the export of Kansas wheat. Representative samples of wheat from each county in the state of Kansas are collected and submitted to USDA, where they are screened for the presence of Karnal Bunt.
The Kansas wheat industry is valued at over one billion dollars to the state each year. The ability to continue to export Kansas-grown wheat is essential to the success of this industry.

CAPS Reports

2008 - 2009 2nd Quarter CAPS Report

2007-2008 CAPS Annual Report

2006-2007 CAPS Annual Report

CAPS Committee Minutes

CAPS Committee Minutes - 12/18/2008

CAPS Committee Minutes - 6/10/2008

CAPS Commitee Minutes - 12/19/2007

2009 Work Plans

2009 Cereal Crop Nematode Work Plan

2009 Karnal Bunt Work Plan

2009 Small Grain and Soybean Commodity Work Plan