Elson Shields

Retired Cornell Extension Entomologist and Professor; still focused on commercializing persistent biocontrol nematodes for long-term soil insect control.

[Elson Shields @Cornell_bugman]

@RupeAndrew @alisonrISU @corndisease @CropNetwork Beautiful southern corn rust pustules.

[Elson Shields @Cornell_bugman]

@pete_90210 I am skeptical. Excess nitrogen which is highly leachable in Iowa with high rainfall over 40 yrs! If you said a herbicide spill then I am on board

[Elson Shields @Cornell_bugman]

@SWMNpest Great corn pollen rash! Ich like hell!

[Elson Shields @Cornell_bugman]

@pete_90210 Are they at an economic level? Threshold is extremely high especially after pollen shed. Iowa probably has a treatment level recommendation

[Elson Shields @Cornell_bugman]

Biocontrol nematodes “save the day” in another farmer’s field against rootworm

[Jake Denger @JakeDenger]

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.

[Elson Shields @Cornell_bugman]

First flight of N822JM, a RV 9A. I started the build in May 2019. First flight June 25, 2026

[Elson Shields @Cornell_bugman]

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

[Elson Shields @Cornell_bugman]

Bayer’s prediction about 2026 rootworm severity and farmers using persistent biocontrol nematodes for enhanced rootworm control

[Elson Shields @Cornell_bugman]

Geographic illustration of farms across the US utilizing persistent biocontrol nematodes against soil insects in agriculture. These include rootworms, wireworms, and root weevils

[Elson Shields @Cornell_bugman]

Geographic illustration of farms across the midwest utilizing persistent biocontrol nematodes against rootworm.

[Elson Shields @Cornell_bugman]

Great way to apply persistent biocontrol nematodes against rootworm. A number of acres inoculated using this equipment in 2026 in Iowa and Illinois

[Kevin Bisschop 🇨🇦 🐄🧍‍♂️ @CanadianCowMan]

And they are off running again for another season!!!

[Nick Steffens @steffensnick75]

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!

[Persistent BioControl @PBiocontrol]

Add our biocontrol nematodes for a truly independent mode-of-action against rootworm. A single application provides multi year control.

[Elson Shields @Cornell_bugman]

Elevated Corn Rootworm Pressure Projected For The Midwest - AgWeb https://t.co/2n8uIFre2Z

[Elson Shields @Cornell_bugman]

A few hundred acres of biocontrol nematodes will be applied in 2026 through this machine for rootworm control in corn.

[AllieJade @AllieJade1]

How cool is this!? Did you know that there's such a thing as a 360 autonomous irrigator? I didn't! Now we both do!

Have you seen one of these inaction? Operated something similar?

[AllieJade @AllieJade1]

How cool is this!? Did you know that there's such a thing as a 360 autonomous irrigator? I didn't! Now we both do!

Have you seen one of these inaction? Operated something similar?

[Elson Shields @Cornell_bugman]

Digging Into the Corn Rootworm Issue - YouTube https://t.co/J68iDEoWpU

[Elson Shields @Cornell_bugman]

Application of Persistent Biocontrol Nematodes to organic vegetables growing in South Texas for wireworm control

[Elson Shields @Cornell_bugman]

Live in Iowa? Curious about Biocontrol Nematodes and their impact on controlling Rootworm? Join us for lunch (on us)