Pest Alert Network
Project director: Erin Hodgson, Iowa State University
Both native and invasive pest species threaten crop production every year, but many threats can be suppressed with prophylactic approaches to minimize losses to grain/forage quantity and quality. This Pest Alert Network Working Group will help facilitate improved communication between extension entomologists, farmers, crop consultants, and agribusiness employees to 1) expand scouting and identification efforts, 2) increase effective management options, and 3) improve farm profitability. These goals will be accomplished by creating a pest alert network, developing an accompanying website, and delivering three regional webinars.
Achievements
- Network members invited to use Ag Pest Monitor to record pest sightings
- Maps of sightings of insect pests, including black cutworm, corn borer, corn earworm, fall armyworm, true armyworm, and western bean cutworm
- Mesonet tool: uses degree days to predict when insect pests need monitoring
- Created website to compile resources: https://pestalerts.extension.iastate.edu/