Pests and Progress Webinars
Check out these monthly webinars to keep up with the latest research related to integrated pest management (IPM). Webinars will be held virtually the third Wednesday of each month at 1:30 pm Eastern (12:30 pm Central) time and will be delivered via Zoom. Click the "Register" button below each presentation to sign up.
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Presenters:
Paul Koch
Associate Professor
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Title: Incorporating The Plant-Based Antifungal Agent Poacic Acid Into An Integrated Disease Management Program In Turfgrass
Abstract: A plant-based antifungal agent called Poacic Acid was recently developed by Dr. Mehdi Kabbage and others at the University of Wisconsin - Madison that has shown promise in plant disease suppression. In this presentation we will discuss the efficacy of poacic acid as a plant-based fungicide and potential future uses for the product.
Biography:
Paul Koch
Paul Koch is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and has been with UW in various roles since 2005. Paul’s research focuses primarily on developing precision disease management strategies for snow mold and dollar spot in turfgrass, investigating the fate and impact of turfgrass pesticides in the environment, and the turfgrass microbiome.
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Presenters:
Maya Hayslett
Extension Specialist
Iowa State University
Lynne Campbell
Education Extension Specialist
Iowa State University
Title: Youth Pollinator Education and Action
Abstract: Youth Pollinator Education and Action is a program to educate youth of all ages (K-12) about pollinator biology, importance, and conservation. Our multi-state working group has created age-appropriate lessons for each grade that meet our pollinator education goals and align with Next Generation Science Standards. In this webinar you can learn more about the topics and experiences available in this free curriculum and discover ways to incorporate them into your own educational programs. You'll also learn about our free online training series to learn how to facilitate the lessons and discuss options for in-person training.
Biographies:
Maya Hayslett
Maya Hayslett is an extension specialist at Iowa State University for Ag and Natural Resources and 4-H Youth Development. She received her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Iowa State University and her master's degree in Plant Pathology from the University of Minnesota. Her extension program provides educational experiences in crop science fields for youth in Iowa and beyond. This includes writing and reviewing curricula, planning statewide and regional events and programs, providing resources and support for extension staff, as well as working directly with youth across the state.
Lynne Campbell
Lynne Campbell is a STEM professional development specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, working on projects that support the development and implementation of STEM-focused learning experiences for both youth and adults. She supports outreach efforts related to research happening at Iowa State University (ISU) and works closely with ISU researchers, extension staff on campus and across Iowa, and K-12 educators to implement STEM teaching and learning experiences.
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Presenter:
Scott Larson
Co-Director
Tick IPM Working Group
Title: The Tick IPM Working Group
Abstract: Co-Director Scott Larson will discuss the recent successes of the Tick IPM Working Group including the monthly webinars they host, the annual 'Tick Academy,' work on creating and updating national pest alerts for ticks, and a short summary of currently available tick control measures.
Biography:
Scott Larson
Scott Larson grew up in the Midwest and received his PhD in Entomology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he researched ticks and tick-borne diseases in the forests of northern Wisconsin. Scott worked as a postdoc at the Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector-borne Disease studying tick control on residential properties. Currently, he is the Assistant Entomologist at the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District where he guides surveillance efforts for adult mosquitoes across the Twin Cities. He has been involved with the Tick IPM Working Group for many years and is excited to utilize this group to advance tick surveillance and tick control research and outreach.
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Presenter:
Ryan Anderson
Sustainable Communities Manager
IPM Institute of North America
Title: The IPM Institute: Advancing IPM in Urban Areas
Abstract: More than 82% of United States residents live in urban areas. Current trends, however, indicate that IPM will not keep pace with rising urban populations as more urban entomologists retire and funding for urban entomology progressively decreases. In this Pests and Progress webinar, the IPM Institute of North America's Sustainable Communities Manager, Ryan Anderson, details the crucial role urban IPM plays in slowing structural and ecosystem damage caused by pests and weeds. Anderson recognizes the importance of NCIPM funding for critical urban IPM projects of the School IPM Working Group, the Public Tick IPM Working Group and the Midwest Grows Green Lawn & Land Forum.
Biography:
Ryan Anderson
Ryan Anderson is the Sustainable Communities Manager for the 501(c)3 non-profit IPM Institute of North America. A 2016 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Fellow, Ryan has extensive experience advancing science-based solutions in urban and residential communities highlighted by his leadership of Midwest Grows Green (MGG) sustainable landscaping initiative. Ryan has a Masters of Sustainable Solutions from Arizona State University and holds a dual bachelor’s degree in Biology and Electronic Journalism from Butler University.
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Presenter:
Dr. Katie Hartmann
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Extension Specialist, and Director of DEI for the NCIPMC
Iowa State University
Title: Cooperative Extension in Indigenous Communities: Experiences of Extension Educators
Abstract: During this webinar, Dr. Katie Hartmann from Iowa State University will discuss how Extension outreach is being done in Indigenous communities and how this work fits into the history and ideology of the Land Grant System. This presentation will include research findings about the Extension educators working in Indigenous communities today, including what they think makes them successful, the challenges that they face in their work, and their recommendations to other educators interested in collaborating with Indigenous communities.
Biography:
Dr. Katie Hartmann
Dr. Hartmann's work focuses on equity and access in formal and informal agricultural education settings, and the systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities to education. Specifically, her research has focused on inclusive and decolonizing pedagogies, community development through culturally responsive programming, and assisting educators and institutions build collaborations with diverse communities. Dr. Hartmann is particularly interested in Cooperative Extension’s collaborations with Indigenous communities, the sociohistorical context of the Land Grant System, and decolonizing methodologies and practices.
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Presenters:
Dr. Clement Akotsen-Mensah
State Extension Specialist-IPM
Lincoln University
Dr. Caroline Foba
Extension Associate
Lincoln University
Title: Trapping and development of degree day model for Missouri Berry Crops
Abstract: Spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii Matsumura) is an important pest of berry crops like strawberry, brambles (raspberry, blackberry, others), elderberry, blueberry, cranberry (including lingonberry), and Ribes (currant and gooseberry). The insect is important because, unlike other drosophilids, it can directly damage soft fruit crops by laying its eggs in the berries and fruits that can go undetected during its initial damage. Degree-day models have been incorporated in the successful management of many key pests of small and tree fruits such as codling moth (Borchert et al. 2004, Jones et al. 2013), plum curculio (Akotsen-Mensah et al. 2011), and brown marmorated stink bugs (Nielsen et al. 2008, 2016), but this has not been done for SWD in Missouri. A trap-based predictive model is an important pest management tool that could be used to detect and predict SWD early activity in the field to help in the timely application of insecticides (Drummond et al. 2019, Kamiyama et al. 2020). The phenology and seasonal patterns of SWD were investigated during 2021-2022 in several research and grower farms in Missouri. A relationship between trap numbers and degree day accumulation during the period was examined using logistic and Weibull functions to predict the activity of SWD. The results showed a logistic function as a better predicting function for the SWD phenology. The results are discussed based on the reliability of the model in predicting SWD seasonal activities.
Biographies:
Dr. Clement Akotsen-Mensah
Dr. Clement Akotsen-Mensah is the State IPM specialist at Lincoln University Cooperative Extension and Research of the College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences. He has a Ph.D. (2010) in Entomology from the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Alabama.
His main research is to develop Integrated Pest Management solutions, particularly, for small-scale farmers in Missouri. His research uses different approaches to identify and evaluate traps and attractants for pest monitoring, use of trap crops to manipulate insect behavior, develop predictive models, screen insecticide and integrate different tactics for major pests of agricultural importance. He has broad understanding of IPM tactics utilized across multiple cropping systems demonstrating his ability to conduct and translate research concepts and findings to varied stakeholder groups. He has contributed to extension efforts by providing annual updates on fruit and vegetable pests in Missouri and other states.
He has worked closely with many specialists in the fruit and vegetable sector within the Alabama Co-operative and Extension Service at Auburn University, New Jersey Agricultural Extension Program and currently works with growers in Cooperative Extension and Research at Lincoln University. He has presented his research work at several growers’ meetings including the Great Plain Growers Conference and Mid-America Organic Grower meeting, Southeastern Fruit and Vegetable Workers Association, Deep South Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Cumberland-Shenandoah Fruit Workers Conference, South Jersey Tree Fruit Workers meeting and several others.
Dr. Caroline Foba
Dr. Foba is an Extension Associate for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) at Lincoln University, Missouri. She assists the State Extension Specialist in conducting basic and applied research on system-level IPM tactics for small scale, limited-resource, and socially underprivileged vegetables and small fruit growers in Missouri. She also assists in developing and disseminating new information to growers and other stakeholders. Additionally, Foba assists in teaching and supervision of students, writing and editing of grants, peer-reviewed articles, guide sheets, and facts sheets, and preparing posters and presentations for events. Foba has a keen interest in agricultural research and extension which is crucial for sustainable global food security. She is open to people who can inspire and challenge her to reach her professional goals.
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Presenters:
Dr. Mark Gleason
Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology
Iowa State University
Olivia Meyer
Graduate Student
Iowa State University
Dr. Melanie Lewis Ivey
Associate Professor, Department of Plant Pathology
The Ohio State University
Title: Saving money and pesticides for apple growers with new spray technology and warning systems
Abstract: Apples need frequent pesticide sprays to meet fresh-market standards. What if apples could be grown with a whole lot less pesticides? Field trials in the Midwest show that new technologies - a modified sprayer that uses LiDAR for precision application, and warning systems that can cut down on the number of sprays - can take a big bite out of pesticide costs and increase profits. This webinar will help you decide whether these promising technologies make sense for your orchard operation.
Biographies:
Dr. Mark Gleason
Mark Gleason has been on the Iowa State University faculty for 37 years. His focus in on research, teaching, and outreach related to management of disease of specialty crops, especially fruits and vegetables.
Dr. Melanie Lewis Ivey
Dr. Lewis Ivey is an Associate Professor and Fruit pathology Extension Specialists at The Ohio State University, CFAES-Wooster. Dr. Ivey's research focuses on developing sustainable management practices for fruit, hop and nut diseases that benefit the grower, the consumer and the environment. Her goal is to provide science-based information that will allow fruit, hop and nut growers to produce a high quality and safe product.
Olivia Meyer
Olivia is a graduate student in the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University. Her project focuses on evaluating precision spray technology and disease warning systems in apple orchards in Iowa.
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Presenter:
Daren Mueller
Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist
Iowa State University
Title: SDS Risk and Management
Abstract: Sudden death syndrome (SDS), caused by Fusarium virguliforme, significantly limits soybean production in the United States. Management practices include the use of resistant plant varieties and commercially available, but expensive, seed treatments. We aimed to improve farmer productivity and minimize unneeded pesticide use by developing pre-plant tools enabling farmers to make an SDS risk assessment of fields using remote sensing coupled with a machine learning algorithm and validating a qPCR-based pathogen detection method.
Biography: Daren Mueller is a professor and extension plant pathologist at Iowa State University. He is also the coordinator of the Iowa State Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Daren’s main research interests involve understanding the biology and management of field crop diseases. Daren is also a co-director of the North Central IPM Center and the Crop Protection Network.
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Presenters:
Dr. Ajay Nair
Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture
Iowa State University
Dr. Mark Williams
Professor, Department of Horticulture
University of Kentucky
Dr. Ric Bessin
Extension Professor, Department of Entomology
University of Kentucky
Dr. David Gonthier
Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology
University of Kentucky
Title: Organic Management Tactics for Cucurbit Crops
Abstract: For the past 3 years, researchers, extension specialists, and growers in Iowa, New York, and Kentucky, funded by NIFA's OREI program, have been exploring new options for the organic management of cucurbit crops using mesotunnels. Mesotunnels are larger than low tunnels but smaller than high tunnels. They are 3 ½ feet tall and are covered with a nylon-mesh fabric that keeps out pest insects and the pathogens they carry. Field experiments and on-farm trials with muskmelon and winter squash have had varied results: some encouraging, some not. But valuable lessons have been learned about how to use these protective structures effectively.
The October 12th webinar will cover two main topics related to organic cucurbit production under mesotunnels: weed management and pollination. Pollination is essential for cucurbit crops. Three options have been tested with mesotunnels: on-off-on (removing the covers during bloom), open ends (only the ends were opened during bloom), and full-season mesotunnels supplied with bumblebee hives. This session will be covered by Dr. Ajay Nair and Dr. Mark Williams. For weed management, several options have been used, including landscape fabric as well as mowed and non-mowed living mulches. This session will be covered by Dr. David Gonthier and Dr. Ric Bessin.
Biographies:
Dr. Ajay Nair
Dr. Nair is an associate professor working in the area of Sustainable Vegetable Production in the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University. The focus of his research, extension, and education program is on cover cropping, conservation tillage, nutrient management, soil amendments and health, and season extension strategies in vegetable production. He works closely with commercial vegetable growers, extension staff, industry representatives and stakeholders to meet the rising demand of locally grown produce and enhance the profitability and sustainability of vegetable production systems.
Dr. Mark Williams
Dr. Williams has been a faculty member in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Kentucky since 2001 and is currently the Chair of the department. His research interests are in sustainable agriculture, with a particular focus on evaluating and developing sustainable organic horticulture production systems. Dr. Williams has conducted a range of experiments in organic farming, from optimizing the production of direct-marketed vegetables to developing control options for specific pest problems in cucurbits, peppers, tomatoes and apples. In addition to research, Dr. Williams is committed to student learning and led the development of the UK Sustainable Agriculture undergraduate program. As part of these efforts, he established the 30-acre UK Organic Farming Unit, which houses a community supported agriculture (CSA) program and associated student apprenticeship. The Organic Farming Unit is used in a variety of extension and farmer training programs across all topic areas associated with diversified vegetable production.
Dr. Ric Bessin
Ric is an extension professor and extension specialist at the University of Kentucky. His extension responsibilities include developing and evaluating IPM decision guidelines and management strategies for specialty and field-crop insect pests. He is currently addressing management of polyphagous stink bugs in multiple cropping systems, evaluating and implementing alternative management strategies for oriental fruit moth and codling moth in commercial apple orchards, developing of reduced-risk and organic controls for cucumber beetle, bacterial wilt, squash bug, and yellow vine decline control in melons and squash, manipulation of wild pollinators in cucurbit production systems, and management of the invasive sugarcane aphid on sweet sorghum.
He provides educational programs and pest management recommendations to extension educators, agribusiness personnel, commercial producers, and Master Gardeners to better manage pests of field corn, fruits, vegetables, forages, and greenhouses. His goal is to provide balanced, science-based, educational programs addressing sustainable arthropod management and environmental stewardship. Bessin serves as Kentucky IPM coordinator, IR-4 liaison, and PSEP Coordinator for Kentucky.
Dr. David Gonthier
Dr. Gonthier is an assistant professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky. His research seeks to evaluate the viability of agricultural management systems to curtail environmental problems, promote sustainable pest control and biodiversity conservation while maintaining productivity and profitability. He deploys the use of ecological theory to better identify and design agroecological practices that promote improved farm multi-functionality. Through collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, he seeks to describe the intersection between ecology and socio-economic forces that form incentives and barriers to the adoption of sustainable practices. His research focuses on fruit and vegetable production in Kentucky and coffee in Honduras. He teaches a number of classes at the University of Kentucky that are related to sustainable agriculture, including: Agroecology, Field Crop Entomology, and Wake Up and Smell the Coffee! (a course all about coffee).
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
.jpg)
Presenter:
Ashley Dean
Education Extension Specialist
Iowa State University
Title: Creating a Regional Trapping Network for Corn Rootworm Adults
Abstract: Corn rootworm is a serious economic pest of corn throughout the North Central region, and this pest can be persistent, especially in areas with continuous corn production. Management continues to be challenging as corn rootworms readily adapt to limited management strategies. In 2021, a network was established that included university, industry, and government personnel from 12 states and 5 provinces to provide a unified message about corn rootworm management and develop a shared protocol for monitoring corn rootworm adults across our wide geography. The goals of the trapping network were to increase scouting efforts in corn, understand changes across years, and identify any trends across the region. This trapping effort is ongoing, but highlights from the 2021 trapping network will be shared.
Biography: Ashley Dean is an education extension specialist for field crop entomology at Iowa State University with responsibilities for research and extension. She received both her bachelor’s degree in Agronomy and master’s degree in Entomology from Iowa State University. Her research and extension efforts support Dr. Erin Hodgson’s soybean research lab. Part of her extension duties involve coordinating the trapping networks in Iowa, the Iowa Moth Trapping Network and the Iowa Corn Rootworm Trapping Network, and coordinating the new Iowa Pest Alert Network that delivers pest updates via text. She also helps develop educational resources for field crop pests in Iowa, including newsletter articles, field guides, and media resources.
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Presenter:
Philip Rozeboom
IPM Coordinator
South Dakota State University
Title: South Dakota Integrated Pest Management Program Highlights
Abstract: The South Dakota Integrated Pest Management program (SDIPM) aims to promote IPM throughout South Dakota with emphasis on agronomic crops, specialty crops, pollinator health, pesticide applicators, public health, and diagnostic clinics. The overarching goal of the SDIPM program is to encourage stakeholders to make informed decisions for pest management to reduce input costs and environmental impacts of pesticides through the reduction of unnecessary and inappropriate applications. Through these efforts, the SDIPM program has helped stakeholders throughout South Dakota prevent pests from reaching economically damaging levels while also minimizing economic inputs and potential risks associated with human, property, and environmental impacts of the pesticides. Philip will be highlighting successes of the SDIPM program, as well as some of the challenges and changes for the future of IPM outreach in South Dakota.
Biography: Philip Rozeboom has been the IPM Coordinator for South Dakota State University since 2018 and is responsible for the development and implementation of IPM research, publications, and programming to facilitate the needs of South Dakota stakeholders. He received his bachelor’s degree in biology in 2012 and a master’s degree in plant science with emphasis in entomology in 2015; both from South Dakota State University. Before undertaking the role of IPM Coordinator, Philip spent 8 years providing program support for the study of insect ecology and insect pest management at both SDSU and the USDA, North Central Agricultural Research Laboratory. Primary program emphasis was on pollinators, the Lost Ladybug Project, and soybean aphid management.
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Presenter:
Adam Sisson
Industry Extension Specialist
Iowa State University Integrated Pest Management Program
Title: Multistate Extension: The Crop Protection Network
Abstract: The Crop Protection Network (CPN) is a multi-state and international collaboration of extension crop protection specialists who work to provide information to farmers and agricultural personnel. The CPN supports stakeholders through the implementation of online tools for crop scouts and researchers, regularly publishing impactful content, developing continuing education opportunities, podcasting, and creating a network or over 150 specialists from 34 U.S states and Ontario, Canada. CPN works to increase extension collaboration and deliver a more powerful message through multistate efforts.
Biography: Adam Sisson is an extension specialist with the Iowa State University Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program and a Certified Crop Adviser. Sisson focuses on the development of publications and other educational resources for farmers, agribusiness, and students. He received his bachelor's degree in agronomy and environmental studies in 2006 and a master's degree in sustainable agriculture in 2009; both from Iowa State University. He resides in central Iowa with his wife and four kids and enjoys reading, writing, and building things.
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Name: Erin Lizotte
Position Title: IPM Coordinator and Senior IPM Educator
Organization: Michigan State University
Title: Michigan State University IPM Program Highlights
Abstract: Michigan agriculture is exceptionally diverse and crucial to the economy. Michigan boasts more than 300 commodities contributing an estimated $104 billion dollars to the state’s economy annually. The agri-food system accounts for an estimated 805,000 jobs, representing more than 20% of the state’s workforce. Michigan farms and their economic output are at risk from rapidly evolving pest challenges including invasive pests, climate change, consumer perceptions, pesticide resistance, and regulatory challenges. The objectives of the MSU CPPM project respond to IPM priorities identified by Michigan practitioners, guided by a stakeholder alliance and prioritized by the IPM Roadmap. It addresses the CPPM focus areas of plant protection tools and tactics and IPM for sustainable communities. The MSU EIP grant is an Extension-led effort to increase agriculture and community stakeholder awareness, knowledge and adoption of IPM practices and tools through traditional and novel outreach efforts.
Biography: Erin Lizotte is the IPM Coordinator for Michigan State University and a Senior, Statewide IPM Educator with Michigan State University Extension. Lizotte is responsible for developing and conducting research and integrated crop management training programs to address the needs of Michigan agricultural industries. She provides leadership for integrated pest management education across Michigan and the Great Lakes region through the procurement of grant funding and delivery of educational materials and programming. Specific areas of outreach include emerging minor crops, beginning farmers and integrated pest management with special emphasis on web-based content including webinars and self-driven courses.
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Name: Janet Knodel
Position Title: Professor and Extension Entomologist
Organization: North Dakota State University
Title: EIP Highlights for North Dakota
Abstract: To help provide up to date details about active insect and disease activity, the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Crop Survey Program trains field scouts to watch for pest damage. Once pests that affect profits are found, farmers are encouraged to use an IPM approach. Near real-time maps and data are made available to all stakeholders via the NDSU Extension IPM website, NDSU Extension Crop and Pest Report newsletter, the Crop and Pest Report website and Facebook pages, and Extension meetings and field days. The NDSU Extension IPM Crop Survey helps farmers use IPM strategies for management of crop pests, and promotes the judicious use of pesticides for economic and environmental sustainability. The NDSU Extension Pest Management App includes resources on weed, insect and plant diseases, IPM information for 16 field crops, a photo submission tool, pesticide efficacy tables, and a pest photo library.
For Pollinator Extension Outreach, NDSU collaborated with the pollinator team at Michigan State University Extension from 2019-2021 and produced three new Extension fact sheets to increase pollinator knowledge. The NDSU Extension Master Gardener Program certified 27 new or retrofitted pollinator gardens. Numerous pollinator trainings reached more than 500 gardeners. Furthermore, an annual field day is held at the NDSU Horticultural Research Farm where >275 participants can tour the pollinator plantings and listen to updates on pollinators.
The NDSU IPM program also supports two secondary priorities. The first is the North Dakota State University Plant Diagnostic Lab, which helps identify plant pests. Each year, the Plant Diagnostic Lab processes over 3800 samples, and provides IPM advice for >350 plant disease and >600 insect identification requests.
Another secondary priority is IPM education for Pesticide Applicators. IPM education modules are included in the NDSU Extension Pesticide Training and Certification Program.
Biography: Dr. Janet J. Knodel is the Professor and Extension Entomologist at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND. For the past 23 years, she provides statewide program leadership for Extension Entomology, the North Dakota Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program, and the NDSU Crop & Pest Report. Her extension outreach and applied research focuses on IPM and insect pests of field crops including wheat, barley, canola, corn, chickpeas, dry beans, field peas, lentils, soybean and sunflower. She also studies pollinators, bees and butterflies, in gardens and field crops. Dr. Knodel has authored / co-authored more than 350 publications in professional, Extension, technical and trade journals including over 50 peer-reviewed papers and six book chapters.
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Name: Jim Jasinski
Position Title: Professor, IPM Program Coordinator
Organization: Ohio State University
Title: From Bees to Beans, a Five Part Review of the OSU IPM Program
Abstract: The Ohio State University IPM Program serves an extremely diverse group of stakeholders, including growers, underserved audiences, commodity associations, residents, small businesses, government officials and NGO’s. The Ohio State University IPM Program has focused on the following areas for the past few years: Specialty Crops, Agronomic Crops, Bed Bug IPM, Pollinator Health and support of the Pest Diagnostic Clinic. In this session, Mr. Jim Jasinski will review some of the key projects and accomplishments of the Ohio IPM Program.
Biography: Mr. Jim Jasinski joined OSU Extension and the IPM Program in 1993. Initially he worked on agronomic crops but switched to specialty crops in 2000, where he focused on IPM of pumpkins, squash and sweet corn for the next 20+ years. In addition to his crop responsibilities, Jasinski has been involved in several urban agriculture projects, invested significant resources into creating an OSU IPM YouTube video channel highlighting practical aspects of pest management, and co-coordinated the statewide pest survey on over 25 pests. He was promoted to IPM coordinator in 2013 and currently works with about 15 people in four departments that comprise the IPM Program.
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Name: Anthony Hanson
Title: IPM Extension Educator & IPM Co-coordinator
Organization: University of Minnesota
Title: Region-wide Surveys and Pest Forecasting for Advancing Minnesota IPM
Abstract: Efficient pest management revolves around understanding what’s actually developing in individual fields. Are specific pests even present? Is it even the right time of year to be looking? Are there actually high enough populations to be concerned about? Keeping these questions in mind is vital for any integrated pest management program while determining when to scout. While scouting your own fields is the gold standard for insect management decisions, region-wide surveys and pest forecasts can help growers stay aware of pest threats as they happen in order to determine when focused scouting is needed. This session will introduce tools available to growers through University of Minnesota Extension that aid scouting efforts in the state and region, such as the spring and summer western MN IPM survey for small grains and soybeans, the fall European corn borer survey, and degree-day maps for forecasting pest development and critical scouting time. Minnesota’s cold winters also play a role in reducing insect populations.
Biography: Dr. Anthony Hanson is a Regional Extension Educator in Field Crops IPM with University of Minnesota Extension and IPM Co-coordinator in Minnesota. He focuses on Integrated Pest Management in field crops to provide tactics growers can use to make sound economic and environmentally relevant pest management decisions. Hanson received his Master’s and PhD in Entomology from the University of Minnesota working on cold tolerance of emerald ash borer parasitoids and integrated host-plant resistance into soybean aphid IPM. He grew up farming near Brooten, MN raising beef cattle, corn, soybeans, and alfalfa and is still actively involved in the family farm. He also provides updates on pest management in the Upper Midwest as the host of the University of Minnesota IPM Podcast for Field Crops.
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Name: Frannie Miller
Title: Pesticide Safety and IPM Coordinator
Organization: Kansas State University
Title: Navigating the Waters of IPM Educational Programming
Abstract: The EIPM project for Kansas State University focuses transformative learning methods for traditional approaches to enhance stakeholder engagement. The primary goal is to enhance stakeholder engagement and IPM understanding using traditional, hands-on training, while integrating interactive digital resources supporting positive decision-making toward IPM practices. This proposal addresses IPM implementation in the four program areas of agronomic crops, communities, pollinator health, and pesticide applicators. This webinar will address an overview of some unique educational efforts and project impacts.
Biography: Frannie Miller serves as the Pesticide Safety and Integrated Pest Management Coordinator for Kansas State University, where she is responsible for conducting training and certification of private and commercial pesticide applicators in Kansas. She also teaches youth and adults about the impacts of pesticides on the environment and teaches the principles of integrated pest management. She has a B.S. degree in agronomy from Oklahoma State University and a M.S. degree in Entomology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Name: Jed Colquhoun
Title: Professor and IPM Program Director
Organization: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Title: Adapting the Wisconsin IPM Program to the “New Normal” in Outreach Delivery: Successes, Challenges and a Balanced Way Forward
Abstract: The University of Wisconsin Integrated Pest Management (UW IPM) Program has a long history of providing stakeholder-driven educational programming efforts since its inception in 1979. Given the long history, we’ve developed and continue to deliver foundational programs that are highly anticipated by clientele, such as hands-on Scout Schools and the experiential learning Custom Applicator Program. However, in the past 1.5 years of IPM programming during COVID-19 in-person restrictions we’ve “test driven” several new outreach delivery mechanisms. While we certainly won’t abandon in-person programs, the recent need to move programming online has revealed significant opportunities to deliver efficient, timely and impactful outreach to diverse and broad audiences. In addition, this modernized delivery pairs well with the current succession to the next generation of farmers and recent investments in improved statewide rural broadband access.
Moving forward, we look to strike a balance between continuing traditional outreach programs that are expected and valued by stakeholders and developing and delivering interactive and engaging online programming. In this presentation I will share recent successes, challenges and ideas for IPM extension in the “new normal” of outreach programming.
Biography: Jed Colquhoun is a Professor of commercial specialty crop production and IPM Program Director at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His work is centered at the crossroads of profitable agriculture and a protected environment. Colquhoun has also provided production and sustainability consulting services to the food industry for over two decades. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Cornell University and his Ph.D. from UW-Madison. Prior to returning to UW-Madison, Colquhoun was a faculty member at Oregon State University.
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Name: Diane Plewa
Title: Plant Clinic Director and State IPM Coordinator
Organization: University of Illinois
Title: Illinois IPM program Highlights and Future Directions
Abstract: The EIP-funded IPM program supports surveys, demonstrations, and education focused on invasive species, pest management, and pollinator protection in Illinois. The University of Illinois Extension and the Natural History Survey have been major components of past IPM grants and continue to play a key role in education and outreach for this program. Focusing on pollinator protection, bee numbers and species diversity were compared across nature preserves and former farmland which had been converted into conservation habitats to get a better idea of what species are present in Illinois and in what numbers, and to determine if conservation habitats support similar bee populations as native ecosystems. A youth pollinator education program was also developed from this project, while a website focused on pollinator education and protection in collaboration with University of Illinois Extension educators is in development. Field crop scouting schools focused on pest identification and damage and threshold evaluations were postponed due to the pandemic but are planned for the future, along with new and updated agronomic pest factsheets.
The IPM program works closely with other pest management programs at the University to provide support and dissemination of their work. Surveys in cooperation with the Illinois Cooperative Agriculture Pest Survey are conducted every year to monitor the presence and numbers of invasive pests in agronomic and specialty crops. Educational materials are produced about these pests, including identification aids and management recommendations. The IPM program also supports the University of Illinois Plant Clinic which processes samples from across Illinois and the United States, identifying pests and pathogens and providing research-based management recommendations for these issues. Plant Clinic personnel also provide education about plant health management for invasive and endemic pests and pathogens to the general public, agronomic producers, and green industry professionals. The IPM program uses newsletters, social media, field days, presentations, and workshops to broadcast information about effective, economical, and environmentally-friendly pest management. Future goals include expanding the pollinator website, producing a handbook of pests and pathogens of hemp in Illinois, surveying corn rootworm populations, and continuing education about invasive species and pest management in Illinois.
Biography: Diane Plewa is a plant diagnostic specialist with the University of Illinois Extension, serving as the Director of the Plant Clinic and the State IPM Coordinator. She is responsible for the diagnosis of agricultural and ornamental plant samples received at the Plant Clinic, and for overseeing Plant Clinic services including outreach focused around plant health management. She works closely with state and federal regulatory agencies regarding the detection and management of invasive plant pests and pathogens to Illinois. Diane earned her B.S. in Crop Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her M.S. in Plant Pathology from the Ohio State University. Prior to working at the Plant Clinic she was a horticulture educator with the University of Illinois Extension.
Wednesday, October 13, 2021 (two presenters)
Name: Lee Miller
Title: Associate Professor & IPM Coordinator
Organization: University of Missouri
Title: Missouri IPM Highlights
Abstract: With its central location, Missouri is a keystone state for pest invasion from all directions, and wide-ranging environmental conditions within a single season challenge even the best plant growers. Research and curriculum developed by MU faculty in the Missouri IPM Program, which is shared with the public through MU Extension, is designed to aid in plant production to maximize benefit to society while avoiding detriments caused by unnecessary inputs. This project focuses mainly on management of weeds, diseases and insects in agriculture. Recent issues with synthetic auxin drift damage have spurred several research and associated outreach efforts to understand the symptoms and various reactions of plant species to drift damage. A wide reaching “Scouting Schools” program provides on-farm demonstrations of pathogen identification, with emphasis on fungicide resistance management and assessment of the distribution of emerging disease issues. Research involving a novel system for using impregnated netting for insect control instead of spray applications could reduce insecticide exposure for our critical pollinator species. Binding this all together is the framework of the MU IPM program, with a social media presence and broad website that hosts a pest monitoring network, three newsletters, various other publications, web applications and services.
Biography: Dr. Gerald (Lee) Miller is an Associate Professor of Turfgrass Pathology in the Division of Plant Sciences at the University of Missouri. In this role, Miller currently directs research and extension programs at MU focused towards disease control in turfgrasses. Miller received his MS in Plant Pathology in 2001 at the University of Georgia and his PhD degree in plant pathology at North Carolina State University in 2010. Miller is currently the faculty lead for the MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic and director of the Missouri IPM program. From 2017 to 2021, he also directed the Missouri Pesticide Safety Education Program.
Name: Xi Xiong
Title: Associate Professor
Organization: University of Missouri
Title: Developing a Novel Mechanical Strategy for Control of Billbug
Abstract: Billbug damage to turf in many parts of the United States has become more problematic in recent years due to the emergence of a nation-wide collage of billbug species. Novel species interactions have resulted in the development of regional billbug pest complexes, with poorly understood seasonal biology. The lack of a decision-making tool, both for larval and adult populations, has resulted in heavy reliance on prophylactic and often misguided insecticide applications. This unprejudiced insecticide application not only resulted in poor control of billbug populations, but also increased risk of environmental safety to humans, natural enemies, and beneficial species like pollinators, as well as an elevated economic burden for professional turfgrass managers. This collaborative project among turf specialists and entomologists from three states seeks to develop innovative and sustainable approaches for the management of billbug in the urban environment using a mechanical tactic. In this presentation, we will report our progress made on three objectives: 1. develop a Degree-Day model that predicts the biofix of billbug adults; 2. validate and utilize a genetic tool that allow identification of billbug larvae; and 3. develop innovative and sustainable IPM tactics by using a turf sweeper, which was initially designed for synthetic turf surfaces.
Biography: Dr. Xi Xiong is an Associate Professor at the University of Missouri. Her specialty is in Turfgrass Science, and her research program focuses on the best management practices for turfgrass growing in the North Central region. She also has generated novel research with soil adjuvants and issues with soil water repellency on turf. Teaching responsibilities include instruction of an introductory turfgrass management course and an advanced turfgrass course.
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Title: Professor and IPM Coordinator
Organization: Purdue University
Title: Indiana EIP Project Highlights
Abstract: The Purdue Integrated Pest Management Program is a statewide program involving extension specialists in entomology, plant pathology, weed science, agronomy and horticulture. These specialists work closely with state and national stakeholder groups to prioritize content and meet their needs. The current EIP project provides state of the art information to promote IPM Implementation in agronomic crops and specialty crops, Community IPM, invasive species and pollinator health. This webinar will provide an overview of recent programming, apps, blogs and an assessment of their impacts.
Biography: Cliff Sadof is a Professor of Entomology at Purdue University and served as the Indiana State Extension Specialist for insects of ornamental plants since 1990. Sadof received his BS in plant sciences from the College of Agriculture and Environmental Science at Rutgers University in 1980, and stayed there to complete his MS in entomology in 1982. After working for FMC Corporation for several years, he went to the University of Maryland to receive his PhD studying armored scales. Sadof teaches an undergraduate class on insects of ornamental plants and conducts research on how to integrate biological and chemical control when managing pests in landscapes and nurseries.
As co-developer of the Purdue Plant Doctor App Series, Sadof has developed specific tools to help the nursery industry diagnose pest problems and communicate management options to their customers. With the help of his colleagues in Ohio and Michigan, he also runs a national webinar series that draws on the national experts to train individuals about emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, spotted lanternfly and other invasive pests.
In his role of IPM Coordinator, Sadof investigates how modern communication tools can be used to reach target audiences and influence their pest management practices. To this end he works with the entire extension group to use data collected from web tools, apps, and webinars to understand how they are used and how they can be improved to become more effective.
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
Name: Bob Wright
Title: Professor and IPM Coordinator
Organization: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Title: Nebraska EIP Project Highlights (Crops, Pollinators, Housing and School IPM)
Abstract: The Nebraska Extension Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program is a statewide program involving multiple extension specialists and educators with expertise in entomology, plant pathology, weed science and agronomy. The current EIP project addresses the following areas: IPM implementation in agronomic crops, IPM for pollinator health, IPM training and implementation in housing, IPM training and implementation in schools and coordination.
These areas were chosen based on stakeholder feedback and the existence of faculty expertise within Nebraska Extension. The webinar will provide an overview of recent programming and impacts of this project.
Biography:
Robert (Bob) Wright is Professor of Entomology and Extension IPM Coordinator at the Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He joined the department in 1988. His research and extension program focuses on insect pest management in agronomic crops, including corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and grain sorghum. Additionally, he contributes to the UNL online M.S degree program in Entomology by teaching ENTO 825, Management of Agronomic Insects and co-teaches ENTO 899, the Entomology Project required of all online students.
He has been active in several regional committees, including serving twice as chair of NCERA 222, the USDA Multistate committee on IPM in the North Central region. He currently serves as a member of the Advisory and Steering Committees for the North Central IPM Center.
Wright received a B. A. in Zoology from University of California, Santa Barbara in 1975, M. S. in Entomology from University of Arizona, 1977, and Ph. D. in Entomology, Ecology minor, from North Carolina State University in 1981. From 1981-1988 he was a Research Associate in Entomology at Cornell University, Long Island Horticultural Research Lab, Riverhead NY, where he worked on insect management in potato, and turf and ornamental crops.
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Speaker: Damon Smith, Associate Professor, Field Crops Pathology; Faculty Director, Nutrient and Pest Management Program
Organization: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Title: Using Research-Based Solutions for Integrated Management of White Mold in Soybeans
Abstract: White mold, caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is one of the most important diseases of soybean in the Midwest U.S. In the last five seasons, white mold has resulted in more than 36 million bushels of yield loss in the North Central IPM Center states alone. Management of white mold is complicated and requires a multi-pronged approach. Researchers in the Midwest U.S. have been working to refine the integrated management strategy for white mold, which includes using resistant varieties, modifying row spacing and planting population, crop rotation, biological controls, and fungicide applications. To assist in making fungicide application decisions, researchers have also developed innovative smartphone prediction tools. The smartphone application (app) Sporecaster is freely available and can be used specifically to predict white mold at a specific location. This presentation will outline the latest white mold research-based tools and showcase how these tools have been integrated together to improve white mold management of soybeans.
Biography: Damon Smith is an Associate Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist at UW-Madison. Damon is also the Director of the Nutrient and Pest Management Program at UW-Madison. Damon’s responsibilities include research efforts that focus on improving our understanding of the epidemiology of plant pathogens in order to develop better control recommendations for the sustainable management of field and forage crop diseases. Damon is a native of Western New York State. He earned his B.S. in Biological Sciences at the State University of New York, College at Geneseo, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from North Carolina State University. Prior to Damon’s appointment at UW he was an assistant professor and extension specialist at Oklahoma State University for five years.
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Speaker: Gary Brewer, Professor of Insect Pest Management
Organization: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Title: A Push-Pull Strategy to Manage Stable Flies
Abstract: Stable flies are global pests of cattle and in the U.S. are estimated to cause economic losses of 2.2 B USD annually. Although early researchers designed and tested various stable fly trap designs relying on visual attraction to panels, cloths, or cylinders of various materials they have not been widely used. Instead, stable fly management has largely relied on insecticides in a few modes of action classes. Because of concerns about developing or potential development of insecticide resistance there is a need for alternative control products. This study investigated the use of a biopesticide with repellent and contact toxicity to stable flies as a push tactic coupled with stable fly traps that are visually and olfactorily attractive as a pull tactic. In two years of field testing, the Push-Pull strategy was compared to positive (permethrin) and negative (untreated) control treatments using a six-week, repeated measures design. We found that the Push-Pull treatment performed the same as the permethrin treatment when measured seasonally, by study weeks, and by days in a week and in all cases differed from the untreated control. Stable fly trap improvements have also been tested by varying attractant concentration, release methods, and placements. Results have been inconsistent and additional trap trials will be done in the 2021 fly season. The Push-Pull strategy offers cattle producers a low-impact, alternative to standard insecticides to control stable flies in large pasture systems common to the Great Plains and elsewhere.
Biography: Dr. Gary Brewer is a professor of insect management at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is currently involved in several projects, including evaluation of biopesticides and new IPM tactics and strategies; sunflower IPM with goals of reducing input costs and improving yield through trap copping and bee conservation; conservation biology with efforts to rear and reintroduce the Salt Creek tiger beetle; and IPM of flies on pasture cattle in central Nebraska. Dr. Brewer has 22 years experience as department head or chair (North Dakota State University and University of Nebraska-Lincoln). Throughout his career, Dr. Brewer has published 49 peer reviewed papers, co-authored 6 books/chapters, has been a PI or collaborator on 68 funded grants, and has taught 12 courses.
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Speaker: Rufus Isaacs, Professor and Extension Specialist
Organization: Michigan State University
Title: When invasive pests disrupt IPM - responding to gall wasp outbreak in highbush blueberries
Abstract: The western region of Michigan is a prime location for production of highbush blueberries, with over 22,000 acres of this crop being produced for the fresh, frozen, and processed food markets. Due to the market expectation for perfect fruit, growers employ intensive IPM programs to prevent economic loss from insects, with primary focus on those that directly reduce yields and contaminate harvested fruit. High quality blueberries are achieved through a combination of cultural controls, monitoring, biological control, and insecticides. Implementation of blueberry IPM programs focused on blueberry maggot, fruitworms, and Japanese beetle led to a significant reduction in insecticide use during the early part of this century, but arrival of spotted-wing Drosophila caused a disruption of established IPM programs with many unintended consequences. This presentation will discuss some of those changes that happened to berry IPM programs over the last decade, and how research, extension, and grower communities have responded. As an example, I will highlight our work to address blueberry stem gall wasp, a native insect that has become more abundant over the past decade and the multi-disciplinary team that has been seeking solutions to this pest.
Biography: Dr. Isaacs is a Professor and Extension Specialist at Michigan State University where he leads the Berry Crops Entomology laboratory in the Department of Entomology (College of Agriculture & Natural Resources). His research and extension program develops information on how to manage insects that influence berry farms and vineyards. Michigan is a major producer of berry crops and grapes and the entomological issues that affect these industries have been addressed by Dr. Isaacs and his team for the past two decades, with a focus on insect pest management and pollinator management to support farm profitability. In recent years, they have focused on blueberry stem gall wasp and spotted wing Drosophila to identify the most effective chemical controls, and to explore biological and cultural controls.
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Speaker: Rob Morrison, Research Entomologist
Organization: USDA-ARS Center for Grain and Animal Health Research
Title: Diversifying IPM after harvest: The promise of implementing insecticide netting to protect stored product
Abstract: Globally, $100 billion USD in postharvest commodities are lost due to insect feeding and damage. Control of these insects has historically relied on fumigation, but there are increasing regulatory, consumer, and biological constraints on the use of fumigants. As a result, there has been a push to diversify integrated pest management (IPM) after harvest. In our project, we have quickly assessed and supported adoption of long-lasting insecticide-incorporated netting (LLIN) in stored product IPM programs. We have found that exposure to deltamethrin netting results in a 2–3-fold reduction in movement and 95–100% reduction in dispersal after contact by multiple species and life stages of stored product insects compared to controls. Moreover, we have found that direct mortality ranged from 73–98% for 5 of 8 stored product species after brief 5-minute exposures to the insecticide netting. Further, deployment of insecticide netting via one of three methods in pilot-scale warehouses resulted in a 93% reduction in infestation and 99% fewer progreny produced in commodities after releasing thousands of insects compared to control warehouses containing netting with no insecticide. We found the netting can be successfully incorporated into an attract-and-kill trap to intercept stored product insects on the perimeter of facilities. Importantly, we found that multiple brief exposures to the net result in the same effects on stored product insects as longer, continuous exposures. We have worked with the producer of LLIN label it for use in postharvest settings in the US. Finally, there has been robust interest by stakeholders in adopting netting at food facilities across the Great Plains. Taken together, our project has successfully demonstrated the ability for insecticide netting to act as an effective novel tactic, while diversifying IPM programs at food facilities across the US to protect our commodities as they make their way to the end consumer.