Progress 09/01/14 to 08/31/17
Outputs
Target Audience:As a result of our efforts during this project, the following groups were reached: crop producers, agricultural consultants, pesticide applicators, farm workers, landscapers, master gardeners, healthcare/veterinary personnel, Maine Center for Disease Control personnel, Maine Deptartment of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry personnel, Cooperative Extension personnel, policy makers/regulatory personnel, and the general public. These efforts also reached a number of underserved audiences, including Somali farmers in central Maine, Maine's Native American tribes, and Maine's growing Amish population. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?As a result of this this project, training and professional development opportunities have included an annual Maine Potato Conference, annual Maine Potato Pest Management Conference, annual meeting of the Maine apple growers, Small Fruit and Vegetable Field Day and associated Twilight meetings (8), annual Master Gardener Field Day, annual Lowbush Blueberry Field Day, annual Apple Field Day, Vegetable and Small Fruit Schools (4), and an annual Tri-State Greenhouse IPM Conference. Season-wide individual consultations to growers in multiple commodities were conducted to provide one-on-one training in pest identification and management. Dozens of pesticide education seminars and community outreach presentations regarding ticks, mosquitoes, bed bugs, and other emerging pest issues were also conducted. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results related to this project have been disseminated to stakeholders and communities of interest in a variety of ways including individual personal contacts, IPM telephone hotlines, informational websites, blogs, multiple weekly newsletters, interviews with news/media outlets, conferences/educational training sessions, and public speaking engagements. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Program participant evaluations indicate significant benefits as a direct result of the goals and efforts associated with this project. AGRONOMIC CROPS Most of Maine's 2,000 acres of canola and soybean is marketed in Canada with the state's acreage shifting annually due to contract pricing. Cooperative Extension maintains an extensive aphid trapping network in the soybean and canola production area and periodic field monitoring visits are made. Populations of cabbage aphid and soybean aphid (two species of significant concern) were variable during the project period. Cabbage aphid populations remained relatively low, while soybean aphid populations did rise late in the season during 2016 and 2017. This late season population increase occurred late enough into the season and maturity process where no economic damage was anticipated thus recommendations were made to eliminate scheduled spray applications. This would equate to the savings of at least one insecticide application on approximately 2,000 acres per year. At an estimated $4 per acre insecticide cost, plus a $5 per acre application cost on 2,000 acres, that equates to a potential crop-wide savings of $54,000 for the three-year project period. APPLES Maine apple growers have been receptive to the use of IPM. In the year-end program survey, 100% of apple growers who received the Apple Pest Report found the publication useful. In separate questions, 93% of respondents found the pest and horticultural models on the program's Ag-Radar website useful and 100% had benefitted from an Apple IPM Program presentation or consultation. 87% of surveyed growers found the apple IPM scouting co-op useful, while 100% indicated that the program had helped with insect, mite, and disease management. On average, growers estimated that support from the Apple IPM Program helped them reduce pest damage losses by 31%, while also reducing production costs by an average of $574 per acre. The Apple IPM Program had an estimated $1.7 million impact on Maine's apple crop. SWEET CORN The Sweet Corn IPM Program reaches over half of Maine's commercial sweet corn growers, impacts over two thirds of the state's acreage, and has had an estimated $725,000 annual impact. The post-season survey indicated that 93% of growers receiving information from the Sweet Corn IPM Program were able to decrease production costs as a result. We estimate that the program has saved, on average, more than three annual insecticide applications over more than 3000 acres of sweet corn. CRANBERRIES An ongoing Cranberry IPM Program is conducted, which includes monitoring for insect pests and providing online educational resources for growers. As a result of the program's outreach, Maine cranberry growers have seen an industry wide increase in annual yield of approximately 20-30%. In 2017, an estimated 70% or $69,300 worth of cranberry yield was saved from an outbreak of blackheaded fireworm and other emerging pests. POTATOES The Potato IPM Program maintains 200 specialized insect traps, coordinates a statewide network of electronic weather stations, and surveys 100 potato fields on a weekly basis. A successful IPM program can reduce production costs through decreased pesticide applications and can save growers millions of dollars in potential crop losses, through the use of effective monitoring techniques. In 2017, the Potato IPM Program made over 1200 individual grower contacts and trained over 200 potato industry personnel at conferences and training sessions. Based on conference surveys, improved decision making resulting from training sessions equated to a savings of $216,820. The economic impact of the Potato IPM Program's insect monitoring was $8,834,260 in 2017. STRAWBERRIES Eight farmer volunteer sites are monitored by Extension IPM scouts each growing season and the pest management recommendations are delivered to over 65 growers statewide through weekly newsletter, e-mail, and blog updates. Additionally, we have worked with growers to adopt alternative strategies such as pest resistant cultivars, biological controls and insect barriers. The year end evaluation of growers indicate that an overwhelming (85%) modified their pest management practices as a result of the program and were able to reduce pesticide applications, some by as much as 50%. Most growers indicated an improvement in crop quality, and found that IPM has both reduced pesticide costs (up to $100/acre) and improved crop profitability. The strawberry IPM program was recognized by the National Association of County Agricultural Agents as a national winner of the SARE Search for Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture Program. HOME & GARDEN/PUBLIC HEALTH Through the continued outreach efforts of the Home & Garden IPM Program and the Tick Identification Program, we have significantly increased the number of direct contacts with the general public regarding pest management options and the safe, judicious use of pesticides. The majority of these contacts resulted in behavioral changes in the form of better IPM decision making and the utilization of lower hazard management strategies. The initiation of the Tick ID Program has allowed us to delve deeper into some of the vector-borne public health issues plaguing our state and region. In conjunction with the ID program, an informational tick website has been developed to increase public knowledge of tick biology, ecology, management, and personal protection. Additonal public outreach through multiple public speaking engagements and media interviews has also helped increase public awareness. Outreach has also continued on a number of home and garden pests including bed bugs, Japanese beetles, white grubs, and brown-tail moth, that can create significant economic hardships on property owners and managers
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Handley, D. 2017. Sweet Corn 2017 IPM Newsletter. Weekly. Provides technical information and observations from a network of growers and researchers. VIA email and mail from UMaine Cooperative Extension.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Handley, D. 2017. Strawberry 2017 IPM Newsletter. Weekly. Provides technical information and observations from a network of growers and researchers. VIA email and mail from UMaine Cooperative Extension.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Koehler, G. 2017. Maine Apple Newsletter. Weekly. Provides technical information and observations from a network of growers and researchers. VIA email and mail from UMaine Cooperative Extension.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Dwyer, J., J. Dill, S. Johnson, G. Dill. 2017. Potato 2017 IPM Pest Alert Newsletter. Weekly. Provides technical information and observations from a network of growers and researchers. VIA email and mail from UMaine Cooperative Extension.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Dwyer, J. 2017. Insecticide Best Management Practices. Proceedings Maine Potato Conference, UMaine Cooperative Extension. Caribou, ME.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Koehler, G. 2017. Climate Change - What's Happening in Maine. Proceedings Maine Potato Conference, UMaine Cooperative Extension. Caribou, ME.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Armstrong, C. 2017. Guide to Damaging Stage & Occurrence of Maine Cranberry Insect Pests. UMaine Cooperative Extension. Orono, ME.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Handley, D., J. Dill, and F. Drummond. 2017. Spotted Wing Drosophila - Fruit Growers Alert Newsletter. Weekly. Provides technical information and observations from a network of growers and researchers. VIA email and mail from UMaine Cooperative Extension.
|
Progress 09/01/15 to 08/31/16
Outputs
Target Audience:As a result of our efforts during this project, the following groups were reached: crop producers, agricultural consultants, pesticide applicators, farm workers, landscapers, master gardeners, healthcare/veterinary personnel, Maine Center for Disease Control personnel, Maine Deptartment of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry personnel, Cooperative Extension personnel, policy makers/regulatory personnel, and the general public. These efforts also reached a number of underserved audiences, including Somali farmers in central Maine, Maine's Native American tribes, and Maine's growing Amish population. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?As a result of this this project, training and professional development opportunities have included an annual Maine Potato Conference, annual Maine Potato Pest Management Conference, annual meeting of the Maine apple growers, Small Fruit and Vegetable Field Day and associated Twilight meetings (8), annual Master Gardener Field Day, annual Lowbush Blueberry Field Day, annual Apple Field Day, Vegetable and Small Fruit Schools (4), and an annual Tri-State Greenhouse IPM Conference. Multiple pesticide education seminars and community outreach presentations regarding ticks, mosquitoes, bed bugs, and other emerging pest issues were also conducted. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results related to this project have been disseminated to stakeholders and communities of interest in a variety of ways including individual personal contacts, IPM telephone hotlines, informational websites, blogs, multiple weekly newsletters, interviews with news/media outlets, conferences/educational training sessions, and public speaking engagements. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Program participant evaluations indicate significant benefits as a direct result of the goals and efforts associated with this project. APPLES Maine apple growers have been receptive to the use of IPM. In the year-end program survey, 100% of apple growers who participated in the scouting co-op said that the visits were useful to their decision making. In separate questions, 92% of surveyed growers said they had benefitted from an Apple IPM Program presentation or consultation, and 100% said that the newsletter had helped them with pest management decisions. On average, growers estimated that support from the Apple IPM Program helped them reduce pest damage losses by 37%, while also reducing production costs by an average of $205 per acre. The Apple IPM Program had an estimated $5.5 million impact on Maine's apple crop. SWEET CORN The Sweet Corn IPM Program reaches over half of Maine's commercial sweet corn growers, impacts over two thirds of the state's acreage, and has had an estimated $725,000 annual impact. The post-season survey indicated that 93% of growers receiving information from the Sweet Corn IPM Program were able to decrease production costs as a result. Nearly 40% of participants were able to reduce their insecticide applications. Many of the farmers found that participating in the program improved crop profitability, some by more than 100%. All of the responding farmers found that following program recommendations helped improve crop quality and said that they want to continue receiving this type of information in the future. CRANBERRIES An ongoing Cranberry IPM Program is conducted, which includes monitoring for insect pests and providing online educational resources for growers. As a result of the program's outreach, Maine cranberry growers have seen an industry wide increase in annual yield of approximately 20-30% (roughly $250,000-$400,000 in berry value or $1,000-$1,500 additional yield per acre). In the year-end grower survey, nearly 70% of growers surveyed wanted even more information regarding cranberry pest management and would greatly appreciate additional pest monitoring by UMaine CE. Expected outcomes of the proposed activities include pesticide minimization, increased crop yield, and increased implementation of IPM. POTATOES The Potato IPM Program maintains 200 specialized insect traps, coordinates a statewide network of electronic weather stations, and surveys 100 potato fields on a weekly basis. A successful IPM program can reduce production costs through decreased pesticide applications and can save growers millions of dollars in potential crop losses, through the use of effective monitoring techniques. The economic impact of the Potato IPM Program's insect monitoring was $11,494,500. STRAWBERRIES Eight farmer volunteer sites are monitored by Extension IPM scouts each growing season and the pest management recommendations are delivered to over 65 growers statewide through weekly newsletter, e-mail, and blog updates. Additionally, we have worked with growers to adopt alternative strategies such as pest resistant cultivars, biological controls and insect barriers. The year end evaluation of growers indicate that an overwhelming majority of participants have reduced pesticide applications (84%) and costs (100%) as a result of the program. Additionally, growers now time sprays in response to pest monitoring results, and most have adopted at least one non-chemical alternative pest management strategy. HOME & GARDEN/PUBLIC HEALTH Through the continued outreach efforts of the Home & Garden IPM Program and the Tick IDentification Program, we have significantly increased the number of direct contacts with the general public regarding pest management options and the safe, judicious use of pesticides. The majority of these contacts resulted in behavioral changes in the form of better IPM decision making and the utilization of lower hazard management strategies. The initiation of the Tick ID Program has allowed us to delve deeper into some of the vector-borne public health issues plaguing our state and region. In conjunction with the ID program, an informational tick website has been developed to increase public knowledge of tick biology, ecology, management, and personal protection. Additonal public outreach through multiple public speaking engagements and media interviews has also helped increase public awareness. Outreach has also continued on a number of home and garden pests including bed bugs, Japanese beetles, white grubs, and brown-tail moth, that can create significant economic hardships on property owners and managers
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Handley, D. 2016. Sweet Corn 2016 IPM Newsletter. Weekly. Provides technical information and observations from a network of growers and researchers. VIA email and mail from UMaine Cooperative Extension.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Handley, D. 2016. Strawberry 2016 IPM Newsletter. Weekly. Provides technical information and observations from a network of growers and researchers. VIA email and mail from UMaine Cooperative Extension.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Koehler, G. 2016. Maine Apple Newsletter. Weekly. Provides technical information and observations from a network of growers and researchers. VIA email and mail from UMaine Cooperative Extension.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Dwyer, J., J. Dill, S. Johnson, G. Dill. 2016. Potato 2016 IPM Pest Alert Newsletter. Weekly. Provides technical information and observations from a network of growers and researchers. VIA email and mail from UMaine Cooperative Extension.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Handley, D. 2016. Spotted Wing Drosophila - Fruit Growers Alert Newsletter. Weekly. Provides technical information and observations from a network of growers and researchers. VIA email and mail from UMaine Cooperative Extension.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Dwyer, James. 2016. Aphid and Virus Populations in 2015. Proceedings Maine Potato Conference, UMaine Cooperative Extension. Caribou, ME.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Dwyer, James. 2015. Aphid Populations in 2015. Proceedings Maine Potato Pest Management Conference, UMaine Cooperative Extension. Presque Isle, ME.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Lambert, David. 2015. Soft Rot Bacteria that Infect Potatoes. Proceedings Maine Potato Conference, UMaine Cooperative Extension. Presque Isle, ME.
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Progress 09/01/14 to 08/31/15
Outputs
Target Audience:As a result of our efforts during this project, the following groups were reached: crop producers, agricultural consultants, pesticide applicators, farm workers, landscapers, master gardeners, healthcare/veterinary personnel, Maine Center for Disease Control personnel, Maine Deptartment of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry personnel, Cooperative Extension personnel, policy makers/regulatory personnel, and the general public. These efforts also reached a number of underserved audiences, including Somali farmers in central Maine, Maine's Native American tribes, and Maine's growing Amish population. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?As a result of this this project, training and professional development opportunities have included a Pollinator Health and Safety Conference, an annual Maine Potato Conference, annual Maine Potato Pest Management Conference, annual meeting of the Maine apple growers, Small Fruit and Vegetable Field Day and associated Twilight meetings (8), annual Master Gardener Field Day, annual Lowbush Blueberry Field Day, annual Apple Field Day, Vegetable and Small Fruit Schools (4), and an annual Tri-State Greenhouse IPM Conference. Pesticide education seminars and community outreach presentations regarding ticks, mosquitoes, bed bugs, and multiple other emerging pest issues were also conducted. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results related to this project have been disseminated to stakeholders and communities of interest in a variety of ways including individual personal contacts, IPM telephone hotlines, informational websites, blogs, multiple weekly newsletters, interviews with news/media outlets, conferences/educational training sessions, and public speaking engagements. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Program participant evaluations indicate significant benefits as a direct result of the goals and efforts associated with this project. APPLES Maine apple growers have been receptive to the use of IPM. In the year-end program survey, 100% of apple growers who participated in the scouting co-op said that the visits were useful to their decision making. In separate questions, 95% of surveyed growers said they had benefitted from an Apple IPM Program presentation or consultation, and 100% said that the newsletter had helped them with pest management decisions. On average, growers estimated that support from the Apple IPM Program helped them reduce pest damage losses by 35%, while also reducing production costs an average of $211 per acre. The Apple IPM Program had an estimated $5.7 million impact on Maine's apple crop. SWEET CORN The Sweet Corn IPM Program reaches over half of Maine's commercial sweet corn growers, impacts over two thirds of the state's acreage, and has had an estimated $725,000 annual impact. The post-season survey indicated that 91% of growers receiving information from the Sweet Corn IPM Program were able to decrease production costs as a result. Nearly 40% of participants were able to reduce their insecticide applications. Many of the farmers found that participating in the program improved crop profitability, some by more than 100%. All of the responding farmers found that following program recommendations helped improve crop quality and said that they want to continue receiving this type of information in the future. CRANBERRIES An ongoing Cranberry IPM Program is conducted, which includes monitoring for insect pests and providing online educational resources for growers. As a result of the program's outreach, Maine cranberry growers have seen an industry wide increase in annual yield of approximately 20-30% (roughly $250,000-$400,000 in berry value or $1,000-$1,500 additional yield per acre). In the year-end grower survey, nearly 70% of growers surveyed wanted even more information regarding cranberry pest management and would greatly appreciate additional pest monitoring by UMaine CE. Expected outcomes of the proposed activities include pesticide minimization, increased crop yield, and increased implementation of IPM. POTATOES The Potato IPM Program maintains 200 specialized insect traps, coordinates a statewide network of electronic weather stations, and surveys 100 potato fields on a weekly basis. A successful IPM program can reduce production costs through decreased pesticide applications and can save growers millions of dollars in potential crop losses, through the use of effective monitoring techniques. The economic impact of the Potato IPM Program's insect monitoring was $3,612,400. In addition to the program's economic impact, pesticide applications were reduced by an estimated 23,171 gallons. STRAWBERRIES Eight farmer volunteer sites are monitored by Extension IPM scouts each growing season and the pest management recommendations are delivered to over 65 growers statewide through weekly newsletter, e-mail, and blog updates. Additionally, we have worked with growers to adopt alternative strategies such as pest resistant cultivars, biological controls and insect barriers. The year end evaluation of growers indicate that an overwhelming majority of participants have reduced pesticide applications (87%) and costs (100%) as a result of the program. Additionally, growers now time sprays in response to pest monitoring results, and most have adopted at least one non-chemical alternative pest management strategy. HOME & GARDEN/PUBLIC HEALTH Through the continued outreach efforts of the Home & Garden IPM Program and the Tick IDentification Program, we have significantly increased the number of direct contancts with the general public regarding pest management options and the safe, judicious use of pesticides. The majority of these contacts resulted in behavioral changes in the form of better IPM decision making and the utilization of lower hazard management strategies. The initiation of the Tick ID Program has allowed us to delve deeper into some of the vector-borne public health issues plaguing our state and region. In conjunction with the ID program, an informational tick website has been developed to increase public knowledge of tick biology, ecology, management, and personal protection. Additonal public outreach through multiple public speaking engagements and media interviews has also helped increase public awareness. Outreach has also continued on a number of home and garden pests including bed bugs, Japanese beetles, white grubs, and brown-tail moth, that can create significant economic hardships on property owners and managers.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Handley, D. 2015. Sweet Corn 2015 IPM Newsletter. Weekly. Provides technical information and observations from a network of growers and researchers. VIA email and mail from UMaine Cooperative Extension.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Handley, D. 2015. Strawberry 2015 IPM Newsletter. Weekly. Provides technical information and observations from a network of growers and researchers. VIA email and mail from UMaine Cooperative Extension.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Koehler, G. 2015. Maine Apple Newsletter. Weekly. Provides technical information and observations from a network of growers and researchers. VIA email and mail from UMaine Cooperative Extension.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Dwyer, J., J. Dill, S. Johnson, G. Dill. 2015. Potato 2015 IPM Pest Alert Newsletter. Weekly. Provides technical information and observations from a network of growers and researchers. VIA email and mail from UMaine Cooperative Extension.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Handley, D. 2015. Spotted Wing Drosophila - Fruit Growers Alert Newsletter. Weekly. Provides technical information and observations from a network of growers and researchers. VIA email and mail from UMaine Cooperative Extension.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Dwyer, James. 2014. Aphid Populations in 2014: Management Strategies. Proceedings Maine Potato Pest Management Conference, UMaine Cooperative Extension. Presque Isle, ME.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Koehler, Glen. 2014. Climate Change and Maine Agriculture-What Has Happened and What Can We Expect? Proceedings Maine Potato Pest Management Conference, UMaine Cooperative Extension. Presque Isle, ME
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Dill, James. 2015. Neonicotinoids and Colony Collapse-Science and Politics. Proceedings Maine Potato Conference, UMaine Cooperative Extension. Caribou, ME.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Dwyer, James. 2015. Aphid Flights and Control Strategies. Proceedings Maine Potato Conference, UMaine Cooperative Extension. Caribou, ME.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Dill, Griffin. 2015. Ticks and Lyme Disease-You Work Outside-What You Should Know. Proceedings Maine Potato Conference, UMaine Cooperative Extension. Caribou, ME
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Dwyer, James. 2015. Wireworms and Rotations. Proceedings Maine Potato Conference, UMaine Cooperative Extension. Caribou, ME.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Dwyer, James, J. Dill, S. Johnson, G. Dill, & S. McAuley. 2015. Maine Potato IPM Program: Past, Present, Future. Proceedings of the 8th International IPM Symposium. Salt Lake City, UT.
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