36% seropositivity. Demonstration of effective tick control and increased awareness of tick management to reduce anaplasmosis incidence is an important component of AR' IPM program. In addition the invasive Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) has been identified in AR. Efforts to continue surveillance of this new livestock pest are needed. Armyworms, grasshoppers, chinch bugs and bermudagrass stem maggots are among the important forage pests for livestock producers in AR. Fall armyworms cause forageIPM for Pollinator HealthAR farms produce over 20,000 acres of orchard crops, melons, berries and vegetables (NASS 2017). Produce tends to be small-acreage, high-value crops. The annual value of these to AR agriculture is over $50 million (NASS 2017). Most fruits and vegetables depend on insect pollination to ensure higher yield and higher quality produce. Honey bees are the most commonly used insect pollinator for agricultural production. Honey bees provide excellent pollination, and also produce an additional crop of honey.IPM Support for Diagnostic FacilitiesDiagnostic facilities are critical to support IPM decision-making in the field, by providing timely, correct identification. Correct identification of a pest, disease or weed is the underlying basis of IPM. Many insects, disease symptoms or weeds are recognized by growers and consultants. Emerging species of concern, such as invaders, cryptic species, or species that are seldom seen, require identification by trained specialists. Since 2010, the Extension Diagnostic Clinic (The Plant Health Clinic) made 20,558 identifications - primarily of disease samples, but also arthropods and weeds. Clinic staff identified more than 2943 arthropod samples.' />
Source: ARKANSAS AGRIC EXTENSION SERVICE submitted to NRP
ARKANSAS EXTENSION IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
ACTIVE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1032819
Grant No.
2024-70006-43564
Cumulative Award Amt.
$224,138.00
Proposal No.
2024-03468
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2024
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2025
Grant Year
2024
Program Code
[EIP]- Extension Implementation Program
Recipient Organization
ARKANSAS AGRIC EXTENSION SERVICE
(N/A)
LITTLE ROCK,AR 72203
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Row Crop and/or Specialty Crop IPMAR growers rely on research-based information to help them use contemporary IPM strategies: use of transgenic crops; economic thresholds; cultural practices; diagnosis and scout-ing; and delaying insect and weed resistance to pesticides. The responsibility of the Agronomic Crop IPM program is to partner Extension & Research faculty with county educators to develop and deliver this information to growers, consultants, and industry representatives. The AR IPM Program sends weekly updates to county IPM educators and consultants via podcasts, electronic newsletters, images of insects, weeds and disease symptoms to alert growers statewide. IPM faculty use social media platforms and the AR Crops Blog to reach stakeholders quickly and increase exchange among users.Specialty crop production is an important part of AR's state economy and add diversity to the agriculture of the state. Production of specialty crops has increased since 2017 due to interest in locally grown produce. This has resulted in an increase of specialty crop production, and an increase in organic production, with total revenue of $300,000 in 2015, compared to zero organic revenue reported prior. Each specialty crop grown in AR is heavily limited by pest problems including insects, weeds, and disease pressure due to the warm humid climate. AR has many pests of specialty crops that are known to be resistant to pesticides. It is important in AR for research and extension efforts to provide support to expand this market while demand increases. Research on fruit pests has focused on developing traps, scouting methods, degree-day models, and evaluating low risk alternatives to synthetic insecticides to minimize pest damage.AR has potential to increase production of specialty crops. The eastern delta of the state is known for rich sandy soils that are ideal for specialty crop production. Growers are diversifying their production to include specialty crops including peppers, squash, cantaloupe, watermelon, and pumpkin. Many residents of this region have started producing fruit and vegetables to support local food communities more interested in locally sourced food. To support our expanding market, we must evaluate new methods to help manage our high pest pressure. Rationale and Significance: Local fruit, vegetable, and nut production offers economic benefits to small-farm households, commercial farms, and health benefits to consumers. Support for growers is needed to demonstrate use of traps and degree-based, pest phenology models to minimize use of pesticides, and provide real-time data collection. Few decision aides are available to AR specialty crop growers. It is important that tools be developed that can be utilized by growers to help make management decisions and options that rely less on prophylactic sprays. Specialty crop producers need appropriate pest management technologies and information about sustainable IPM programs to improve their profits and reduce reliance on pesticides. They also need up to date information on labeled pesticide performance in the state of AR. With the increasing interest in locally produced foods, there is increased demand by growers for reduced-risk pesticides and alternative tactics that preserve natural enemies and not flare secondary pests. Many of these products are available but little research has been conducted due to funding constraints to evaluate efficacy. Profitability, human health and environmental impacts all benefit from increased development, delivery, and demonstration of IPM tactics. The direction of the IPM program is driven by input received from growers throughout the state about insect, weed, or disease issues that currently threaten crop production. IPM for Pollinator Health AR farms produce over 20,000 acres of orchard crops, melons, berries and vegetables (NASS 2017). Produce tends to be small-acreage, high-value crops. The annual value of these to AR agriculture is over $50 million (NASS 2017). Most fruits and vegetables depend on insect pollination to ensure higher yield and higher quality produce. Honey bees are the most commonly used insect pollinator for agricultural production. Honey bees provide excellent pollination, and also produce an additional crop of honey.Animal IPMCattle and poultry are the top livestock commodities in AR. AR is home to approximately 26,000 cattle operations, of which 24,000 operators had <100 head of cattle. AR cattle growers and poultry integrators rely on research-based IPM information and strategies, whether to control pests directly on cattle, pests of pasture or poultry pests. The Animal IPM program partners Extension and Research faculty with county agents to develop and deliver information to growers, consultants, and industry. Evaluations comparing fly management methods that incorporate surveillance, monitoring, insecticide class rotation and economic thresholds into fly management programs are appropriate county mini-grant projects. Insecticide resistance, improper timing on insecticide ear tag applica-tion and lack of insecticide class rotation routinely result in control failures. Insecticidal ear tags, insecticide sprays, insecticide self-treatment devices, or feed-through insect growth regulators are the most common methods. Other methods are appropriate for producers desiring alternatives. Previous research in AR has shown up to 70% horn fly control with the Bruce (1940) trap, andhas evaluated an effective fatty acid based insecticide suitable for organic production. Bovine anaplasmosis is a significant concern for AR cattle producers. Anaplasma marginaleis widespread in AR beef herds, with one recent study finding a seroprevalence rate of over 58%. In the region with the highest prevalence, almost 94% of tested cattle were positive, and in the regions with the lowest prevalence, there was >36% seropositivity. Demonstration of effective tick control and increased awareness of tick management to reduce anaplasmosis incidence is an important component of AR' IPM program. In addition the invasive Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) has been identified in AR. Efforts to continue surveillance of this new livestock pest are needed. Armyworms, grasshoppers, chinch bugs and bermudagrass stem maggots are among the important forage pests for livestock producers in AR. Fall armyworms cause forageIPM for Pollinator HealthAR farms produce over 20,000 acres of orchard crops, melons, berries and vegetables (NASS 2017). Produce tends to be small-acreage, high-value crops. The annual value of these to AR agriculture is over $50 million (NASS 2017). Most fruits and vegetables depend on insect pollination to ensure higher yield and higher quality produce. Honey bees are the most commonly used insect pollinator for agricultural production. Honey bees provide excellent pollination, and also produce an additional crop of honey.IPM Support for Diagnostic FacilitiesDiagnostic facilities are critical to support IPM decision-making in the field, by providing timely, correct identification. Correct identification of a pest, disease or weed is the underlying basis of IPM. Many insects, disease symptoms or weeds are recognized by growers and consultants. Emerging species of concern, such as invaders, cryptic species, or species that are seldom seen, require identification by trained specialists. Since 2010, the Extension Diagnostic Clinic (The Plant Health Clinic) made 20,558 identifications - primarily of disease samples, but also arthropods and weeds. Clinic staff identified more than 2943 arthropod samples.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2161799113010%
2161899112010%
2163399113010%
2163010113010%
2161599113010%
2161129113010%
2161219113010%
2161119113010%
2161899113010%
2161799114010%
Knowledge Area
216 - Integrated Pest Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
1799 - Fiber crops, general/other; 1119 - Deciduous tree fruits, general/other; 1129 - Berries and cane fruits, general/other; 1599 - Grain crops, general/other; 1899 - Oilseed and oil crops, general/other; 3010 - Honey bees; 1219 - Edible tree nuts, general/other; 3399 - Beef cattle, general/other;

Field Of Science
1130 - Entomology and acarology; 1120 - Nematology; 1140 - Weed science;
Goals / Objectives
The majorgoals of the Arkansas IPM Program include:1) improving the cost-benefit analyses (profitability) through adoption of IPM practices;2) reduce potential human health risks from pests and related pest management practices;3) minimize environmental effects from pests and related pest management practices.The critical needs of IPM in AR are to:1) implement economical, effective, and environ-mentally sound IPM systems for crops and commodities consumed by humans and livestock;2) combat increasing pest pressure including invasive species as a result of climate change in a timely manner to minimize adverse effects;3) minimize environmental effects from pests and related management strategies to ensure a safe and nutritious food supply.The goals of this proposal are to:1) develop sustainable IPM practices to mitigate effects of pests, reduce environmental harm and reduce potential human health risks;2) address long-standing pests, monitor for new pests and adapt to emerging pest issues;3) deliver IPM educationto stakeholders, to yield greater economic returns;4) support county ext. agents to demonstrate and deliver IPM best management practices;5) support pollinator health through education
Project Methods
IPM Implementation in Agronomic Crops and/or Specialty CropsAgronomic Crops IPM - We will have IPM programs in all row crops. Allproposed activities will occur every year of the three-year project. These activities complement the current crop protection research efforts, and complement existing Extension programs, such as county IPM meetings, weekly conference calls and site visits.1) County agents will be trained on IPM at in-service trainings conducted in the classroom,online and the field. Knowledge gained will be assessed through pre- and post-surveys.2) Online training modules on IPM will be updated to reflect current IPM recommendations.3) Demonstrate the value of IPM-based pesticide applications compared to preventative applications through on-farm trials.4) Demonstrate the incorporation of cultural practices to manage resistant weeds.5) Monitor Southwestern corn borer populations in corn to coordinate advisories. Trap catches will be reported in collaboration with the SIPMC Ag Pest Monitor program.6) Education on economic thresholds and insecticide termination for rice stink bug.7) Education on peanut diseases and insect pests to aid in timely and appropriate responses.8) Monitor pesticide resistance in tobacco thrips in cotton and develop recommendations.9) Monitor rice billbug in row rice production and develop educational materials.10) Support IPM funding for mini-grants for crop-producing counties.Specialty Crop IPM - The goal of the proposed work is to increase the number of sustainable IPM tactics in the state of Arkansas to support growers of specialty crops by developing a robust program that focuses on a systems approach to managing insects while maintaining soil and pollinator health. This will include developing field-testing techniques in Arkansas to increase adoption by growers. The research and extension efforts in the Arkansas specialty crop IPM program will be concentrated in 5 areas:1) Bolstering Insect Trapping Network for Fruit Pests2) Expanding knowledge of low risk and organic insecticides3) Exploring Alternatives to chlorpyrifos in fruits4) Impact of long-term cover crop rotations and their impact on pest management and pollinator health5) Education and outreachIPM Implementation in Animal AgricultureCattle Pest IPM -Emphasis is on Tick and Horn Fly Surveillance and Management Education. Weplan to compare fly management methods that incorporate surveillance, monitoring, insecticide class rotation and economic thresholds. Surveillance and sampling cattle for ALHT and important endemic ticks is a new and essential priority. Sampling cattle from a broader geographical area is needed to determine how widespreadthis tick is in Arkansas. Efforts to expand surveillance for ALHT and Theileria orientalis ikeda and provideproducer awareness of this new livestock pest are needed to expand producer awareness. Specific activities include:1. Demonstrations of surveillance and population estimation of horn flies on cattle. These demonstrations will show producers the importance of economic threshold in effective horn flymanagement and provide an alert to control failures.2. Demonstrations to compare traditional horn fly management insecticides to alternate methods (walk-through traps and alternative insecticides (fatty acids, etc.)).3. Demonstrate and conduct more widespread tick surveillance on Arkansas cattle. This will further ourknowledge of range expansion of the ALHT and increase producer awareness of this new invasivetick.4. Using established PCR methods, we will screen ALHT collected during surveillance for the presence of the protozoan pathogen, Theileria orientalis ikeda. This will increase producer knowledge of theimportance of this pathogen and its associated tick.Forage Pest Management -Due to the arrival and range expansion of BSM and recent damaging chinch bug populations, we willincrease awareness with demonstrations to agents in counties with substantial bermudagrass hay production. Specialists and county agents will educate producers on symptom recognition and surveillance methods forBSM (yellow sticky cards and sweep netting) and chinch bugs (flotation) as well as demonstrate controlmethods. Specific activities include:1. Bermudagrass stem maggot: In Years 1 -3, participating county faculty will demonstrate how to identify an infested field, how to assess the infestation, demonstrate control methods and assessdamage in treated verses non-treated forage.2. Chinch bugs: Recognition of chinch bug damage and chinch bug surveillance will be demonstratedin bermudagrass fields with a history of poultry litter application. Control demonstrations will beconducted in fields showing economic damage.3. Armyworm and Fall Armyworm surveillance: Compare counts of caterpillars per square foot tocaterpillars per sweep from sweep netting. A protocol for these comparisons has been used over thelast two years.4. Armyworm and Fall management in pastures: Evaluate and demonstrate the value of alternativeinsecticide formulations (e.g., insect growth regulators, anthranilic diamides and IGR/pyrethroidtank mixes) with longer residual activity, compared to treatments with pyrethroids alone. Providescouting alerts to producers through news releases, email and social media.5. Imported fire ants: Assist producers in determining the amount of economic damage resulting fromimported fire ant infestations. Demonstrate alternative fire ant bait application in key areasincluding skip-swatch applications.Poultry Pest Management: Darkling beetle and house fly resistance has become a recurring issue in and around poultry housing facilities in the U.S. In 2015-2016,Arkansas poultry integrators identified lesser mealworm and house fly control failures as a recurring issuein northwest Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. Both lesser mealworms and house flies are potential mechanical vectors of poultry pathogens, neighborhood nuisance pests and/or potential public healththreats. The lesser mealworm burrowing in insulation causes structural damage such assignificant reduction in the R-value resulting in increased climate control costs. Specific activities include:1. Year 1 - Assist poultry integrators to determine incidence of lesser mealworm and house fly controlfailure, identify farms to implement demonstrations, initiate IPM control technologies on integratoridentified farms.2. Year 1-3 - Use laboratory bioassays to evaluate products and potential darkling beetle insecticideresistance.3. Years 2-3 - Develop educational materials and assist poultry integrator field personnel andcontracted pest control operators in appropriate IPM control strategies (insecticide classrotation, alternative control methods and surveillance methods).IPM for Pollinator HealthIssues currently facing honey bees and beekeeping include mite parasites, microbial pathogens,habitatdegradation, and pesticide exposure. Information on colony management using IPM tactics, is essential tomaintaining a good healthy honey bee population in today's environment.Activities Proposed:1) Conduct IPM training for Pollinator Health with county extension agents and clientele;2) Produce IPM information in the form of booklets and a pocket guide forPollinator Health IPMto be distributed at workshops and county meetings.Workshops are an effective method to increase knowledge of county-level extension agents and staff, tohelp answer questions of clientele, and to be able to work with local beekeepers and beekeepingassociations to teach and conduct workshops for the public. Workshops will be conducted across the state.Apiary inspectors from the AR State Plant Board will also be involved.IPM Support for Diagnostic FacilitiesMisuse of pesticides can result from misidentification. Personnel areneeded to support and make the diagnoses needed to ensure diagnostic lab viability. Activities Proposed: Provide partial support for technician to increase lab diagnostics

Progress 09/01/24 to 08/31/25

Outputs
Target Audience:IPM Implementation in Agronomic and Specialty Crops Target Audience - Growers, Landlords, Crop Consultants/Decision Makers, and Fruit and Nut Growers in Arkansas. Efforts - On-farm demonstrations conducted by county agents showing IPM methods. County IPM meetings focused on current issues in the state, newsletters, crop field days/tours, and electronic media (Arkansas Crops Blog and Arkansas Fruit, Vegetable and Nut Update Blog) were used to disseminate information on recommended IPM practices. Online scouting schools were provided to educate clientele on proper identification and scouting procedures for pests important to Arkansas agronomic crops. Demonstrations on fruit and nut IPM were conducted in the state in open-field plots. IPM Implementation in Animal Agriculture Target Audience - Cattlemen, Poultry Producers, Horse Managers, Pasture and Hay Producers, Hog Farmers Efforts - On-farm demonstrations were conducted by county agents showing horn fly, forage, fire ant, and tick IPM methods. County IPM meetings, newsletters, and electronic media were used to disseminate information on recommended animal IPM practices. IPM for Pollinator Health Target Audience - Beekeepers, Homeowners, Growers, County Agents, and Regulatory Personnel. Efforts - Pollinator IPM was covered in three short courses conducted across the state. Diagnostic Lab Target Audience - Homeowners, Growers, and County Agents in Arkansas Efforts- Timely identification of pest samples for correct IPM recommendations. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The county mini-grants program provides funding for county agents to develop their individual county IPM programs. This has provided an avenue for increased interaction between IPM specialists and county agents as they develop and improve their programs. Newer county agents in particular find this increased interaction a perfect opportunity for training in IPM. They are then able to convey this knowledge to stakeholders in their county. Several agents are also able to present their program results at professional meetings such as the Association of County Agricultural Agents of America (ACAAA) and the Arkansas Association of County Agricultural Agents (AACAA). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Priority Area 1: IPM Implementation in Agronomic Crops and/or Specialty Crops • 18IPM updates, pest alerts, recommendations, and demonstration results were communicated through theArkansas Crops Blog, which has 987 subscribers and a readership of 60,000 and the Arkansas Fruit, Vegetable, and Nut Update which has 423 subscribers and a readership of 30,000, resulting in 900,000 clientele contacts. • 136IPM presentations to clientele at 64IPM row crop producer in-person meetings attended by a total of 3410clientele. • 166IPM newsletters distributed by county agents to 23,214 clientele. • 187IPM demonstrations. • 2,100 individual on-farm IPM visits. • 37 individual county IPM demonstration booklets with IPM demonstration results were distributed to 23,214 clientele. • Pest biology and management was communicated through8Extension Fact Sheets that were new or updated to provide timely information. • Proper IPM scouting techniques, pest insect and disease identificication and treatment thresholds were conveyed through 5 on-line pest scouting schools. Priority Area 2. IPM Implementation in Animal Agriculture • Demonstration results and updates to recommendations were presented at 12 county meetings/field days. • Updates and management recommendations were communicated through 13 newsletters (emailed and posted to the Extension website). Priority Area 4. IPM for Pollinator Health • Pollinator Health IPM was communicated to beekeeper clientele at 23 classes/workshops at various locations in the state with 1688 clientele attending. • Pollinator conservation IPM was communicated to pest professionals and county Extension agents at 2 classes/workshops with 209 attending. • Pollinator content has been updated on the Extension website (www.uaex.uada.edu/bees) • 1 Fact sheet on pollinator IPM Priority Area 5. IPM Support for Pest Diagnostic Facilities • Current plant disease issues and management recommendations were communicated through 3newsletters posted to the Extension website and emailed to clientele. • An annual report on results from the Plant Diagnostic Clinic was produced and posted to the Extension website. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Priority Area 1: IPM Implementation in Agronomic Crops and/or Specialty Crops 1) Train county agents on IPM • Hands-on training sessions are scheduled at various times and locations throughout the upcoming growing season during field days and row crop colleges. • In-field training will be conducted on pests as opportunities arise during pest outbreaks. 2) Provide funds to county agents through the IPM mini-grants program • County agents will be provided the opportunity to apply for IPM mini-grants to support their individual county IPM programs. • IPM specialists will work closely with county agents to mentor newer agents to conduct IPM demonstrations. This will provide an opportunity to train new agents as well as clientele in sound IPM practices. • Each county will produce an IPM Demonstration booklet with results from their on-farm demonstrations for distribution to clientele at the end of the growing season. • County agents will also be encouraged to present IPM demonstration results at state, regional, and national meetings. 3) Bolster the insect trapping network for fruit pests • Agents will continue to report on trap catches of several insect species in fruits. • Pest alerts will continue to be published on the webpage and on social media pages to update growers on pest issues and guide decisions. 4) Expand knowledge of low-risk and organic insecticides • A trial assessing effectiveness of common organic insecticides for control of tomato fruitworm and other pests will be applied to southern peas and edamame. We also plan to add organic options for control of blackberry mite pests in trials later in the summer. 5) Explore alternatives to chlorpyrifos in fruits • Pheromone mating disruption tags will be placed at a large peach orchard to determine the rate of decline in the occurrence of peachtree borer. • An alternative insecticide trial in peaches is planned to determine the effectiveness of alternatives to chlorpyrifos. • These data will be used to inform a fact sheet for Arkansas and the Midsouth based on observations in 2025 and 2026. 6) Impact of long-term cover crop rotations on pest management and pollinator health • Plots described above will continue to be monitored through May and June for impact from soil pests and potential legume pests moving from the previous cover crop. • Cover crops will be established in the late summer of 2025 at Hope, AR to continue the cover crop rotation vs. fallow plots and further explore benefits of cover crops, build recommendations, and demonstrate the effectiveness to stakeholders. 7) Education and outreach • Alerts will be delivered to clientele through Ag Pest Monitor as well as the Extension Row Crops Blog and the Arkansas Fruit, Vegetable, and Nut Update. • Clientele will be trained in the management of insect pests, diseases, and weeds in soybeans at the University of Arkansas Soybean College in August 2025. • Clientele will be trained in the management of insect pests, diseases and weeds in rice at the University of Arkansas Rice College, scheduled for 2026. • Results of research and demonstrations will be presented at University field days at five Research and Extension Centers across the state. • Current recommendations on sound IPM practices will be presented at multiple county production meetings at the end of the season, as well as in-season county IPM meetings. • Statewide demonstration of okra varieties and pest occurrence will be completed by late summer 2025. • Three Agent trainings are being planned for 2025 maximizing the use of demonstration plots to train agents on sustainable IPM plans for fruits and vegetables. • The UACES Horticulture webpage will continue to be updated to include pertinent and up-to-date information. Priority Area 2: IPM Implementation in Animal Agriculture 1) Cattle tick and horn fly surveillance and management education • County agents will be provided the opportunity to apply for IPM mini-grants to support their individual county IPM programs. • Med/Vet IPM specialists will work closely with county agents to mentor newer agents on conducting cattle and forage IPM demonstrations. This will provide an opportunity to train newer agents as well as clientele in IPM techniques. • Each county will produce an IPM Demonstration booklet with results from their on-farm demonstrations for distribution to clientele at the end of the year. • County agents will be encouraged to present their IPM demonstration results at county, state, regional, and national meetings. • Alerts will be delivered to clientele via newsletters, text alerts, and the Pest Management Newsletter on the extension website. • Current recommendations on IPM practices will be presented at multiple cattleman's meetings across the state. 2) Forage pest management • The same plans as listed under cattle tick and horn fly above, under number 1. Priority Area 3: IPM for Pollinator Health 1) Train agents and pest professionals on IPM for pollinator health • Additional classes will be conducted in various locations across the state 2) Train beekeepers on best practices on IPM for pollinator health • Workshops will be conducted in various locations across the state and region • IPM faculty will respond to individual clientele as requested 3) Produce IPM publications for distribution • Extension publication on swarms and feral colonies will be completed Priority Area 4: IPM Support for Pest Diagnostic Facilities 1) Provide timely correct identification of pest, disease and weed samples • The Plant Health Clinic will continue to process all plant disease samples, including commercial horticultural and field crop samples, as well as homeowners. • The Plant Health Clinic at Fayetteville and Nematode Diagnostic Laboratory at Hope, Arkansas, will continue to use the DDDI network for on-line sample and image submission, recordkeeping and database connection to SPDNINPDN. This system has been customized by DDDI for Arkansas and follows the NIFA requirements. • Diagnostics: Funding from the NIFA will provide salary support for a lab technician at the Plant Health Clinic.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Priority Area 1: IPM Implementation in Agronomic Crops and/or Specialty Crops 1) Train county agents on IPM • One remote (Zoom) training session on pecan insect pests was conducted. • Two in-field training courses will be conducted in July. • Online training modules on pest identification, monitoring, and management for cotton, corn, grain sorghum, soybean, rice, and peanut were updated. These were also made available to the public on the Extension website (https://courses.uada.edu). • Hands-on IPM training in soybeans is scheduled for the Soybean College in August, with 40 agents anticipated to participate. • Agent in-service trainings on IPM in fruits and vegetables are currently being planned at several sites. 2) Provide funds to county agents through IPM mini-grants program • Thirty-four IPM proposals were submitted from 32 counties. • The state IPM committee provided funding in the amount of $60,000 for individual county IPM programs for year 1 of the project. • County Demonstration Booklets containing results from individual county IPM demonstrations were distributed to clientele at winter production meetings. • County agents are conducting over 170 on-farm IPM demonstrations (many demonstrations are in the process of being set up, with the growing season starting). • Row crop specialists are conducting over 100 IPM demonstrations on University research and extension centers. • Pest trapping program • Pheromone and traps were distributed to 32 county programs to monitor corn earworm, tobacco budworm, and southwestern corn borer. • Weekly captures were posted on the Extension website and the Row Crops Blog, alerting clientele of potential infestations. • Trapping for corn leafhopper is underway in eight counties • The Arkansas IPM Program collaborated with the Southern IPM Center to utilize Ag Pest Monitor to allow county agents to report weekly on their county programs. This program allows county agents to report pest numbers to an interactive map updated in real-time and available to clientele via the Extension website. 3) Bolster insect trapping network for fruit pests • Pheromone lures, traps, and other materials for trapping for plum curculio (1 location), san jose scale (4 locations), grape root borer (2 locations), peachtree borer (2 locations), spotted-wing drosophila (3 locations), and pecan nut casebearer (8 locations) were distributed to agents in the spring of 2025 to expand the breath of state-wide trapping for insect pests of specialty crops that are monitored in Arkansas. • Vegetable insect trapping continued for tomato fruitworm (12 locations) and cabbage looper (4 locations). This year, select agents are comparing longer-lasting lures (12 weeks) with typical corn earworm lures (2-4 weeks). • Weekly trap catch results were posted to the Horticulture Pest Trapping Webpage, with pest alerts reported on the webpage and on our facebook page. 4) Expand knowledge of low-risk and organic insecticides • Southern peas and edamame were planted in Late April 2025 in SW Arkansas to explore common organic insecticides such as Bt and Entrust for control of tomato fruitworm and other pests. We also plan to add organic options for control of blackberry mite pests in trials later in the summer. 5) Explore alternatives to chlorpyrifos in fruits • A mating disruption study is underway for peachtree borer at a large grower operation in Clarksville, AR. We collaborating with Trece, using their experimental mating disruption lure. • Demonstrations to determine the effectiveness less toxic insecticides in preventing borer infestation are also underway. 6) Impact of long-term cover crop rotations on pest management and pollinator health • A cover-crop trial was established in Hope, AR in 2023 to better understand pest management efforts necessary after cover crops and non-cover crop areas. Vegetable crops have been grown behind either a cover crop mix or no cover crops. • Cover crops were established on one half of the field while the other was kept fallow, following the same rotation in the previous year. In April of 2025 Edamame and Southern peas were planted that received either a treatment of imidacloprid + bifenthrin, or no insecticide at planting. Emergence counts have already been recorded, and further observation is planned through May and June to determine the impact from potential soil pests following either cover crop or fallow land treatments. 7) Education and outreach • Eighteen updates on current pest infestations and management options in row crops were posted on the Arkansas Row Crops Blog and the Arkansas Fruit, Vegetable, and Nut Update Blog. • Eight Extension Fact Sheets on insect, disease and weed pests were produced or updated and distributed to clientele. • Thirty-seven County IPM Demonstration Booklets were produced and distributed to 3,653 clientele. • Five Pest Management Newsletters were distributed and posted on the Extension website. • A statewide demonstration focusing on Okra varieties and pest management was initiated in April. Forty different agents/research station units are participating, encompassing 30 counties in Arkansas. Priority Area 2: IPM Implementation in Animal Agriculture 1) Cattle tick and horn fly surveillance and management education • Seven on-farm demonstrations on tick and horn fly management were conducted. • Six meetings on pest management on cattle were conducted with 400 clientele attending. • Tick collections were conducted from cattle operations and livestock auctions. Asian longhorned tick has been detected in 5 counties, while the disease it transmits has been detected in 7 counties. • Eleven newsletters on ticks, flies, and external parasites were distributed to 1,164 clientele. • A new vaccine to control ticks on cattle is available. However, efficacy data for the vaccine are lacking. Evaluations of the efficacy of the vaccine are underway, comparing tick abundance, fecundity, and mortality in vaccinated cattle. 2) Forage pest management • Twenty-one on-farm demonstrations were conducted on fall armyworm, Bermudagrass stem maggot, imported fire ant, and weed management. • Classroom instruction for county agents and clientele on forage insect pests was provided. • Six meetings on forage pest management were conducted with 400 clientele attending. • Fifteen newsletters on forage pests and weeds were distributed to 2,357 clientele. • Forage IPM mini-grant proposals were submitted by 10 counties. The state IPM committee provided funding in the amount of $15,000 for individual county IPM programs for year 1 of the project. Priority Area 3: IPM for Pollinator Health 1) Train county agents and pest professionals on IPM for pollinator health • Two classes were conducted with 209 participants 2) Train beekeepers on best practices on IPM for pollinator health • Twenty-three workshops were conducted with 1688 participants • Individual consultations with 149 clientele 3) Produce IPM publications for distribution • Monthly updates conducted on Extension Beekeeping web pages • Publication on swarms and feral colonies Priority Area 4: IPM Support for Pest Diagnostic Facilities 1) Providetimely, correct identification of pest, disease, and weed samples • The Plant Health Clinic and nematode lab diagnosed 1,002 samples. Disease reports were generated for clientele along with appropriate control recommendations. • The Portable diagnostic lab was used during field days, farmers' markets, and gardening events. • Over 30,000 clientele were reached through various means, including electronic newsletters, one-on-one consultations, phone calls, social media and in-person events.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Mazzanti, R. Arkansas Rice Research Verification Program Weekly Update May 9, 2025 - Update No. 4. University of Arkansas System Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agriculture. Arkansas Row Crops Blog. https://arkansascrops.uada.edu/posts/verification/rrvp-050925.aspx. May 12, 2025.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Hardke, J., S. Stiles, B. Scott, N. Bateman and B. Thrash. 2025. Arkansas Rice Update 5-9-25. University of Arkansas System Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agriculture. Arkansas Row Crops Blog. https://arkansascrops.uada.edu/posts/crops/rice/arkansas-rice-update-5-9-25.aspx. May 9, 2025.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Mazzanti, R. 2025. Arkansas Rice Research Verification Program Weekly Update May 2, 2025 - Update No. 3. University of Arkansas System Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agriculture. Arkansas Row Crops Blog. https://arkansascrops.uada.edu/posts/verification/rrvp-050225.aspx. May 2, 2025.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Hardke, J., S. Stiles and B. Scott. 2025. Arkansas Rice Update 5-2-25. University of Arkansas System Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agriculture. Arkansas Row Crops Blog. https://arkansascrops.uada.edu/posts/crops/rice/arkansas-rice-update-5-2-25.aspx. May 2, 2025.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Hardke, J., S. Stiles and B. Scott. 2025. Arkansas Rice Update 4-25-25. University of Arkansas System Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agriculture. Arkansas Row Crops Blog. https://arkansascrops.uada.edu/posts/crops/rice/arkansas-rice-update-4-25-25.aspx. April 25, 2025.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Mazzanti, R. 2025. Arkansas Rice Research Verification Program Weekly Update April 25, 2025 - Update No. 2. University of Arkansas System Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agriculture. Arkansas Row Crops Blog. https://arkansascrops.uada.edu/posts/verification/rrvp-042525.aspx. April 25, 2025.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Mazzanti, R. 2025. Arkansas Rice Research Verification Program Weekly Update April 18, 2025 - Update No. 1. University of Arkansas System Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agriculture. Arkansas Row Crops Blog. https://arkansascrops.uada.edu/posts/verification/rrvp-04182025.aspx. April 25, 2025.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Hardke, J., S. Stiles and B. Scott. 2025. Arkansas Rice Update 4-18-25. University of Arkansas System Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agriculture. Arkansas Row Crops Blog. https://arkansascrops.uada.edu/posts/crops/rice/arkansas-rice-update-4-18-25.aspx. April 18, 2025.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Hardke, J., S. Stiles and B. Scott. 2025. Arkansas Rice Update 4-11-25. University of Arkansas System Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agriculture. Arkansas Row Crops Blog. https://arkansascrops.uada.edu/posts/crops/rice/arkansas-rice-update-4-11-25.aspx. April 11, 2025.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Hardke, J., S. Stiles, N. Bateman and B. Thrash. 2025. Arkansas Rice Update 3-28-25. University of Arkansas System Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agriculture. Arkansas Row Crops Blog. https://arkansascrops.uada.edu/posts/crops/rice/arkansas-rice-update-3-28-25.aspx. March 28, 2025.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Hardke, J. and B. Scott. 2025. Arkansas Rice Update 3-22-25. University of Arkansas System Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agriculture. Arkansas Row Crops Blog. https://arkansascrops.uada.edu/posts/crops/rice/arkansas-rice-update-3-22-25.aspx. March 22, 2025.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Emerson, M., T. Faske, B. Baker and N. Emerson. 2025. Field Performance of One Hundred Eighteen Soybean Varieties Against the Southern Root-Knot Nematode and Frogeye Leaf Spot, 2024. University of Arkansas System Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agriculture. Arkansas Row Crops Blog. https://arkansascrops.uada.edu/posts/disease/soybean-performance-srkn.aspx. January 9, 2025.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Hardke, J. 2024. 2024 Arkansas Rice Performance Trials. University of Arkansas System Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agriculture. Arkansas Row Crops Blog. https://arkansascrops.uada.edu/posts/crops/rice/arkansas-rice-performance-trials-2024.aspx. November 25, 2024.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Spurlock, T. 2024. A Process for Choosing Wheat Varieties to Manage Disease in the 2024/2025 Growing Season. 2024. University of Arkansas System Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agriculture. Arkansas Row Crops Blog. https://arkansascrops.uada.edu/posts/disease/wheat-varieties-2024.aspx. September 23, 2024.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Nicolli, C. and S. DePaula. 2025. Rice False Smut. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. Fact Sheet FSA7582. https://uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/FSA7582.pdf. 4 pages.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Zawislak, J. 2025. Pocket Guide to Honey Bee Health. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. Miscellaneous Publication MP547P (revised). https://uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/MP547P.pdf. 60 pages.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Jones, S., G. Selden. 2025. Winter Drawdowns for Aquatic Weed Control and Pond Management. 2025. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. Fact Sheet FSA9628. https://uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/FSA9628.pdf. 6 pages.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Studebaker, G. 2025. Insecticide Recommendations for Arkansas. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. Miscellaneous Publication MP144. https://uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/mp144/MP144.pdf. 336 pages.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Faske, T. 2025. Arkansas Plant Disease Control Products Guide. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. Miscellaneous Publication MP154. https://uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/mp154/2025%20MP154.pdf. 160 pages.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Barber, T. 2025. Recommended Chemicals for Weed and Brush Control. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. Miscellaneous Publication MP44. https://uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/mp44/mp44.pdf. 200 pages.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Nicolli, C., A. Fereira and S. DePaula. 2024. Leaf and Neck Blast of Rice. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. Fact Sheet FSA2211. https://uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/FSA2211.pdf. 4 pages.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Davis, J., P. Spradley, C. Spinks and M. Paskewitz. 2024. Calibrating Boom Sprayers. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. Fact Sheet FSA2212. https://uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/FSA2212.pdf. 6 pages.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Klass, T. 2024. Plant Health Clinic 2024 Summary Report. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. https://uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/plant-health-clinic/docs/Plant%20Health%20Clinic2024.pdf. 7 pages.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Klass, T. and J. Pavel. 2025. Arkansas Plant Health Clinic Newsletter, Issue 1. April 8, 2025. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. https://uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/plant-health-clinic/2025-issue-01.pdf. 5 pages.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Klass, T. and J. Pavel. 2025. Arkansas Plant Health Clinic Newsletter, Issue 2. April 23, 2025. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. https://uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/plant-health-clinic/2025-issue-2.pdf. 7 pages.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Cato, A, B. McPeake, K. Loftin and J. Pavel. 2024. Pest Management News October 2024. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Pest-Management-News--October-2024.html?soid=1136419735139&aid=yIJw0sa0P5o.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Cato, A, B. McPeake, K. Loftin and J. Pavel. 2024. Pest Management News September 2024. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Pest-Management-News--September-2024.html?soid=1136419735139&aid=3DUfWLCmcn0.
  • Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Blythe, L., D. Freeze, B. Davis, K. Head and S. Filadelfia. 2024 Crop, Livestock, and Youth Demonstrations and Programs. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. https://uaex.uada.edu/counties/greene/2024-greene-county-demo-book.pdf. 85 pages
  • Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Baldridge, B., C. Sisk, T. Fowler, M. Teague and R. Taylor. 2024 Lawrence County Cooperative Extension Service Crop, 4-H, Livestock Demonstrations and Projects. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. https://uaex.uada.edu/counties/lawrence/2024-report.pdf. 54 pages
  • Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Holloway, J., A. Stark, E. Moody, J. Hambrick and L. Sullivan. 2024. Prairie County Demo Book. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. https://uaex.uada.edu/counties/prairie/prairie-co-demo-2024_Jacob%20Holloway.pdf. 40 pages
  • Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lawson, K. and K. Quinn. 2024 Faulkner County Agriculture Demonstration Summary. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. https://uaex.uada.edu/counties/faulkner/docs/General/2024%20Faulkner%20County%20Demonstration%20Book.pdf. 52 pages
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: 2024 University of Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Research Verification Program. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. https://www.uaex.uada.edu/farm-ranch/crops-commercial-horticulture/corn/2024-CGSRVP-Report.pdf. 15 pages
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Harke, J. 2025. Arkansas Rice Update 5-16-25. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. Arkansas Row Crops Blog. https://arkansascrops.uada.edu/posts/crops/rice/arkansas-rice-update-5-16-25.aspx. May 16, 2025.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Mazzanti. R. 2025. Arkansas Rice Research Verification Program Weekly Update May 19, 2025 - Update No. 5. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. Arkansas Row Crops Blog. https://www.uaex.uada.edu/farm-ranch/crops-commercial-horticulture/verification/rrvp-051625.pdf. May 19, 2025.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Mazzanti. R. 2025. Arkansas Rice Research Verification Program Weekly Update May 28, 2025 - Update No. 6. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. Arkansas Row Crops Blog. https://www.uaex.uada.edu/farm-ranch/crops-commercial-horticulture/verification/rrvp-052325.pdf. May 28, 2025
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Capps. C. Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Weekly Update - May 23, 2025. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. Arkansas Row Crops Blog. https://www.uaex.uada.edu/farm-ranch/crops-commercial-horticulture/verification/CGSRVP-0523025.pdf. May 23, 2025.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Klass, T. and J. Pavel. 2025. Arkansas Plant Health Clinic Newsletter, Issue 3. May 8, 2025. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Arkansas-Plant-Health-Clinic-Newsletter-2025.html?soid=1142165174559&aid=LnNb_OkBrMc. May 8, 2025