Non Technical Summary
The overarching goal of the program is to deliver timely, reliable, and applicable research-based information that is directly aligned with stakeholder needs. The combined gross value and value-added activities of Louisiana's agricultural industry are estimated to be nearly $12 billion. However, due to Louisiana's subtropical climate, many insects, diseases, and weeds impact agronomic commodities and natural habitats. IPM is essential in mitigating pest problems, while simultaneously protecting agricultural production, health, and the environment. The project and objectives developed in this program were based on input and concerns identified through active engagement with key stakeholders. The program will focus on four priorities: IPM implementation in agronomic crops, IPM support for pest diagnostic facilities, IPM implementation in communities including housing, and IPM for pesticide applicators. To increase the impact of IPM research and extension, we will include innovative approaches such as developing a user-friendly AI-assisted pest management guide, conducting comprehensive statewide extension training (IPM School), and creating online resources and apps for the general public and agriculture industry. We will continue resistance monitoring and management by supporting novel IPM initiatives such as monitoring insecticide resistance in stink bugs, identifying pathways of guava root-knot nematode dissemination, documenting fungicide-resistant plant pathogens, addressing herbicide resistance in agricultural weeds, and monitoring bollworm resistance in Bt crops. Lastly, we will broaden the scope of EIP-supported IPM extension activities by including projects related to urban pests and disease vectors in housing communities.

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
211	1820	1130	15%
213	1530	1140	10%
212	1599	1160	10%
212	1599	1120	10%
721	5320	1130	15%
903	5220	3030	15%
212	0999	1160	15%
211	1719	1130	10%

Knowledge Area
212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants; 211 - Insects, Mites, and Other Arthropods Affecting Plants; 903 - Communication, Education, and Information Delivery; 213 - Weeds Affecting Plants; 721 - Insects and Other Pests Affecting Humans;

Subject Of Investigation
1719 - Cotton, other; 0999 - Citrus, general/other; 1599 - Grain crops, general/other; 1820 - Soybean; 5320 - Houses (human residences), furniture, household equipment, non-textile furnishings; 1530 - Rice; 5220 - Pesticides;

Field Of Science
1120 - Nematology; 1130 - Entomology and acarology; 1160 - Pathology; 1140 - Weed science; 3030 - Information and communication;

Goals / Objectives
The primary focus of the proposed project is extension activities. Research-related objectives account for less than 20% of the overall program activities. Successful completion of the proposed projects will 1) broaden the scope of EIP-supported activities in Louisiana by adding objectives related to IPM in communities; 2) improve awareness and adoption of IPM in Louisiana by incorporating novel and traditional methods of information delivery; and 3)increase communication among IPM practitioners via the formation of an IPM advisory committee and development and maintenance of LSU AgCenter IPM website. Specific objectives are:Objective 1: Increase the impact of IPM research and extension via novel delivery methodsDesign and develop an innovative mobile, web-based, and AI-assisted pest management guide that is user-friendly and ADA-compliantConduct a comprehensive statewide extension agent training on pest management (IPM School), focusing on insects, weeds, and diseases in major agronomic crops including soybean, cotton, corn, grain sorghum, wheat, rice, sugarcane, sweetpotato, forage, and specialty cropDevelop online resource for pest management and pest identification to the public (Bug Biz)Develop MyIPM app for Row Crops in collaboration with Clemson UniversityConduct field crops insect scouting schools and develop IPM Factsheets for agronomic cropsObjective 2:Improve resistance monitoring and management of invasive pests by supporting new IPM initiativesMonitor insecticide resistance in stink bugs in soybeanIdentify pathways of dissemination of the guava root-knot nematode in Louisiana nursery production and educate key stakeholders on methods to limit the spread of this highly damaging pestMonitor and document dispersion of fungicide-resistant plant pathogens affecting soybeans in Louisiana and develop effective strategies for their managementHerbicide resistance monitoring and resistance management in populations of agricultural weeds in LouisianaMonitoring for bollworm resistance to Bt in corn and cotton productionObjective 3:Support LSU AgCenter Plant Diagnostics CenterObjective 4:Improve pest control practices in Louisiana's housing communities by enhancing training of pest management professionals and other end-usersDevelop and provide educational extension content (training events, fact sheets, and publications) on urban pest and disease vector identification and managementDocument the impact of extension training events through pre- and post-survey evaluations using the logic model approachTest new and alternative pest management tools for efficacy against priority urban pests and inform target audiences of their efficacyObjective 5:Improve training resources for pesticide applicatorcertification programsRevise and improve the agricultural pest manual used for pesticide applicator certificationDevelop a comprehensive safety manual and accompanying instructional videos for the safe and responsible use of sprayer drones

Project Methods
Objective 1: Increase the impact of IPM research and extension delivery via novel delivery methodsThe existing pest management guide information will be encoded and organized using a Content Management System (CMS). The Information Technology and Communications teams will design a web-based platform and a mobile app, both adhering to ADA-compliance standards. Rigorous testing will identify glitches, and stakeholder feedback will guide improvements. Regular evaluations will assess the guide's impact on pest management practices, informing further enhancements.A 1.5-day IPM School will be conducted at the LSU Campus. The program will cover various agronomic and specialty crops, featuring faculty and specialists. Topics include pesticide efficacy, resistance management, and proactive measures against emerging threats. Continuous improvement will be achieved through feedback collection.Coordinate Bug Biz series and offer aclass "Technical Writing for the General Public: The Bug Biz Series". Long-term goal of this series is to aggregate them into a common guide titled "Arthropods of Louisiana" for distribution in the state. Bug Biz content is informed by insect diagnostic inquiries made to the LSU Department of Entomology via the Contact Us system, mail, phone call, or email.Continued collaborationbetween LSU AgCenter and Clemson University aims to develop theMyIPM row crop app. Originally created by Dr. Guido Schnabel, the app focused on disease management in fruit crops and has now expanded to include row crops. It provides information on insects (e.g., corn, cotton, soybean) and diseases (especially in peanuts). Extension specialists from LSU AgCenter will contribute regional insights, making the app a valuable complement to existing production guides and pest management handbooks.Agronomic crops insect scouting schools will be organized twice a year and aim to povide comprehensive training for extension agents, consultants, producers, and LDAF agents. The scout school will cover insect pest identification, general IPM principles, plant growth, and worker protection/safety. Additionally, IPM fact sheets will be developed for key insect pests, enhancing participants' knowledge and skills in insect scouting and pest management.Objective 2: Improve resistance monitoring and management of invasive pests by supporting new IPM initiativesProactive monitoring for insecticide resistance in stink bugs on soybeans using "diagnostic dose kits." These kits allow agents, farmers, and consultants to independently test stink bugs and report results to a central database. Short videos addressing season-long stink bug integrated pest management (IPM) FAQs will be created. These videos cover topics like proper identification, scouting techniques, action thresholds, and when to stop scouting. Overall, the strategy combines practical testing and educational resources to enhance stink bug control effortsAddress the aggressive guava root-knot nematode, which differs from other established species. Existing resistant crop varieties do not protect against this nematode, necessitating accurate identification. To achieve this, samples will be collected from diverse suppliers in Louisiana, including home growers, retailers, and nursery producers. These samples will undergo analysis for root-knot nematode presence, followed by species-level identification using specific PCR primers. Additionally, education and outreach efforts will raise awareness of dissemination pathways and gauge clientele understanding of plant-parasitic nematodes in ornamental crops.Monitor soybean diseases prevalent in the state including Cercospora Leaf Blight/Purple Seed Stain (CLB/PSS), Frogeye Leaf Spot, Aerial Blight, Target Spot, and Brown Spot. The monitoring efforts involve collaboration among researchers, extension specialists, agents, consultants, and producers, with the goal of informed management and alternative strategies.The loss of effective herbicides impacts corn, soybean, cotton, and rice revenues, with additional costs for controlling glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth. Monitoring resistant populations and educating stakeholders are essential strategies. The Weed Science Program actively updates materials and launches an herbicide resistance screening program to inform Louisiana's agriculture industry.Conduct field evaluations of commercially available Bt corn and cotton and monitor resistance to Bt proteins via bioassays. Corn and cotton sentinel plots will be planted in several areas in central and northeast Louisiana. Bollworm larvae will be collected in several sites and will be sent to Texas A&M and LSU AgCenter for bioassays against Bt proteins and insecticides. Results will be shared with stakeholders during production field days, extension articles, and other key events.Objective 3: Support for LSU AgCenter Plant Diagnostics CenterThe Plant Diagnostic Center in Louisiana plays a crucial role in addressing plant health challenges. With the state's hot and humid climate, pests and diseases thrive, impacting specialty crops. The center provides accurate diagnoses and tailored management practices based on integrated pest management. In a typical year the center handles around 760 physical and 250 digital samples, conducts surveys, and collaborates with extension agents and growers. The center aims to enhance stakeholder knowledge by developing educational programs and diagnostic services for high-impact diseases. Extension materials and seminars will further support effective plant health management.Objective 4: Improve pest control practices in Louisiana's housing communities by enhancing training of pest management professionals and other end-usersTo address challenges in managingurban pests, extension programming and training will be offered throughout Louisiana in collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestryand pest management associations. These programs will cover topics such as pest identification, biology, monitoring, IPM strategies, pesticide safety, and insecticide resistance management. Multiple approaches, such as hybrid in-person and remote events, social media promotion, and updated extension publications, will enhance attendance and impact.New and reduced-risk pest control products for efficacy against urban pests will be evaluated. Given the prevalence of insecticide-resistant pests, evaluation of these productsis crucial. We'll address safety concerns related to applications in sensitive areas (such as sleeping or food-preparation spaces). Findings will be disseminated through extension publications, peer-reviewed journals, and training events, benefiting pest control operators and end-users. Additionally, conducting laboratory or field tests with students will contribute to training the next generation of IPM scientists.Objective 5: Improve training resources for pesticide applicatorcertification programsThe existing agricultural pest manual will undergo a thorough review to identify outdated or inaccurate information. Experts from LSU AgCenter and LDAF will then update the content, incorporating the latest advancements, regulations, and best practices in pesticide application. The revised manual will align with pesticide applicator certification requirements, covering essential topics such as pest biology, safety protocols, and environmental considerations. Once approved, the manual will be published in accessible formats.Establish a comprehensive safety framework for sprayer drones in pesticide application which includes creating a safety manual and instructional videos to enhance awareness among drone operators and agricultural professionals. The safety protocols will cover pre-flight checks, emergency procedures, environmental considerations, and compliance with regulations. Regular updates based on user feedback and evolving standards will ensure the safety framework remains current.