Source: IOWA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION submitted to
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT COORDINATION PROGRAM
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
3D GRANT
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0218278
Grant No.
2009-41534-05429
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
2009-00636
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jul 1, 2009
Project End Date
Jun 30, 2011
Grant Year
2009
Program Code
[QQIPM]- Extension Integrated Pest Management - Coordination
Project Director
Mueller, D. S.
Recipient Organization
IOWA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
(N/A)
AMES,IA 50011-2026
Performing Department
Plant Pathology
Non Technical Summary
Each year approximately 24 million acres of Iowa's 36 million acres are planted to corn and soybean, with an additional 1 million acres planted to alfalfa (USDA-NASS). In 2007, the net value of production from these crops exceeded $15 billion for the Iowa economy. During the past decade, corn and soybean producers have experienced volatility in both costs of production inputs and commodity prices. For example, from 2000 through 2008, seed and chemical costs per acre increased by approximately 180% for corn and 130% for soybean. The sheer volume of acres coupled with recent economic volatility associated with producing Iowa's major crops has increased farmers? needs for education and advice regarding IPM. The ISU IPM program is instrumental in providing both on-going and situation-specific, research-based information through educational programs and publications. These efforts outline the basic principles of IPM (for example, monitoring techniques, using thresholds and appropriate management techniques) and are designed to increase grower knowledge and ultimately encourage growers to adopt IPM practices.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2162410116080%
2112410113010%
2122410116010%
Knowledge Area
212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants; 211 - Insects, Mites, and Other Arthropods Affecting Plants; 216 - Integrated Pest Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
2410 - Cross-commodity research--multiple crops;

Field Of Science
1130 - Entomology and acarology; 1160 - Pathology;
Goals / Objectives
1) Provide science-based Intergrated Pest Management (IPM) information to Iowans to increase their productivity and global competitiveness while also protecting the environment. 2) Complement Extension faculty and staff in the Departments of Agronomy, Entomology, Horticulture, and Plant Pathology in conducting applied research to provide research-based pest management information that supports IPM decision making. 3) Coordinate IPM services (i.e., scouting and diagnostic services) that enhances client access to Extension information and supports IPM decision making. 4) Leverage Extension IPM funds to further IPM program applied research and education that is relevant and responsive to stakeholders.
Project Methods
The IPM program is an integral part of Iowa State Uuniversity (ISU) Extension, especially as corn and soybean production experiences new pest problems, rapidly changing input costs, and volatile market price fluctuations. Activities of the full-time IPM staff members will center on scouting for corn and soybean pests; managing Iowa's soybean rust extension program; coordinating on-farm applied research; and diagnosing diseases, insects, and weeds. To further accomplish IPM goals and objectives, staff will write or present information about IPM and lead or assist with IPM-based research. The ISU IPM program will emphasize the timely collection of stakeholder input to provide direction to ISU IPM activities, which respond to the needs of Iowans. These activities, as well as newly identified IPM needs, will be the programmatic focus for IPM staff members as they work with ISU faculty and staff, Extension field agronomists, and Corn and Soybean Initiative partners. The IPM program will evaluate the success of the program (attain stakeholder feedback) through a Research Roundtable, which allows the 70 Corn and Soybean Initiative partners to have direct interaction with ISU Extension and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences researchers to discuss current research and extension needs. Stakeholder feedback also is collected through an Integrated Crop Management teleconference, soybean rust Fast Track System, specific IPM program efforts, and the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic.

Progress 07/01/09 to 06/30/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: IPM Coordination: Attended NCERA 201-2009 and 2010, National IPM Meeting in Washington DC-2010 and NC RIPM Stakeholder meeting -2010. Daren Mueller is current NCERA 201 president. Worked with Drs. A. Robertson and M. O'Neal to co-advise two graduate students who studied soybean fungicide/insecticide interactions. IPM Collaboration: Hosted a conference on conducting on-farm research, posted conference presentations on the Plant Management Network and created two learning modules used for training new ISU employees. Began a project to conduct on-farm research with farmers. This network is built on relationships, not broad scale projects like other networks. We conducted over 100 trials in NW Iowa in 2010 triggering statewide expansion. Continue to work with agribusinesses and ag partners to produce extension material, deliver IPM material directly and gain feedback on IPM needs. IPM in Agronomic Crops: Several outputs reported are on-going (ipmPIPE scouting network participation, newsletter contributions) and continued throughout. The ISU IPM program developed the Weed ID Field Guide with ISU faculty and staff and Iowa Soybean Association; it is part of a series including the Soybean, Soybean Aphid, Soybean Cyst Nematode and Corn Field Guides. The soybean fungicide/insecticide interactions project is ending; at least four manuscripts will be published. High school ag teachers received 14 PowerPoint lessons and field guides to educate youth about IPM. IPM Partnerships in Wide-Area Pest Monitoring and Reporting Systems: Continue to participate in soybean rust and legume ipmPIPE networks. Began to develop a North Central ipmPIPE web resource in 2010. Recently completed (www.ncipmpipe.org), it hosts our black cutworm and western bean cutworm scouting programs. IPM Support for Pest Diagnostic Facilities: ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic (PIDC) provided diagnoses and research-based management recommendations emphasizing IPM. Continue progress in placing plant, disease, insect and diagnostic information online. Implemented a survey which was sent to all clients with known email. Used continuously, this survey helps assess if education on IPM is successful. The PIDC is taking a larger role in samples of regulatory concern as funding is limited for other state agencies. For instance, sudden oak death suspect samples are brought to the PIDC by state nursery inspectors. Consumer/Urban IPM: We educated Master Gardeners on IPM, insect identification, disease diagnosis and how to handle pesticides safely. We have worked with government agencies, First Detectors and stakeholders on insect and disease pests that threaten Iowa's urban and rural forested areas. For example, emerald ash borer (EAB) was discovered in Iowa in 2010 and, in partnership with the IA Department of Natural Resources and IA Department of Ag and Land Stewardship, we spoke at several public meetings, made press releases, wrote newsletter articles, answered media questions and emphasized IPM. For EAB, we emphasized proper identification and treatment. Initiated and was lead author on the extension publication explaining common diseases and insect pests that can be confused with EAB. PARTICIPANTS: Daren S. Mueller (Extension Program Specialist and IPM Coordinator), Laura C. Jesse (Extension Program Specialist and Manager of the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic), and Adam Sisson (Extension IPM Specialist and ISU Corn and Soybean Initiative). Fanny Iriarte and Rich Pope were part of the IPM Program but no longer work at Iowa State University. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences extension faculty and staff collaborated on many extension and research projects and assisted with diagnostics of diseases, insects and weeds. Corn and Soybean Initiative staff helped host Research Roundtables; build relationships with agribusiness, organizational and media partners; obtain stakeholder feedback to improve existing relationships and identify new extension and research needs. ISU Crop Adviser Institute staff developed educational modules on specific plant diseases and insects and on-farm research. Dept of Sociology staff helped develop the ISU IPM Program Logic Model and continues to lead stakeholder input surveys for ISU IPM projects such as the field guides and the PIDC. Master Gardener Program staff provided opportunities for ISU IPM staff to train Master Gardeners. Corn and Soybean Initiative agribusiness and media partners provided stakeholder feedback through the Research Roundtable; cooperated in on-farm research and published IPM messages to growers through traditional and innovative methods. Iowa Certified Crop Advisors co-sponsored development of field guides and provided input about ISU IPM programming needs. IA Department of Ag and Land Stewardship communicated about pesticide registration and use in Iowa; First Detector training and phytosanitary seed inspections. IA Department of Natural Resources worked with us through several committees, including the Iowa Forest Insect and Disease Management Council, the Iowa Emerald Ash Borer Team, and the Iowa Gypsy Moth Steering Committee. Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association co-sponsored the Shade Tree Short Course and the Diseases of Herbaceous Perennials book. Iowa Pest Management Association cooperated on a jointly sponsored annual conference and trade show for pest management professionals and provided stakeholder feedback to the ISU IPM group. Iowa Soybean Association collaborated on numerous research and educational projects. For example, they have been involved with the development of the Soybean Field Guides, soybean rust First Detector training program and pesticide stewardship related research. Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. sponsored the printing of both Corn and Soybean Field Guides; sponsored the development of the Weed ID Field Guide and is working with us for scouting training. ISU IPM program also worked outside Iowa: Emerald Ash Borer Tri-State First Detector program (IA, MN, WI). North Central IPM Center - North Central Extension Entomologist Working Group; Great Plains Working Group; sponsors IPM extension and research. Plant Management Network - housed On-farm Research Conference proceedings and continue to investigate new opportunities for IPM information to be housed on their website. TARGET AUDIENCES: Growers, agribusiness professionals, consumers, urban residents, landowners and Master Gardeners attended conferences, read our newsletters, were clients at the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic and participated in on-farm research. High school and community college educators received two of our field guides and complementary PowerPoints that explained IPM. Students gained IPM knowledge with real-world exercises. Soybean rust Fast Track Members received targeted communications related to soybean rust. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Rich Pope and Fanny Iriarte were integral parts of the ISU IPM program but now no longer work at ISU. Adam Sisson was hired to work for the IPM program, as well as, the Corn and Soybean Initiative.

Impacts
IPM Coordination: The ISU IPM program is integrated with ISU Extension faculty and staff, regional IPM programs and national IPM efforts. IPM Collaboration: As a result of our on-farm network and training materials, there is more scientifically valid, locally conducted research. This generates more reliable, reportable results and agronomists will be better able to test IPM hypotheses. Participating growers have a better understanding of the value of data, as well as, a better understanding of agricultural inputs to manage pests. IPM in Agronomic Crops: We surveyed educators and agronomists who received ISU corn and soybean field guides to gather input on the practical effectiveness of the guides and suggested improvements. Over 90 percent of respondents found the field guides useful. This includes ag instructors who increased their knowledge of IPM and their ability to instruct students about IPM. High school and FFA teachers better understand the principles of IPM and have the knowledge to incorporate these principles in their curriculum. Teachers have the field guides and PPTs to teach IPM. Students gained IPM knowledge with real-world exercises. Through use of resources like the field guide series, growers and agribusiness agronomists more effectively scouted fields leading to better pest management decisions. Scouting improves the use of pesticide applications to control pests in three ways: unnecessary pesticide applications are avoided by using action thresholds; pest populations that otherwise might be missed are treated, thereby netting economic gain; and benefits of correctly timed treatments are validated. IPM Partnerships in Wide-Area Pest Monitoring and Reporting Systems: Growers and agribusinesses had access to distributions of soybean rust and soybean aphid. These data were used to target scouting efforts. Scouting information for black cutworm and western bean cutworm provided to growers and agribusinesses helped fine-tune management decisions for these pests. Soybean growers learned what diseases are present in sentinel soybean plots and used this information as an early indicator of potential problems for Iowa soybeans. Iowa soybean growers and agronomists knew the risk of soybean rust affecting their crop during the season, which will lead to more responsible use of fungicides. IPM Support for Pest Diagnostic Facilities: Clients of the ISU PIDC received unbiased diagnoses and information to make IPM-based management decisions for pests. Clients who submit soil samples for nematode analysis receive nematode population densities and information to implement an IPM program to best manage the nematodes and increase yields. Consumer/Urban IPM: First Detectors can identify EAB sooner due to the increased awareness of this threat through the First Detector system that was employed in strategic areas. Vigilant scouting will help Iowans to avoid using pesticides before an invasive pest arrival.

Publications

  • Jesse, L.C. 2009. Erineum Galls on Ornamental Plants. Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-500(10).
  • Jesse, L.C. 2009. Carpenter Ant Nest Exposed. Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-500 (12).
  • Jesse, L.C. 2009.Spruce Needleminer. Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-500 (8).
  • Jesse, L.C. 2009. Burrowing Webworms: An Occasional but Interesting Pest Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-500 (4).
  • Jesse, L.C., Shour, M., Pruisner, R. 2009. Emerald Ash Borer Background Information Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-500 (6).
  • Jesse, L.C. 2009. Insect Population Predictions: Or, Where Are All the Monarchs. Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-500 (14).
  • Jesse, L.C. 2009. Dogwood Sawfly. Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-500 (14).
  • Jesse, L.C. 2009. Mystery Item Under Plants Is Hornworm Pupa. Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-500 (16).
  • Jesse, L.C. 2009. Cottony Grass Scale. Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-500 (17).
  • Jesse, L.C. 2009. Keep Checking for Insects on Houseplants. Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-500 (20). Jesse, L.C. 2009. Termite Swarmers are a Sure Sign of Spring. Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-500 (4).
  • Jesse, L.C. 2009. Slugs Sink Their Teeth Into Gardens. Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-500 (12).
  • Jesse, L.C. 2009. Soldier Beetles Common on Blossoms Now. Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-500 (11). Jesse, L.C. 2010. Snow Fleas - Tiny Winter Jumpers. Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-501 (1). Jesse, L.C. 2010. Spring's Unwelcome Guests. Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-501 (3).
  • Ritson, R., Bestor, N., Robertson, A., O'Neal, M., Mueller, D., Pedersen, P. 2009. Impact of fungicide-insecticide tank mixes on soybean in Iowa. Pg. 27-32. Proceedings of the 20th Annual Integrated Crop Management Conference. Ames, IA.
  • Schmitt, V. and Mueller, D. 2009. Managing white mold at this stage of development.Integrated Crop Management News site. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2009/0813muellerschmitt.htm .
  • Bestor, N.R., Mueller, D. S., Robertson, A. E. 2010. Management of anthracnose stem blight of soybean with foliar fungicides. North Central APS Abstract.
  • Buck, J. W., Dong, W., Mueller, D. S. 2010. Effect of light exposure on in vitro germination and germ tube growth of eight species of rust fungi. Mycologia. 102:1134-1140.
  • Ritson, R., Robertson, A., O'Neal, M., Mueller, D., and Bestor, N.(2010) Managing Soybean Aphid in Iowa: An Economic Analysis. Proceedings of the 22th Annual Integrated Crop Management Conference. Ames, IA.
  • Mueller, D. S. 2010. Be on the lookout for white mold. Iowa Soybean Association Agronomic Tip.
  • Mueller, D. S. 2010. 2009 soybean rust summary. Integrated Crop Management News. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2010/0104mueller.htm.
  • Mueller, D. and Robertson, A. 2010. Foliar fungicide use on soybean. Proceedings Crop Advantage Series. Pg. 10. Iowa State University.
  • Robertson, A. and Mueller, D. 2010. Foliar fungicide use on corn. Proceedings Crop Advantage Series. Pg. 12. Iowa State University.
  • Mueller, D. S. 2010. Another disease, another call for selecting resistant varieties.Iowa Soybean Association Agronomic Tip.
  • Mueller, D. 2010. Update on Soybean Rust in Iowa. Iowa State University, Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm. ISRF09-13. http://fpr.extension.iastate.edu/pdf/UpdateSoybeanRust.pdf.
  • Mueller, D. 2010. Update on Soybean Rust in Iowa. Iowa State University, Armstrong and Neely-Kinyon Research and Demonstration Farms. ISRF09-12. http://fpr.extension.iastate.edu/pdf/SoybeanRust.pdf.
  • Mueller, D. and Pecinovsky, K. 2010. Effect of fungicides and plant populations on soybean diseases and yield.Iowa State University, Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm. ISRF09-13. http://fpr.extension.iastate.edu/pdf/EffectFungicides.pdf.
  • Bestor, N., Ritson, R., Mueller, D., Robertson, A., O'Neal, M. 2010.Fungicide-insecticide study on soybeans.Iowa State University, Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm. ISRF09-13. http://fpr.extension.iastate.edu/pdf/FungicideInsecticide.pdf.
  • Bestor, N., Ritson, R., Mueller, D., Robertson, A., O'Neal, M. 2010. Fungicide-insecticide study on soybeans.Iowa State University, Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm. ISRF09-34. http://fpr.extension.iastate.edu/pdf/FungicideInsecticide2.pdf.
  • Robetson, A., Mueller, D., Bestor, N., O'Neal, M., and Ritson, R. 2009. Considerations for soybean insecticides and fungicides.Integrated Crop Management News site. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2009/0707robertsonmueller.h tm.
  • Robertson, A. E. and Mueller, D. S. 2009. Should hail damaged crops be sprayed with a fungicide Integrated Crop Management News site. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2009/0713robertsonmueller.h tm.
  • Mueller, D. S. 2009. Soybean rust stirring in the South. Integrated Crop Management News site. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2009/0612mueller.htm.
  • Mueller, D., Moore, K., Pedersen, P., Pope, R., Dixon, P., Ferguson, R., Roberts, D., and Sievers, J. 2009. On-farm Research: Research Design. Crop Adviser Institute. Department of Agronomy. Iowa State University. Ames, IA.
  • Mueller, D., Pope, R., Abendroth, L., Elmore, R., Hartzler, B., McGrath, C., Munkvold, G., Rice, M., Robertson, A., Sawyer, J., Schaefer, K., Tollefson, J., and Tylka, G. 2009. Corn Field Guide. Iowa State University Extension: CSI 001.
  • Robertson, A., Mueller, D., Tylka, G., and Pope, R. 2009. Scouting for corn diseases. Iowa State University Extension: CSI 002.
  • Schaefer, K., Mueller, D., Sisson, A., Pope, R., McGrath, C., and Hartzler, B. 2010. Weed Identification Field Guide. Iowa State University Extension: CSI 003.
  • Xu, Z., Gleason, M. L., and Mueller, D. S. 2009. Development of a rapid method using oxalic acid to assess resistance among hosta cultivars to petiole rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii var. delphinii. Online. Plant Health Progress doi:10.1094/PHP-2009-0128-01-RS.
  • Jesse, L.C., Shour, M., Gleason, M., Randall, J., Lewis, D. 2011. Common Problems of Ash Trees. Iowa State University publication SUL21.
  • Mueller, D. S. 2009. Making fungicide decisions on hail damaged crops. Integrated Crop Management News site. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2009/0811mueller.htm.
  • Robertson, A. E. and Mueller, D. S. 2009. Decision for fungicide applications on corn looming. Integrated Crop Management News site. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2009/0706robertsonmueller.h tm.
  • Jesse, L.C. 2009. Long-Bodied Cellar Spider. Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-500 (2). Jesse, L.C., Shour, M., Pruisner, R. 2009. Emerald Ash Borer Discovery in Wisconsin Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-500 (6).
  • Jesse, L.C. 2010. Ant Swarming. Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-501 (5).
  • Jesse, L.C. 2010. Foliar Nematodes Lunch on Leaves. Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-501 (7).
  • Jesse, L.C. 2010. Shade Tree Aphids and Honeydew. Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-501 (9).
  • Jesse, L.C. 2010. Lightningbugs Putting on a Display. Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-501(11).
  • Jesse, L.C. 2010. Japanese Beetle Food Preferences. Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-501(12).


Progress 07/01/09 to 06/30/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The ISU IPM program developed four field guides with ISU faculty and staff and the Iowa Soybean Association. The field guides include the Soybean Disease and Pest Management Field Guide, Soybean Aphid Management Field Guide, Soybean Cyst Nematode Management Field Guide and the Corn Field Guide. IPM staff co-authored the book Diseases of Herbaceous Perennials, which identifies diseases specific to more than 150 herbaceous ornamental perennials. IPM staff also participated in the soybean rust and soybean aphid national ipmPIPE networks which included establishing and scouting sentinel plots and uploading data and commentary onto the USDA ipmPIPE Web page. Scouting networks were also established for western bean and black cutworm. IPM staff contributed to ISU's online newsletter, Integrated Crop Management (ICM) News, Yard and Garden Online and Horticulture and Home Pest News, and several ongoing extension programs. We also contributed to the CropWatch Blog with Iowa Farmer Today, which provides an online forum for ISU specialists to provide timely discussion of cropping issues, including IPM. This information is then summarized as a weekly news story in the print version of the paper. The Iowa Soybean Rust Fast Track system was formed in response to the threat of soybean rustand trained over 750 First Detectors. We manage this Fast Track System by keeping existing members updated on the risk of soybean rust through ICM News articles, a soybean rust listserv and the Iowa Soybean Rust website. We participated in National Soybean Rust teleconferences and attended national soybean rust meetings to gauge soybean rust activity and to communicate with soybean rust experts. An in-depth, multi-year study with ISU agronomists, entomologists and plant pathologists that investigate the interaction between fungicides and insecticides applied at different times and in different crop regions in Iowa is continuing. A two-day On-Farm Research conference was organized to train growers and agribusinesses professionals to conduct scientifically valid in-field research. IPM staff created learning modules that highlight how to set up successful and scientifically valid on-farm research trials. and an On-farm Research section in the Plant Management Network Web site. In response to the threat of emerald ash borer, IPM staff participated in the inter-agency Iowa Forest Insect and Disease Management Council and the Iowa Emerald Ash Borer Team, developed the Emerald Ash Borer Management Options pamphlet to raise stakeholders' awareness of this threat, and trained county-based First Detectors to facilitate early discovery and improve communication. Proper identification of plant health problems is the critically-important first step to IPM. While insect and plant disease diagnoses are the predominant service at the clinic, the clinic also processes soil samples to detect and quantify nematodes and works with agronomists and horticulturists to identify plant samples, including weeds. PARTICIPANTS: Daren S. Mueller (Extension Program Specialist and IPM Coordinator), Laura C. Jesse (Extension Program Specialist and Manager of the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic), Fanny Iriarte (Plant Diagnostician) and Rich Pope (Extension Program Specialist). College of Agriculture and Life Sciences faculty and staff collaborated on many extension and research projects and assisted with diagnostics of diseases, insects and weeds. Corn and Soybean Initiative staff helped host Research Roundtables; build relationship with agribusiness, organizational and media partners and obtain stakeholder feedback to improve existing relationships and identify new extension and research needs. Crop Adviser Institute staff developed educational computer modules on specific plant diseases and insects; developed on-farm research modules and will be developing scouting modules. Department of Sociology staff helped develop Program Logic Model and continues to lead stakeholder input surveys for ISU IPM projects (i.e. the field guides and the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic). Master Gardener Program staff provided opportunities for ISU IPM staff to train Master Gardeners. Corn and Soybean Initiative agribusiness and media partners provided stakeholder feedback through the Research Roundtable; cooperated in on-farm research and published IPM messages to growers through traditional and innovative methods. Iowa Certified Crop Advisors co-sponsored development of field guides and provided input about ISU IPM programming needs. Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship communicated about pesticide registration and use in Iowa; First Detector training and phytosanitary seed inspections. Iowa Department of Natural Resources worked with ISU IPM group through several committees, such as the Iowa Forest Insect and Disease Management Council, the Iowa Emerald Ash Borer Team and the Iowa Gypsy Moth Steering Committee. Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association co-sponsored the Shade Tree Short Course and the Diseases of Herbaceous Perennials book. Iowa Pest Management Association cooperated on a jointly sponsored annual conference and trade show for pest management professionals and provided stakeholder feedback to the ISU IPM group. Iowa Soybean Association collaborated on numerous research and educational projects, such as the development of the soybean field guides, soybean rust First Detector training program, and pesticide stewardship related research. Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. sponsored the printing of both corn and soybean field guides; sponsored the development of Weed ID field guide; and is working with Crop Advisor Institute and ISU IPM program for scouting training. ISU IPM program also collaborated with EAB Tri-State First Detector program - tri-State (IA, MN, WI) emerald ash borer First Detector training. North Central IPM Center - North Central Extension Entomologist Working Group; Great Plains Working Group; sponsors IPM extension and research. Plant Management Network housed On-farm Research Conference proceedings and continues to investigate new opportunities for IPM information to be housed on their website. TARGET AUDIENCES: Growers, agribusiness professionals, consumers, urban residents, landowners and Master Gardeners attended conferences, read our newsletters, were clients for the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic and participated in on-farm research. High school and community college educators received two of our field guides and complementary PowerPoints that explained IPM. Soybean rust Fast Track Members received targeted communications related to soybean rust. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Rich Pope and Fanny Iriarte are no longer working at Iowa State University. For now, neither has been replaced which has been challenging.

Impacts
Most of our traditional extension programs surveyed participants at the end of meetings. IPM staff also gathered stakeholder feedback from specific IPM projects. Surveys were designed, conducted, and analyzed in collaboration with the ISU Sociology Department. Educators and agronomists who received ISU corn and soybean field guides were surveyed to gather input on the practical effectiveness of the guides and suggested improvements while soybean rust and emerald ash borer First Detectors were surveyed to help refine future educational efforts with these monitoring personnel. Stakeholders attended conferences, read our newsletters and learned IPM-related information that led to increased use of IPM for pest management. Through the use of resources, like the field guide series, growers and agribusiness agronomists more effectively scouted fields leading to better pest management decisions. Soybean growers learned what diseases are present in sentinel soybean plots and used this information as an early indicator of potential problems for Iowa soybeans. Knowing the risk of soybean rust affecting the crop during the season will also lead to more responsible use of fungicides. IPM staff help growers reduce the amount of unnecessary insecticide and fungicide applications based on educational activities directly derived from the "Optimizing Pest Management in Soybean" project which saves money and improves the environment. Through our on-farm training and research, there is more scientifically-valid, locally conducted research, which generates more reliable, reportable results, and agronomists will be better able to test IPM hypotheses. Growers and agribusinesses had access to distributions of soybean rust and soybean aphid. These data were used to target scouting efforts. Scouting information for black cutworm and western bean cutworm provided to growers and agribusinesses helped fine-tune management decisions for these pests. First Detectors can identify emerald ash borer sooner due to the increased awareness of this threat and the First Detector system that is employed in strategic areas. Vigilant scouting will help Iowans to avoid using pesticides before an invasive pest arrival. Scouting improves timing of pesticide applications to control pests in three ways: unnecessary pesticide applications are avoided through use of action thresholds; pest populations that otherwise might be missed are treated, thereby netting economic gain; and the benefits of correctly timed treatments are validated. High school teachers and FFA teachers now better understand the principles of IPM and have the knowledge to incorporate these principles in their educational curriculum. Teachers have the field guides and complementary PPTs to help teach IPM and students gained IPM knowledge with real-world exercises. Clients of the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic received unbiased diagnoses and information to make IPM-based management decisions for pests. Clients who submit soil samples for nematode analysis receive nematode population densities and information to implement an IPM program to best manage the nematodes and increase yields.

Publications

  • Bestor, N.R., Mueller, D. S., Robertson, A. E. 2009. Effect of foliar fungicide application timing on foliar diseases and yield of soybean in Iowa. Phytopathology 99:S11.
  • Bestor, N. R., Mueller, D. S., Robertson, A. E., Ritson, R., O'Neal, M. 2009. The effect of foliar fungicide timing on yield and grain fill in high and low aphid pressure environments. North Central APS Abstract.
  • Bradley, C. A., Esker, P. D., Paul, P. A., Robertson, A. E. and Mueller, D.S. 2009. Corn and Soybean Disease Management: Does IPM Play a Role National IPM Symposium, Portland OR.
  • Buck, J. W., Dong, W., Mueller, D. S. 2010. Effect of light exposure on in vitro germination and germ tube growth of eight species of rust fungi. Mycologia(in press).
  • Gleason, M. L., Daughtrey, M. L., Chase, A. R., Moorman, G. W., Mueller, D. S. (2009). Diseases of Herbaceous Perennials. The American Phytopathological Society Press, St. Paul, MN.
  • Xu, Z., Gleason, M. L., and Mueller, D. S. 2009. Development of a rapid method using oxalic acid to assess resistance among hosta cultivars to petiole rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii var. delphinii. Online. Plant Health Progress doi:10.1094/PHP-2009-0128-01-RS.
  • Jesse, L.C., Nason, J., Obrycki, J.J. (2009) Quantifying the levels of sexual reproduction and clonal spread in the invasive plant, Rosa multiflora. Biological Invasions.
  • Mueller, D., Pope, R.O., et al. (2009). Corn Field Guide. Iowa State University Extension: CSI 001.
  • Mueller, D. and Robertson, A. 2009. Foliar fungicide use on soybean. Proceedings Crop Advantage Series. Iowa State University. pg. 10.
  • Mueller, D. S., Robertson, A. E., and Tylka G. L. 2009. Defining the Role of First Detectors for Soybean Rust in Iowa. National IPM Symposium, Portland OR.
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  • Robertson, A. and Mueller, D. 2009. Foliar fungicide use on corn. Proceedings Crop Advantage Series. Iowa State University. pg. 12.
  • Shour, M., Jesse, L., Lewis, D., Iles, J., Randall, J. 2009. Emerald Ash Borer Management Options. PM 2084.
  • Tylka, G. A., Wintersteen, W. K., McGrath, C. M., Mueller, D. S., and Pope, R. O. 2009. The Iowa State University Corn and Soybean Initiative: A New Model for Exchange of IPM Information and Needs with Iowa Growers and Their Advisors. National IPM Symposium, Portland OR.