Source: NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV submitted to
DELIVERY, MONITORING, EVALUATION AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT TOOLS AND PROGRAMS TO MAGNIFY STATEWIDE IPM IMPACTS IN NORTH CAROLINA
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
3D GRANT
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1001160
Grant No.
2013-41534-21502
Project No.
NC09255
Proposal No.
2013-04083
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
QQIPM
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2013
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2015
Grant Year
2013
Project Director
Carley, D. S.
Recipient Organization
NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV
(N/A)
RALEIGH,NC 27695
Performing Department
Crop Science
Non Technical Summary
The diversity of crops and commodities produced in NC requires a comprehensive IPM plan best implemented by structuring activities into interdisciplinary teams that advance core capacities to coordinate development and delivery of IPM programs rather than segregating actives by crop system. One weakness in many extension IPM programs is a general lack of emphasis on systematically and continuously assessing the needs of stakeholder groups. Another limitation is the absence of strong evaluation tools that objectively and rigorously measure adoption rates and the value of IPM programs to stakeholders. To address these core issues we will focus on adapting and developing evaluation tools, creating infrastructure for pest monitoring and data management, and advancing innovative extension information delivery systems. These coordinating activities overlap and complement one-another. The strength of our approach lies in the way these activities are structured - through cross-commodity teams ensuring lack of duplication and efforts, leveraging resources, and enhancing strength to advance and sustain IPM programs.
Animal Health Component
0%
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
1020199106010%
2050120106010%
2120670116010%
2162410106050%
6012410106010%
2111510113010%
Knowledge Area
211 - Insects, Mites, and Other Arthropods Affecting Plants; 102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships; 205 - Plant Management Systems; 212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants; 216 - Integrated Pest Management Systems; 601 - Economics of Agricultural Production and Farm Management;

Subject Of Investigation
0120 - Land; 0670 - Short rotation woody crops, including holiday trees; 0199 - Soil and land, general; 1510 - Corn; 2410 - Cross-commodity research--multiple crops;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems); 1130 - Entomology and acarology; 1160 - Pathology;
Goals / Objectives
This Extension IPM Coordination project will address critical IPM needs of stakeholders in North Carolina and will focus on three primary emphasis areas - IPM implementation for 1) agronomic crops, 2) specialty crops - and one secondary emphasis area - IPM support for pest diagnostic facilities. Because the tools and tactics utilized in extension transcend agricultural systems, we will take a holistic and integrative approach in building systems that can be applied by extension practitioners working in each primary emphasis area. The objectives of the North Carolina Extension IPM Program are threefold: Objective 1: To develop and adapt programmatic impact Evaluation and Needs Assessment Tools for IPM activities at NC State University and beyond. Our project will be evaluated through a comprehensive, integrated process, which can be adapted broadly for short-, mid-, and long- term projects. Objective 2: To offer tools that will improve Pest Monitoring protocols for pests of importance to NC agriculture and enable enhanced searching and output features for the University's Plant Disease and Insect Herbarium databases. Objective 3: To deliver IPM technology and research information to stakeholders in a variety of North Carolina settings. Through the project's Information Delivery tasks, North Carolina Extension agents and stakeholders will become more knowledgeable about IPM and develop skill sets to implement IPM practices in agronomic crops, and specialty crops. This project will provide stakeholders in North Carolina with IPM practices that are economical, environmentally sound, and protective of human health.
Project Methods
This project includes a team of over 25 IPM faculty and programs in disciplines ranging from plant pathology, to entomology, to weed science, and beyond. It is impossible to capture the exact Methods for each individual project that will be on-going with this grant. Below is a rough methods (activities) section for the major objectives for this grant. Objective 1: To develop and adapt programmatic impact Evaluation and Needs Assessment Tools for IPM activities at NC State University and beyond. Our project will be evaluated through a comprehensive, integrated process, which can be adapted broadly for short-, mid-, and long- term projects and will be lead by Dr. Jayaratne. To accomplish this we will 1. Develop and validate evaluation tools to assess the context, process and outcomes (short-term, medium-term, and long-term outcomes) of IPM programs. 2. Use validated tools to assess the context, program delivery, and outcomes of proposed IPM programs.The Evaluation Specialist and the Extension Evaluation Associate will develop and validate outcome evaluation tools. A mixed-method approach will be used to collect evaluation data and information. 3. Document outcomes and demonstrate how to use tools for context (to align objectives with needs), delivery process, and outcome evaluation. Retrospective pre and post-test methods will be used to evaluate short-term outcomes such as program participants' knowledge improvement and skill development. This method is more appropriate for assessing changes in knowledge and skills compared to traditional pre and post-test evaluation because participants may not be aware of the new IPM technology and its application until they learned how to apply it. 4. Publish tools online for others (regionally and nationally) to use for IPM program evaluation. Objective 2: To offer tools that will improve Pest Monitoring protocols for pests of importance to NC agriculture and enable enhanced searching and output features of the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic (PDIC) and NC State University Herbarium databases. We will enhance searching and output features of the plant disease and insect clinic and NC State University herbarium databases by adding search and display features to compile individual records into aggregate reports. This will be accomplished under guidance by Dr. Shew by: 1. Assessing the databases 2. Meeting with selected extension personnel to identify the most needed search functions and output formats 3. Developing guidelines for creating high priority search features and reports 4. Inputing historical data (to 1994) into the herbarium database 5. Coordinating with IT cooperators to create the search and reporting features and the user search interface 6. Testing the results and provide feedback to programmers For the monitoring and scouting projects, monitoring and scouting programs will be validated; Extension agents with appropriate programmatic emphases will receive copies of software supporting these monitoring and scouting programs as well as training on monitoring and scouting methods. For the boxwood blight objective with Dr. Ivors,disease progression, leaf wetness, rain events and weather conditions at naturally-infested field sites, as well as the boxwood blight research container pad at the Research and Extension Center in Mills River, NC will be monitored over fall 2013 and spring 2014 to optimize and validate the model before putting into practice. Laminated symptom identification cards will be produced and distributed to growers and field agents in conjunction with training on boxwood blight identification, monitoring and management. For the Fraser fir Christmas tree objective, lead by Dr. Sidebottom, we will teach growers and Latino crew-leaders and farm-workers safe pesticide practices, assist growers in control of elongate hemlock scale using techniques that protect honeybees and assess current distribution of glyphosate-resistant horseweed in Christmas tree fields and change over time over the 3 year grant period. For the IPM for small acreage specialty crop growers objective, we will initiate the process of bridging the knowledge gap that exists with this sub-population group of specialty crop producers, a range of activities will be carried out to create a better awareness and eventual adoption of IPM among growers, extension personnel and other stakeholders. We will work with the Evaluation and Needs Assessment Team to conduct a needs assessment to determine the needs of growers toward adoption of IPM technologies, including types of crops, planting information, varieties/cultivars, disease and insect pest identification aids/support, and pesticide use in different production systems. Additionally, we will work with our stakeholders to identify and validate decision support tools such as action thresholds and pre-harvest and re-entry periods following the application of pesticides. Action thresholds will be modulated by levels of efficacy of natural controls, resistant cultivars and the use of cultural control measures. Knowledge gained will be incorporated into state-wide training programs for agents and growers. Co-PD Dr. Jackai will provide overall coordination of these activities at NCA&TSU in conjunction with IPM project staff, NCA&TSU Extension Horticulture program personnel (Dr. Sanjun Gu) and NC-EIPM partners and stakeholders. Objective 3: To deliver IPM technology and research information to stakeholders in a variety of North Carolina settings. Through the project's Information Delivery tasks, North Carolina Extension agents and stakeholders will become more knowledgeable about IPM and develop skill sets to implement IPM practices in agronomic crops, and specialty crops. In order to do this, we will develop an IPM Portal for web-based and mobile delivery of extension information, deliver pest forecasting and crop development models in a consistent and accurate manner by using web-based and mobile delivery tools, and enhanced In-service Training for Extension Field Agents. To develop the portal,an IPM Web Development Committee consisting of IPM Extension Specialists from different commodities and disciplines), extension agents with experience implementing IPM programs, Extension IT programmers supported by this project, and the Director of Extension IT (Ms. Rhonda Conlon), who will serve as chair of the committee, will guide the development and comprehensive upgrading of the IPM Portal. The Committee will meet quarterly during the first year, and no less than semiannually in subsequent years. Information will be grouped by commodity so that it can also be integrated directly into the commodity portals, and the web design will be consistent across commodities. IPM content will be all-inclusive, with information on pest biology, sampling methods, access to predictive models (see Pest Model objective), thresholds, and management options including biological control and pesticide recommendations, as well as Extension Specialist blogs. Sites will also be devoted to topics or issues that are relevant across commodities or are of general interest, such as newsletters, pesticide resistance management, weed and insect identification, pollinator protection, pesticide safety, etc. For the In-service training, lead by Dr. Neal, Extension and IPM specialists, a media specialist and the assistant project manager (extension associate) will develop in-service training modules for face to face and on-line delivery. Information included in these training sessions and videos will include pest biology, pest identification, pest management principles, and pesticide applications. A curriculum-based approach to IPM training will be employed in which educational modules will be produced in a series starting with beginner level IPM principles to advanced levels.

Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/15

Outputs
Target Audience:Landgrant University faculty Extension Specialists Extension Agents Homeowners Farmers Crop Consultants Industry Personnel Government Personnel Community members 1890 faculty underserved farmers (e.g. small acreage growers, minority farmers, specialty crop growers etc.) Changes/Problems:We were challenged during this reporting period by the retirement (and majorhealth issues) of the previous PD. This was the first year for the new PD (Dr. Seth Carley). While it was an exciting opportunity, it was also difficult to take over this program, and essentially start over from scratch. We were also greatly challenged by the reduction in funding. It is difficult to entice faculty to participate when the "caroot" is small, and the "stick" is non-existent. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training for action thresholds in collards and eggplant production on small acreage farms Training on up-to-date knowledge and resources on IPM in field and container grown nursery crops How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We have been posting everything to our pest news (a weekly e-news letter), and our new IPM Portal. We also visit Farmers' Markets across the state on occation and have an IPM booth to help inform homeowners and growers about what we have to offer on the portal. We have also given a number of presentations on the IPM Portal to differnt groups (Master Gardeners, Landscape Conferences, etc.) to share information and familiarize folks with the new IPM Portal. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: An evaluation survey tool was developed with the input received from Extension specialists, Extension agents, and small-scale farmers. We tested it with a group of farmers that attended Small Farms Week at NC A&T University (in March of 2014) to validate the tool for collecting IPM training needs and determining effective methods in educating them about IPM, as well as passing the survey out at farmers' markets across the state and posting it on our new IPM portal. In year 1, we collected about 165 responses from small-scale growers across the entire state using the survey tool described above. Under the direction of Dr. D. Reisig, Entomologist for Corn, Cotton, Small-Grains, and Soybean, we recently developed and distributed a survey targeted at grower compliance with non-BT refuge corn-planting. While the survey was developed in 2013, it was not implemented until the following year. Objective 2: This reporting year, we were able to institute a light trapping program for corn earworm maintained by county agents and specialists throughout the state.The delivery system is similar to the BugSpot, which is an online mapping tool designed for mobile devices that displays data as soon as it is uploaded. Trap data was made quickly available and linked throughout the system using the NCSU portal system. These datawere incorporated into existing traditional delivery systems and our emerging delivery technologies. Citations for reports were already reported in the earlier section of this document. Under this objective, we also worked with our State 1890 institution, NC A&T. We worked with the Evaluation and Needs Assessment Team to conduct a needs assessment to determine the needs of growers toward adoption of IPM technologies, including types of crops, planting information, varieties/cultivars, disease and insect pest identification aids/support, and pesticide use in different production systems. We also surveyedour stakeholders to identify and validate decision support tools such as action thresholds and pre-harvest and re-entry periods following the application of pesticides. (We received over 150 surveys specific to this survey. ) Specific action thresholds and pest management recommendations were developed for small acreage growers on collard and eggplant. Training materials are being developed for agents and growers based on this information. The second part of this objective, Enhanced searching and output features of the Pest and Disease Diagnosis and NC State University Herbarium Databases - was not supported by USDA\NIFA funds for this reporting period. Objective 3: During the EIPM project implementation period in 2013, we developed an evaluation survey tool useful for IPM programming to determine actual training needs related to IPM. Most of the IPM programs are delivered through Extension agents. This is the most important group of Extension professionals to be prepared for delivering relevant and effective IPM educational programs for serving producers, industry, and others. Therefore, we have focused on developing an evaluation tool to determine the IPM training needs of this group of professionals. We developed the tool by soliciting input from specialists, Extension agents, and the IPM project state leaders. In November of 2013, we surveyed 110 NC Extension agents to identify IPM training topics, types of crops requiring pest management training and readiness of agents to receive information via Twitter or on the newly created IPM portal. One training that came from the needs assessment was an in-service training for Nursery IPM. This training program was conducted to provide Cooperative Extension field faculty with up-to-date knowledge and resources on IPM in field and container grown nursery crops. This training was integrated with the Southern Nursery IPM Working Group regional training efforts. This unique training session paired county-based staff invited one to two growers from their region. The staff and growers received copies of the smart-phone app - IPMPro; along with lectures and hands-on training on diagnostics and management of diseases, weeds and arthropod pests, as well as cultural practices affecting crop vigor and pest management.Ten field faculty from NC Cooperative Extension and twelve NC growers participated. Instructors were from NC State Univ., Virginia Tech, Clemson Univ., Univ. of Tennessee, and Univ. of Georgia. Participants' change in knowledge was evaluated using a pre / post survey in which participants were asked to rank their knowledge on several subjects using a 0 to 5 scale. It was hoped that by pairing Cooperative Extension Agents with growers in this training, that enhanced adoption of IPM methodologies would result. A third survey was conducted 6 months after the training to determine what IPM strategies were actually adopted. Based on the pre- and post-workshop evaluations, attendees reported about a 20% increase in knowledge about nursery IPM.Question categories include pest identification, understanding how to utilize pesticide resistance management methodologies, as well as awareness and confidence in utilizing available pest management decision aids. Actual adoption of IPM methodologies 6 months after the workshop was less than would be predicted by the workshop evaluation. However, the adoption rates of this cohort of growers was greater than industry peers surveyed in 2012 (LeBude 2012).

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Variation in selection and utilization of host crops in the field and laboratory by Drosophila suzukii Matsumara (Diptera: Drosophilidae), an invasive frugivore HJ Burrack, GE Fernandez, T Spivey, DA Kraus Pest management science 69 (10), 1173-1180
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Stewart, S. D., D. S. Akin, J. Reed, J. Bacheler, A. Catchot, D. Cook, J. Gore, J. Greene, A. Herbert, R. E. Jackson, D. L. Kerns, B. R. Leonard, G. M. Lorenz, S. Micinski, D. Reisig, P. Roberts, G. Studebaker, K. Tindall, M. Toews. 2013. Survey of thrips species infesting cotton across the southern U.S. Cotton Belt. J. Cotton Sci. 17: 263-269.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Reisig, D. D., M. Roe, and A. Dhammi. 2013. Dispersal pattern and dispersion of adult and nymph stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in wheat and corn. Environ. Entomol. 42: 1184-1192.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Musser, F. R., A. L. Catchot, Jr., J. A. Davis, D. A. Herbert, Jr., G. M. Lorenz, T. Reed, D. D. Reisig, and S. D. Stewart. 2014. 2013 Soybean insect losses in the Southern US. Midsouth Entomol. 7: 15-28.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Gardner, W.A., H.B. Peeler, J. LaForest, P.M. Roberts, A.N. Sparks, J.K. Greene, D. Reisig, D.R. Suiter, J.S. Bacheler, K. Kidd, C.H. Ray, X.P. Hu, R.C. Kemerait, E.A. Scocco, J.E. Eger, Jr., J.R. Ruberson, E.J. Sikora, D.A. Herbert, Jr., C. Campana, S. Halbert, S.S. Stewart, G.D. Buntin, M.D. Toews, and C.T. Bargeron. 2013. Confirmed distribution and occurrence of Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Plataspidae) in the southeastern United States. J. Entomol. Sci. 48: 118-127.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: ARTHROPOD MANAGEMENT STUDIES ON FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CROPS IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 2014 ANNUAL REPORT James F. Walgenbach, Extension Entomologist Stephen C. Schoof, Research Specialist
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Ambrosia Beetles  Pest News Volume 28, Number 1, April 12, 2013
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Late Blight Isnt Late This Year . . . Its Early Again  Pest News Volume 28, Number 13, July 3, 2013
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Rose Aphids  Pest News Volume 28, Number 2, April 19, 2013
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Painted Maple Aphids  Pest News Volume 28, Number 6, May 17, 2013
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Spotted Wing Drosophila; End of Harvest Concerns in Blueberries  Pest News Volume 28, Number 16, July 26, 2013
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Do You Know How to Diagnose Cucurbit Downy Mildew in Different Cucurbit Crops?  Pest News Volume 28, Number 15, July 19, 2013
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Spider Mites and What To Watch For: Broad Spectrum Insecticides Can Flare Spider Mites  Pest News Volume 28, Number 4, May 3, 2013
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: News About Neonicotinoid Insecticides  Pest News Volume 28, Number 14, July 12, 2013
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Cicadas in Nurseries and Landscapes  Pest News Volume 28, Number 9, June 7, 2013
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Emerald Ash Borer Detected in North Carolina  Pest News Volume 28, Number 12, June 28, 2013
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Debris-carrying Green Lacewing Larvae are Active and Everywhere!  Pest News Volume 28, Number 16, July 26, 2013
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: New Articles About Nursery and Landscape Pests  Pest News Volume 28, Number 6, May 17, 2013


Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Stakeholders of all crops (Agronomic and specialty crops, specifically) Extensions specialists Members of field crop and specialty crop associations Growers, consultants and other decision makers that require IPM-based information for real-time decision making New and experienced extension agents employed through NCSU and NCA&T with specialty and field crop responsibilities Changes/Problems: The biggest changes or problems we had was that we were unable to complete Tast 2.2 under our objective 2 -Improved pest monitoring protocols for pests of importance to NC agriculture - due to the resignation of the faculty lead in that position. No one has been re-hired in that position, so that task has remained incomplete. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Specialized Training for Extension Agents: Progress: Face to face training in field crop diagnostics (June 3, and 4 2014) and herbicide drift (July 15, 2014) were provided for over 65 extension agents, and NCDA specialists. Video recorded information from the field crop diagnostics sessions on plant disease, insect, and weed identification will be posted on the IPM portal as a resource for extension agents. Photos of multiple vegetable, fruit and ornamental crops with herbicide damage from exposure to different classes of herbicides will also be posted to our IPM portal online. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? We use various forms of cummnication to disseminate information. We have a new IPM portal, we maintain a weekly PEST NEWS email service that is sent directly to subscribers, as well as being cross-posted to our IPM portanl, and we have a Twitter feed. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1:During the first nine months of the project implementation period, we developed and validated two evaluation survey tools useful for the IPM programming to determine actual training needs related to IPM. One was for extension agents, to assess their needs around IPM programming, and the other was for small farm growers. In the AGENTS' survey, extension agents were asked to list the educational resources needed in delivering an effective IPM program in their county. The second survey developed for context and input evaluation was for the identification of IPM training needs of farmers on small-scale farms, and effective methods of educating them about IPM. Small farms in NC comprised an important segment of production and vary greatly in terms of crops grown and animals raised. Objective 2: Example 3: Fraser fir Christmas tree IPM applied research, demonstration and training Progress: An IPM survey for Christmas trees is posted on a NCSU Extension website at http://ashe.ces.ncsu.edu/ipmsurvey2014/ The survey contains 65 questions document what insects, weeds, diseases, and animals are problematic pests, levels of IPM adoption and what pesticides are used in the Christmas tree industry. A field day for Christmas tree growers was held in June 2014. Topics taught included Twig Aphids, Insect and Bee Update; IPM Certification Update, Problem Weeds, Phytophthora and Wildlife Management Studies. Example 5: Provide a real-time data delivery system for trap monitoring programs in Agronomic and Specialty crops. Progress: Scouting and diagnostic tools are being added to the new IPM portal as they go live. A new process for mobile reporting of light trap data for corn, cotton, and small grains has been developed by Dr. Dominic Reisig, NCSU Extension Specialist, and is being incorporated into the IPM portal. The project is in the final stage and reports will be displayed during the growing season. Example 6: Extension IPM programs for small acreage specialty crop growers. Progress: Under the direction of NC A&T collaborators Drs. L. Jackai and S. Gu, with assistance from Dr. J. Jayaratne, a survey was developed for the identification of IPM training needs of farmers on small-scale farms, and effective methods of educating them about IPM. This evaluation survey tool was developed with the input received from Extension specialists, Extension agents, and small-scale farmers. We tested it with a group of farmers that attended Small Farms Week at NC A&T University (in March of 2014) to validate the tool for collecting IPM training needs and determining effective methods in educating them about IPM. Objective 3: PROGRESS: A new IPM portal was developed within the NC Cooperative Extension Wordpress system and was made accessible to the public on April 17, 2014. The system includes about 40 commodity-specific, issue-related, and departmental extension portals, along with all NC county extension web sites. Recently, we launched the new IPM portal - http://ipm.ces.ncsu.edu. This IPM-specific portal is a comprehensive source of IPM information for specific commodities. It includes general pest management content including news articles and commodity management guides. The portal also links to IPM related social media resources, valuable documents such as the North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual, and related programs such as the NC State’s Pesticide Safety Education program. Google Analytics has been implemented across the site. In June the IPM portal had 566 visits and to date in July 807 visits have been recorded. The most popular page within the IPM portal contains the current pest news. For the first time the NC IPM program has a Twitter feed. We have over 30 followers and over 300 Tweets. Task 3.2: Deliver pest forecasting and crop development models in a consistent and accurate manner by using web-based and mobile delivery tools. PROGRESS: During the first seven months of this project, efforts have concentrated on consolidation of information necessary to drive weather-based models. The State Climate Office of NC has developed an application program interface (API) for accessing weather data from the NC Climate Retrieval and Observations Network of the Southeast Database (NC CRONOS) for use in pest forecasting models. These web services provide a common mechanism for all pest forecasting and crop development models to obtain required weather data from any of the stations accessible through the CRONOS API. In addition, these web services are directly accessing 15-min data from a Campbell Scientific data logger located at the Horticultural Crops Research Station in Castle Hayne, NC. Task 3.3 Enhanced In-service Training for Extension Agents: Face to face training in field crop diagnostics (June 3, and 4 2014) and herbicide drift (July 15, 2014) were provided for over 65 extension agents, and NCDA specialists. Video recorded information from the field crop diagnostics sessions on plant disease, insect, and weed identification will be posted on the IPM portal as a resource for extension agents. Photos of multiple vegetable, fruit and ornamental crops with herbicide damage from exposure to different classes of herbicides will also be posted to our IPM portal online.

Publications