NEVADA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION 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.: 1002723
• Grant No.: 2013-41534-21435
• Cumulative Award Amt.: $115,600.00
• Proposal No.: 2013-04109
• Project Start Date: Sep 1, 2013
• Project End Date: Aug 31, 2014
• Grant Year: 2013
• Program Code: [QQIPM]- Extension Integrated Pest Management - Coordination

Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
MAIL STOP 404
RENO,NV 89557-0106

Performing Department
(N/A)

Non Technical Summary
This program willexpand the depth and breadth of the Nevada EIPM program. The EIPM program is the only program in the State that seeks to implement principles of the National IPM Roadmap thus expanding the awareness and adoption of IPM techniques by Nevada residents. It is almost entirely dependent on Federal funding to survive. All program priorities are based on stakeholder feedback obtained using formal surveys, focus group activities, program evaluation instruments, and client requests. The IPM program effectively reaches a large number of rural and urban audiences, utilizing a variety of educational activities. The IPM coordination function is critical, as no other entity in the State develops priority lists of IPM needs, responds to emerging IPM issues, reports progress in IPM implementation to NIFA and provides ongoing support to all professionals engaged in pest management. Nevada will participate in four emphasis areas: IPM in Agronomic Crops, IPM in Consumer/Urban Environments, IPM for Pesticide Applicators and IPM on Recreational Lands. The short term outputs for all program areas are to reach larger audiences and increase awareness regarding the benefits of utilizing IPM principles in pest management programs as measured by formal program evaluations. The expected medium term outputs are increased applications of IPM techniques and a reduction in pesticides applied as measured by formal evaluations of individuals involved in pest management. The long term outputs are improvements in the environment and to individuals through the adoption of less toxic pest management principles.

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
213	2300	1140	100%

Knowledge Area
213 - Weeds Affecting Plants;

Subject Of Investigation
2300 - Weeds;

Field Of Science
1140 - Weed science;

Keywords

extension

integrated pest management

nevada

Goals / Objectives
Goals, Needs and ObjectivesThe goals of the IPM Coordination program for Nevada are based on the critical needs identified in the National Roadmap for IPM and by Nevada stakeholders. The critical needs are prioritized using an on- going comprehensive needs assessments process. The goals of our Extension IPM program are as follows:1) To increase the coordination, development, implementation, and evaluation of Extension IPM programs. Primary outreach objectives are to 1) provide priority listing of IPM needs as identified by stakeholders, 2) respond rapidly to new IPM issues and opportunities, 3) report annually to NIFA concerning IPM activities in Nevada, 4) provide a thorough response to requests for IPM related information, and 5) serve as an ongoing source of IPM program support for Nevada Extension faculty, State and Federal personnel.2) To increase the adoption of IPM in production agriculture. The objectives are to teach principles of IPM to agricultural producers, crop advisers, local Extension and NRCS personnel utilizing workshops, field demonstrations, and publications. Primary areas of emphasis are related to the identification of noxious and problematic weeds, tactics to prevent weed establishment via common transmittal routes and increased management of noxious and problematic weeds utilizing IPM principles.3) To increase awareness and adoption of IPM in consumer/urban environments. Objectives are to teach the principles of IPM to Master Gardeners, Green Industry professionals and the public. We will do this by incorporating IPM instruction into the basic training programs for Master Gardeners and Green Industry professionals. We will also conduct targeted workshops and use web and social media, Public Service Announcements (PSAs), billboards and print media to reach the general public.4) To increase the understanding and adoption of IPM by pesticide applicators. The objectives are to provide continuing education opportunitiesconcerning IPM practices to pesticide applicators and to increase their application of IPM techniques. The primary area of emphasis ais to increase the application of the full suite of IPM principles in the management of noxious weeds,5) To increase the adoption of IPM in natural areas. The objectives are to teach IPM principles to increased numbers public land managers (county, state and federal), statewide Extension personnel, and other interested parties through an expanded series of workshops, field demonstrations, and publications. The primary areas of emphasis are related to: identification, early detection and prevention ofnewly discovered weed populations from becoming established by mobilizing a rapid and local response to newly established noxious weed populations detected in Nevada. The overriding goal is to eradicate small, newly established, populations utilizing IPM principles to eradicate these populations and feature successful management efforts in future demonstrations of applied IPM techniques.

Project Methods
IPM Coordination: To fulfill the coordination and support needs of the IPM program in Nevada we propose to utilize the expertise of one Extension faculty member and a part-time IPM Educator. Mr. Walker will assume the role of the administrative contact between Cooperative Extension and the USDA-NIFA. Mr. Davison will assume the responsibilities associated with planning and coordination of the IPM program. In addition, he will be responsible for preparing necessary reports, attending critical regional/national IPM meetings, and responding to IPM related inquiries associated with the IPM program. Ms. Newton will assist in these endeavors. The IPM Coordinator and IPM Educator will conduct a survey of all appropriate Extension, NDOA, and county, state and federal personnel to identify IPM priority activities during the funding cycle.They will respond to inquiries from the USDA, EPA and other partners concerning IPM issues when requested. They will complete the annual IPM report to NIFA. Mr. Davison will coordinate IPM activities and support County Extension faculty, personnel from the NDOA and Federal agencies in Nevada that wish to or are required utilize IPM principles in their programs. They will work vigorously to have IPM principles included in all pest management educational programs occurring in the state of Nevada.The main purpose of the IPM coordination program at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is to plan and coordinate IPM outreach efforts across the university and the state. We continuously assess the IPM - related needs in Nevada by soliciting feedback from stakeholders. We base our efforts on comprehensive, statewide surveys of agricultural producers and public land managers and continuous feed-back at workshops and field days to identify IPM needs and direct future programming efforts. IPM programs are developed and delivered to our clientele as a coordinated effort in partnership with county-based Extension Educators.IPM in Agronomic Crops: Program leadership will be provided by Mr. Davison and Joy Newton. Programs will be developed in collaboration with local crop advisers, producers, and Extension Educators. Inputs include the time of UNR personnel and collaborators, infrastructure from UNR, funding from Federal and state sources, and knowledge generated by UNR and other institutions and agencies. The primary goal is to increase the level of IPM understanding and application by those individuals responsible for making pest management decisions in croplands. Publications, field tours and workshops, and classes are the most desired forms of communication based on stakeholder's surveys. Our program will concentrate on delivering information in the preferred manner(s).IPM Training for Consumer/Urban Environments:Program leadership will be provided by Dr. Kratsch. Programs and educational tools will be developed in collaboration with Ms. Skelly, Melody Hefner, and Wendy Mazet. We will build on our previously funded work to refine and expand our face-to-face, print and broadcast media messages based on results of our 2012 surveys. Our newly established website, www.manageNVpests.info is up and active since November 2012. PSA's ran in April. We will begin preliminary evaluation of the outcomes and impacts of these venues and the messages they deliver. We will monitor fact sheet distribution patterns monthly. We are monitoring web statistics, and will use this venue as a barometer of the effectiveness of our broadcast media campaign. Since we mention the website several times during each PSA, and we know the time period they will run, we can monitor for "bumps" in website visitation patterns for a rough evaluation of their effectiveness in reaching our target audience. Because we have found Master Gardeners and well trained Green Industry professionals to be effective allies in educating the public about IPM, we will continue to emphasize IPM training as a critical component of their education. Based on our survey results and outcomes of previous educational programs, we are planning to implement 40 hours of trainings for Master Gardener and Green Industry. We will add these trainings online. In addition to these trainings, we will add articles to the Master Gardener newsletter and Facebook page, and broaden the IPM information included on our manageNVpests.info website. We will continue to run our 2013 broadcast media messages during 2014. We will begin assembling content for two booklets, one for the Green Industry and one for the general public.IPM Education for Pesticide Applicators:Program leadership will be provided by Mr. Davison, Ms. Joy Newton and Melody Hefner. Pesticide applicators in Nevada have limited opportunities to receive CEU's in order to maintain their certification(s). We propose to increase the opportunities for these individuals to obtain CEU's by increasing the number of classes certified to receive IPM related CEU's. Specific programs will be developed in collaboration with Nevada Department of Agriculture, pesticide applicators and Extension Educators. An updated Applicator Manual chapter that was completed during the last funding cycle will be printed and distributed in association with NDOA. The new manual section will be added to our pesticide applicator website, www.nevadapesticideeducation.info. We propose to utilize the manual on IPM to develop and complete at least 2 classes annually whereby pesticide applicators will receive CEUs related to IPM principles annually. We also propose to offer "train the trainer" type IPM trainings to Extension Educators as funding allows in an effort to increase the awareness and utilization of IPM principles by all professionals involved in pest managementIPM in Recreational Lands: Program leadership will be provided by Mr. Davison, and Ms. Newton. Programs will be developed in collaboration with local Extension Educators, Specialists and public land managers. Weed recognition and identification combined with early reporting of new noxious or injurious weed populations before these invaders become established is a critical step in the implementation Nevada's IPM program. Once identified and reported new, small, weed populations can be controlled using mechanical techniques or minimal amounts of chemicals as compared to established large scale populations. Because of the vast areas potentially affected by the invasion of new weed species an intensive, statewide effort is ideal, but unfeasible. We plan to continue our close cooperation with the Noxious Weed Regulatory Coordinator and the Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) Coordinator at NDOA and expand our EDRR program in Churchill, Lyon, Washoe, and Carson City counties. We have established a network of local contacts that assist the public in identifying and verifying suspected EDRR weeds. The IPM Coordinator will also periodically update the weed distribution and abundance maps to reflect new identifications and eradication efforts. Implementation of these actions will allow greater use of IPM principles in the statewide noxious weed management program as the weed populations will be small and easier to eradicate.We plan to build on the success of our "Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide" by continuing to incorporate IPM tactics highlighted in the book into our education programming. A new publication has lists all biological control agents aimed at noxious weeds management, currently available and legal for use in Nevada. It presents the proper procedures for securing and using such agents. The biological control publication will add another resource for weed managers interested in utilizing IPM techniques in Nevada. We will distribute this publication and a workshop aimed at increasing the level of awareness of utilizing biological control agents as tools in a noxious weed management program.

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

Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences reached include: Nevada stakeholders, small acre farmers, large scale farmers, large scale producers, weed management groups, ranchers, cooperative extension personnel and educators, state agencies, federal agencies, master gardeners, green industry professionals, home horticultural classes, pesticide applicators, Nevada Department of Agriculture, Nevada Weed Management Association, cooperative weed management groups, mosquito control districts, cooperative weed management associations, U. S. Fish and Wildlife, U. S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Conservation Districts and the general public. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? IPM Training for Urban/Consumer Environments The Master Gardener trainings in Northern Nevada included four trainings totaling 12 hours that specifically covered IPM, pests, and pesticide safety. IPM principles were included in six other three-hour training sessions or 18 hours of instruction for certification attended by 77 trainees. Master Gardeners manned a booth at the Reno Home Show, where a total of 527 people visited the booth, with 40% or 210 people asking about IPM principles.The Master Gardeners participated in 44 events with 121 hours of instruction provided to 2,622 participants. In Southern Nevada, Master Gardener trainings occurred monthly. Master Gardeners held trainings with public outreach, attended community events and assisted the public with IPM issues. The Master Gardeners in southern Nevada estimates 4,800 participants at 25 educational events with 75 hours of instruction provided. Green Industry training program had 12 training session was three hours and 39 people were certified. The Green Industry Continuing Education Series included four trainings offering IPM instruction; with 92 attendees. Pesticide and IPM related training at the Nevada Landscape Association Annual Conference, included Certified Pesticide Applicator CEUs, was offered at nine different one-hour sessions in two of the four tracks attended by 130 people. The Weed Warriors Training included eight hours of instruction and 8 CEUS during two days and reached 65 attendees. The Gardening in Nevada lecture series is included five presentations discussing IPM which were attended by 316 people. The Grow Your Own workshop series included eight workshops which were taught live in Reno and video conferenced to 12 other sites in Nevada. Six of the classes discussed IPM. Public contacts at UNCE offices about IPM totaled 2,947 for the grant period. A total of 531 television PSAs were purchased on the major local networks and on targeted cable channels. An additiinal 282 radio PSAs were also broadcasted. Our website, www.manageNVpets.info, was included in the PSAs and website hits doubled during months that the Radio and TV PSAs were broadcast. Our Urban IPM website, www.manageNVpests.info, had 378,330 hits during the grant period, with 42,469 total visitors. Articles discussing gardening topics were published in three Northern Nevada newspapers with 47 articles discussing IPM published in 2014. The newspapers have a total circulation of 1,538,000 people.The website provides IPM information, IPM factsheets, and photo galleries of noxious weeds, nuisance weeds, beneficial insects, pest insects and exotic insects to watch for. Our 10 factsheet series on IPM topics published during the previous grant period were distributed to nine nurseries, seven public library branches and to seven UNCE offices. IPM Education for Pesticide Applicators Another goal of the statewide Nevada IPM program was to increase awareness and adoption of IPM by pesticide applicators. Pesticide Safety Continuing Education Workshops and Pesticide Applicator Training were offered in fall and spring to existing Certified Pesticide Applicators for CEUs and to those who wish to test to become Certified Pesticide Applicators. These day long workshops have varied topics, but all speakers include IPM in some form. In December 2013, a workshop was offered live in Reno and via video conference to 10 other Nevada sites. It was attended by 91 people. A second workshop was held in the Spring of 2014 in Reno and via videoconference to 13 other sites. It was attended by 210 people. Green Industry Professionals training opportunities included the Nevada Landscape Association Annual Conference, held in February 2014. Pesticide and IPM related training, including Certified Pesticide Applicator Continuing Education Credits (CEUs), was offered at nine different one-hour sessions in two of the four tracks of the conference. The Nevada Weed Management Association Meeting was held in October 2013. Certified Pesticide Applicator CEUs were offered in 4 of the courses for a total of 6.5 credits, 4.5 general and 2 in law. The Elko Weed Summit had 50 participants for the weed information presentations, 37 participants for the Pesticide Applicator Trainings with 6 general credit CEUs available and 20 participants taking the exam to obtain their license. IPM Education in Agronomic Crops This program utilized classes, workshops, field days and applied research projects as vehicles to teach IPM tools to agriculture producers. In 2014, producers faced the worst drought conditions in several decades. The shortage of irrigation water resulted in increased stress on crops and increasing pest pressures. In response, the IPM coordinator completed seven statewide workshops concentrating on proper irrigation and pest management techniques during times of drought. The workshop participants included agricultural producers, irrigation water managers, and homeowners. The workshops were attended by 126 individuals. The IPM coordinator also completed two grazing management classes aimed at educating the attendees on proper pasture grazing management techniques during short-water years with an emphasis on maintaining plant health as the first step in an IPM program. The classes were attended by 46 individuals. The results of several field trials focusing on alternative, low water use crop selection and use were presented at seven workshops across the state in 2014. Planting low water use crops are an important step in reducing pesticide use as they receive full irrigation resulting in limited plant stress as compared to the perennial crops (alfalfa and grass hay) overwhelming grown by Nevada producers. These workshops were attended by 158 individuals. Finally, the results of a three year study comparing field tomato production and production inside a high tunnel system as a technique to reduce the impacts of Beet Curly Top Virus was completed in 2014. The results were presented at the Nevada Small Farm Conference and at field days in two northern Nevada sites. These events were attended by 226 people. Evaluations indicate the majority of attendees increased their knowledge of the techniques presented and desire more information in future workshops, classes and field days. A new program was started to create IPM educational resources for honey producers and small scale beekeepers. A beginning beekeeping course, with 44 attendees, was added to the "Grow Your Own" workshops a series of educational workshops to train small scale producers. Survey results indicated a need for honey bee IPM education, specifically varroa mite pest management and treatment recommendations based on pest levels. IPM Education for Recreational Lands A poster highlighting the Early Detection and Rapid Response and Weeds to Watch programs was presented along with fact sheets and posters related to recreational land weeds. There were more than 500 people in attendance, 27 posters and 78 fact sheets distributed. An "IPM Weeds on Recreational Lands" activity game board activity was developed and presented. This activity was aimed at younger attendees with the purpose of increasing thier awareness and engaging them in weed managment activities. Nevada Weed Management Association (NWMA) meeting included pesticide and IPM related workshops 19 different sessions. Seven of the presentations or workshops were presented by UNCE faculty with the IPM program. The seven sessions were attended by 297 weed management professionals representing across broad disciplines including weed management on recreational lands, agronomic crops and green industry. Collaboration with NWMA is ongoing, with IPM educator serving as the NWMA secretary. Nevada Department of Agriculture personel are collaborating with us to educate recreational land weed managers on the use of the EDDMapS program for mapping and identifying weeds that might may be moving into new counties. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Information for the IPM Training for Urban/Consumer Environments was disseminated in various ways. Face-to-face educational opportunities were provided at a number of trainings. A train the trainer technique is used where Master Gardners are trained by our program and in turn assist the general public to educate the public on IPM principle and strategies. Green Industry Professionals receive training through additional programs and they, in turn, help to educate their clients on IPM principles and strategies. The general public receives both face-to-face training and media (PSAs, factsheets, website) education on IPM principles and strategies, the programs are designed to reach many sub groups of the public that prefer to learn in different ways. All groups are made aware of our website, www.manageNVpests.info, so they can augment their IPM education and obtain quick information on IPM, insect pests, beneficial insects, exotic insects, and nuisance and noxious weeds. IPM Education for Pesticide Applicators takes advantage of Pesticide Safety Education Program trainings to educate applicators on IPM and practices. Continuing education credits are integrated into programing throughout the state to meet the needs of different stakeholders who manage pests. Pesticide applicator liscensees are also directed to our website, www.manageNVpests.info, for further information on IPM principles, strategies and to help them identify insect pests, beneficial insects, exotic insects, and nuisance and noxious weeds. Stakeholders in Agronomic Crops program prefer, in order of preference, hands-on field day trainings, workshops and publications. Stakeholders frequently request information be delivered an in person format for pest identification and pest management recommendations. IPM techniques and strategies are used extensively in these interactions. We held field days and workshops statewide and responded to the need for additional workshops when severe drought created a need for additional IPM related material. We were able to respond adequately to individual requests for pest identification and management. Beekeepers were included for the first time in IPM efforts in Nevada. Beekeepers responded with individual requests for pest management assistance. In addition, beekeepers attended at workshops on honey bee pests and beginning beekeeping strategies. The recreational land IPM program focused primarily on workshops and publications to disseminate information as the stakeholders highly prefered these methods of recieving educational materials. The Nevada IPM program was a major contributor to workshops and presentations at the Nevada Weed Management Association meeting and created content specifically requested by recreational land managers for pesticide applicators CEUs. In addition, Biological control of weeds was identified as an area in need of educational programming and three workshops were created. An outdated special publication was updated with available biocontrol agents and current regulations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? IPM Coordination The primary outcome related to the educational efforts of the IPM team and cooperating faculty is the continuation of the IPM program. The IPM program in Nevada continues to integrate IPM principles in educational activities and publications at all appropriate levels statewide. Numerous evaluations utilizing various surveys or pre-post tests were completed at selected educational events related to the IPM program and stakeholder feedback integrated into educational opportunities. Virtually all evaluation results indicate large gains in knowledge (>25%) related to weed identification, key IPM principles and integrated weed management techniques. The participant evaluations also universally indicated the participants' intent to implement the information taught at the educational events in their future weed management efforts. Stakeholders continue to highlight the need for the educational opportunities, citing the lack of other opportunities. IPM Training for Urban/Consumer Environments The primary accomplishment of the IPM training for Urban/Consumer Environments is the increased awareness of IPM principles and practices by Master Gardeners, Green Industry Professionals and the public through education programs and trainings. The individual educational programs resulted in 7,422 attendees being trained in face-to-face interactions at 69 educational events with 196 hours of instruction. Additional education programs geared towards the general public included Radio and TV Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and newspaper articles which provided both educational information on key IPM principles and also directed the public to our website, www.manageNVpests.info, for further information and educational materials. These non-face-to-face interactions potentially reached over 2,000,000 people. Creation of the website and broadcasts of the PSA's greatly increased our ability to educate the public, resulting doubling traffic to the website during broadcast periods. IPM Education for Pesticide Applicators The primary accomplishment of the IPM Education for Pesticide Applicators was the increased awareness of IPM principles and practices by Nevada Certified Pesticide Applicators accomplished through educational programs and trainings. These trainings were also integrated into other extension programing to encourage participation by pesticide applicators and to encourage IPM practices in all areas where pesticides are applied. Education for Pesticide Applicators was offered across a broad range of IPM programing statewide. A total of 14 workshops with 78 hours of instruction were attended by 1,284 people with 49 continuing education credits were offered to pesticide applicators. Pesticide applicators were directed to our www.manageNVpests.info website for further educational materials. Survey results indicate that participants were satisfied with the responsiveness of the program to their needs and indicated that they plan to integrate aspects of IPM discussed at the trainings into their pest management program. IPM Implementation in Agronomic Crops Agronomic crops are an important part of local economies in rural Nevada. Producers faced major challenges during this funding cycle due to severe drought conditions which stressed crops and make proper pest management programs more critical. The program instructors responded to this need by completing 18 workshops across Nevada focused on crop management during drought conditions, including the role of IPM programs in a comprehensive drought management program. The workshops were attended by 489 individuals and evaluation surveys indicated increased knowledge gains and willingness to implement recommended practices. A program for beekeepers was started and workshops on IPM of bee pests were created and presented with 78 attendees. Literature is being developed for beekeepers and a beginning beekeeping course, with 44 attendees, was added to the "Grow Your Own" workshops a series of educational workshops to train small scale producers. IPM in Recreational Lands The recreational lands programs continued to offer educational trainings that are necessary for proper weed management on recreational lands that cover more than 80% of Nevada. Programing was offered statewide and in collaboration with Bureau of Land Management, Nevada Department of Agriculture, Nevada Department of Wildlife, U.S. Forest service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Pesticide Application Continuing Education credits were available during 5 major meetings of pest management professionals. A biological control publication that was updated during the previous funding cycle was published online and was presented in 3 workshops with 93 participants. We partnered with Nevada Department of Agriculture to create training for the weed mapping program EDDmapS as a continuation of the Early Detection and Rapid Response program developed in previous funding cycles. This weed mapping program will allow for faster response to newly invading weeds and adoption of the program will aid in weed IPM. A fact sheet was published and 3 workshops were completed that discussed the advantages of using the software with 158 people attending. Our program responded to hundreds of requests for identification of weeds or insects and management information requests. A total of four workshops related to IPM on recreational lands was completed with 238 attendees. In addition, we surveyed all self-identified stakeholders using an online survey and post training surveys and will use the results to inform continuing educational efforts.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Porensky, L., E. Leger, J. Davison, W. Miller, E. Goergen and E. Espland. 2014. Arid old-field restoration : native perennial grasses suppress weeds and erosion, but also suppress native shrubs. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. Volume 184: 135-144.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Foster, S. and J. Davison. 2013. Corn Variety Trial 2012, Pershing County, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Special Publication 13-02.
• Type: Other Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2015 Citation: Paterson, J., M. Evans and J. Greer. 2014. Fighting Weeds with EDDMapS West in Nevada, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Cobourn, J. and H. Kratsch. 2013. Water-efficient Lawn Irrigation for Properties at Lake Tahoe, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet 13-38.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Cobourn, J. and H, Kratsch. 2013. Use Fertilizers Sparingly on Lawns at Lake Tahoe, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet 13-37
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Kratsch, H. 2014. Flowers at the Border Plant Native Flowers around your Yard to Attract Pollinators and other Beneficial Insects University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Special Publication 14-07
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Kratsch, H. 2013. Penstemons are for Great Basin Gardens, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet 13-35.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Paterson, J. and C. Minteer. 2014. 2012 Student Debates: Students' Perspectives on Scientific Tools to Solve Global Issues, American Entomologist 60: 4: 214-224.

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

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences reached include: Nevada stakeholders, small acre farmers, large scale farmers, large scale producers, ranchers, cooperative extension personnel and educators, state agencies including Nevada Department of Agriculture, federal agencies including U. S. Fish and Wildlife, U. S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, master gardeners, green industry professionals, home gardeners, pesticide applicators, Nevada Weed Management Association, other cooperative weed management groups, mosquito control districts, Conservation Districts, general improvement districts and the general public. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? IPM Training for Urban/Consumer Environments The Master Gardener trainings in Northern Nevada included 4 trainings (12 hours) that specifically covered IPM, pests, and pesticide safety. IPM principles were included in 6 other 3-hour trainings (18 hours). All were attended by 77 trainees. Master Gardeners tended a booth at the Reno Home Show, where 210 people asked about IPM principles. Master Gardeners in the Washoe County office answered 262 IPM-related questions from the public. The Master Gardeners participated in 44 events with 121 hours of instruction provided to 2,622 participants. In Southern Nevada, Master Gardener trainings occurred monthly. Master Gardeners held trainings with public outreach, attended community events and assisted the public with IPM issues. The Master Gardeners in southern Nevada estimates 4,800 participants at 25 educational events with 75 hours of instruction provided. Green Industry training program consists of 12 3-hour training sessions; 39 people were certified. The Green Industry Continuing Education Series included four trainings offering IPM instruction with 92 attendees. Pesticide and IPM related training at the Nevada Landscape Association Annual Conference, including Certified Pesticide Applicator CEUs, was offered at nine different one-hour sessions in two of the four tracks attended by 130 people. The Weed Warriors Training included eight hours of instruction and 8 CEUs during two days for 65 attendees. The Gardening in Nevada lecture series is included 5 presentations discussing IPM which were attended by 316 people. The Grow Your Own workshop series included 8 workshops which were taught live in Reno and video conferenced to 12 other sites in Nevada. 6 of the classes discussed IPM. Public contacts at UNCE offices about IPM totaled 2,947 for the grant period. A total of 531 television PSAs were purchased on the major local networks and on targeted cable channels. An additiinal 282 radio PSAs were also broadcasted. Our website, www.manageNVpets.info, was included in the PSAs and website hits doubled during months that the Radio and TV PSAs were broadcast. Our Urban IPM website, www.manageNVpests.info, had 378,330 hits during the grant period, with 42,469 total visitors. The website provides IPM information, IPM factsheets, and photo galleries of noxious weeds, nuisance weeds, beneficial insects, pest insects and exotic insects to watch for. Articles discussing gardening topics were published in three Northern Nevada newspapers with 47 articles discussing IPM published in 2014. The newspapers have a total readership of 1,538,000 people for the 47 articles. Our 10 factsheet series on IPM topics previously published were distributed to 9 nurseries, 7 public library branches and to 7 UNCE offices. IPM Education for Pesticide Applicators Another goal of the statewide Nevada IPM program was to increase awareness and adoption of IPM by pesticide applicators. Pesticide Safety Continuing Education Workshops and Pesticide Applicator Training were offered in fall and spring to existing Certified Pesticide Applicators for CEUs and to those who wish to test to become Certified Pesticide Applicators. These day long workshops have varied topics, but all speakers include IPM in some form. In December 2013, a workshop was offered live in Reno and via video conference to 10 other Nevada sites. It was attended by 91 people. A second workshop was held in the Spring of 2014 in Reno and via videoconference to 13 other sites. It was attended by 210 people. Green Industry Professionals training opportunities included the Nevada Landscape Association Annual Conference, held in February 2014. Pesticide and IPM related training, including Certified Pesticide Applicator Continuing Education Credits (CEUs), was offered at 9 different 1-hour sessions in 2 of the 4 tracks of the conference. The Nevada Weed Management Association Meeting was held in October 2013. Certified Pesticide Applicator CEUs were offered in 4 of the courses for a total of 6.5 credits, 4.5 general and 2 in law. The Elko Weed Summit had 50 participants for the weed information presentations, 37 participants for the Pesticide Applicator Trainings with 6 general credit CEUs available and 20 participants taking the exam to obtain their license.The Weed Warrior Training included 8 hours of instruction and 8 CEUs for the 65 attendees. IPM Education in Agronomic Crops This program utilized classes, workshops, field days and applied research projects as vehicles to teach IPM tools to agriculture producers. In 2014, producers faced the worst drought conditions in several decades. The shortage of irrigation water resulted in increased stress on crops and increasing pest pressures. In response, the IPM coordinator completed 7 statewide workshops concentrating on proper irrigation and pest management techniques during times of drought. The workshop participants included agricultural producers, irrigation water managers, and homeowners. The workshops were attended by 126 individuals. The IPM coordinator also completed 2 grazing management classes aimed at educating the attendees on proper pasture grazing management techniques during short-water years with an emphasis on maintaining plant health as the first step in an IPM program. The classes were attended by 46 individuals. The results of several field trials focusing on alternative, low water use crop selection and use were presented at 7 workshops across the state in 2014. Planting low water use crops are an important step in reducing pesticide use as they receive full irrigation resulting in limited plant stress as compared to the perennial crops (alfalfa and grass hay) overwhelming grown by Nevada producers. These workshops were attended by 158 individuals. Finally, the results of a 3 year study comparing field tomato production and production inside a high tunnel system as a technique to reduce the impacts of Beet Curly Top Virus was completed in 2014. The results were presented at the Nevada Small Farm Conference and at field days in 2 northern Nevada sites. These events were attended by 226 people. Evaluations indicate the majority of attendees increased their knowledge of the techniques presented and desire more information in future workshops, classes and field days. A new program was started to create IPM educational resources for honey producers and small scale beekeepers. A beginning beekeeping course, with 44 attendees, was added to the “Grow Your Own” workshops a series of educational workshops to train small scale producers. Survey results indicated a need for honey bee IPM education, specifically varroa mite pest management and treatment recommendations based on pest levels. IPM Education for Recreational Lands A poster highlighting the Early Detection and Rapid Response and Weeds to Watch programs was presented along with fact sheets and posters related to recreational land weeds. There were more than 500 people in attendance, 27 posters and 78 fact sheets distributed. An "IPM Weeds on Recreational Lands" activity game board activity was developed and presented. This activity was aimed at younger attendees with the purpose of increasing thier awareness and engaging them in weed managment activities. Nevada Weed Management Association (NWMA) meeting included pesticide and IPM related workshops 19 different sessions. Seven of the presentations or workshops were presented by UNCE faculty with the IPM program. The 7 sessions were attended by 297 weed management professionals representing across broad disciplines including weed management on recreational lands, agronomic crops and green industry. Collaboration with NWMA is ongoing, with IPM educator serving as the NWMA secretary. Nevada Department of Agriculture personel are collaborating with us to educate recreational land weed managers on the use of the EDDMapS program for mapping and identifying weeds that might may be moving into new counties. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Information for the IPM Training for Urban/Consumer Environments was disseminated in various ways. Face-to-face educational opportunities were provided at a number of trainings. A train the trainer technique is used where Master Gardners are trained by our program and in turn assist the general public to educate the public on IPM principle and strategies. Green Industry Professionals receive training through additional programs and they, in turn, help to educate their clients on IPM principles and strategies. The general public receives both face-to-face training and media (PSAs, factsheets, website) education on IPM principles and strategies, the programs are designed to reach many sub groups of the public that prefer to learn in different ways. All groups are made aware of our website, www.manageNVpests.info, so they can augment their IPM education and obtain quick information on IPM, insect pests, beneficial insects, exotic insects, and nuisance and noxious weeds. IPM Education for Pesticide Applicators takes advantage of Pesticide Safety Education Program trainings to educate applicators on IPM and practices. Continuing education credits are integrated into programing throughout the state to meet the needs of different stakeholders who manage pests. Pesticide applicator liscensees are also directed to our website, www.manageNVpests.info, for further information on IPM principles, strategies and to help them identify insect pests, beneficial insects, exotic insects, and nuisance and noxious weeds. Stakeholders in Agronomic Crops program prefer, in order of preference, hands-on field day trainings, workshops and publications. Stakeholders frequently request information be delivered an in person format for pest identification and pest management recommendations. IPM techniques and strategies are used extensively in these interactions. We held field days and workshops statewide and responded to the need for additional workshops when severe drought created a need for additional IPM related material. We were able to respond adequately to individual requests for pest identification and management. Beekeepers were included for the first time in IPM efforts in Nevada. Beekeepers responded with individual requests for pest management assistance. In addition, beekeepers attended at workshops on honey bee pests and beginning beekeeping strategies. The recreational land IPM program focused primarily on workshops and publications to disseminate information as the stakeholders highly prefered these methods of recieving educational materials. The Nevada IPM program was a major contributor to workshops and presentations at the Nevada Weed Management Association meeting and created content specifically requested by recreational land managers for pesticide applicators CEUs. In addition, Biological control of weeds was identified as an area in need of educational programming and three workshops were created. An outdated special publication was updated with available biocontrol agents and current regulations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? The funding for this specific grant has been discontinued and this is the final reporting period.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? IPM Coordination The primary outcome related to the educational efforts of the IPM team and cooperating faculty is the continuation of the IPM program. The IPM program in Nevada continues to integrate IPM principles in educational activities and publications at all appropriate levels statewide. Numerous evaluations utilizing various surveys or pre-post tests were completed at selected educational events related to the IPM program and stakeholder feedback integrated into educational opportunities. Virtually all evaluation results indicate large gains in knowledge (>25%) related to weed identification, key IPM principles and integrated weed management techniques. The participant evaluations also universally indicated the participants' intent to implement the information taught at the educational events in their future weed management efforts. Stakeholders continue to highlight the need for the educational opportunities, citing the lack of other opportunities. IPM Training for Urban/Consumer Environments The primary accomplishment of the IPM training for Urban/Consumer Environments is the increased awareness of IPM principles and practices by Master Gardeners, Green Industry Professionals and the public through education programs and trainings. The individual educational programs resulted in 7,422 attendees being trained in face-to-face interactionsat 69 educational events with 196 hours of instruction. Additional education programs geared towards the general public included Radio and TV Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and newspaper articles which provided both educational information on key IPM principles and also directed the public to our website, www.manageNVpests.info, for further information and educational materials. These non-face-to-face interactions potentially reached over 2,000,000 people. Creation of the website and broadcasts of the PSA’s greatly increased our ability to educate the public, resulting doubling traffic to the website during broadcast periods. IPM Education for Pesticide Applicators The primary accomplishment of the IPM Education for Pesticide Applicators was the increased awareness of IPM principles and practices by Nevada Certified Pesticide Applicators accomplished through educational programs and trainings. These trainings were also integrated into other extension programing to encourage participation by pesticide applicators and to encourage IPM practices in all areas where pesticides are applied. Education for Pesticide Applicators was offered across a broad range of IPM programing statewide. A total of 14 workshops with 78 hours of instruction were attended by 1,284 people with 49 continuing education credits offered to pesticide applicators. Pesticide applicators were directed to our www.manageNVpests.info website for further educational materials. Survey results indicate that participants were satisfied with the responsiveness of the program to their needs and indicated that they plan to integrate aspects of IPM discussed at the trainings into their pest management program. IPM Implementation in Agronomic Crops Agronomic crops are an important part of local economies in rural Nevada. Producers faced major challenges during this funding cycle due to severe drought conditions which stressed crops and make proper pest management programs more critical. The program instructors responded to this need by completing 18 workshops across Nevada focused on crop management during drought conditions, including the role of IPM programs in a comprehensive drought management program. The workshops were attended by 489 individuals and evaluation surveys indicated increased knowledge gains and willingness to implement recommended practices. A program for beekeepers was started and workshops on IPM of bee pests were created and presented with 78 attendees. Literature is being developed for beekeepers and a beginning beekeeping course, with 44 attendees, was added to the “Grow Your Own” workshops a series of educational workshops to train small scale producers. IPM in Recreational Lands The recreational lands programs continued to offer educational trainings that are necessary for proper weed management on recreational lands that cover more than 80% of Nevada. Programing was offered statewide and in collaboration with Bureau of Land Management, Nevada Department of Agriculture, Nevada Department of Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Pesticide Application Continuing Education credits were available during 5 major meetings of pest management professionals. A biological control publication that was updated during the previous funding cycle was published online and was presented in 3 workshops with 93 participants. We partnered with Nevada Department of Agriculture to create training for the weed mapping program EDDmapS as a continuation of the Early Detection and Rapid Response program developed in previous funding cycles. This weed mapping program will allow for faster response to newly invading weeds and adoption of the program will aid in weed IPM. A fact sheet was published and 3 workshops were completed that discussed the advantages of using the software with 158 people attending. Our program responded to hundreds of requests for identification of weeds or insects and management information requests. A total of four workshops related to IPM on recreational lands was completed with 238 attendees. In addition, we surveyed all self-identified stakeholders using an online survey and post training surveys and will use the results to inform continuing eductional efforts.

Publications

• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Foster, S. and J. Davison. 2013. Corn Variety Trial 2012, Pershing County, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Special Publication 13-02.
• Type: Other Status: Under Review Year Published: 2014 Citation: Paterson, J., M. Evans and J. Greer. 2014. Fighting Weeds with EDDMapS West in Nevada, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Cobourn, J. and H. Kratsch. 2013. Water-efficient Lawn Irrigation for Properties at Lake Tahoe, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet 13-38.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Cobourn, J. and H, Kratsch. 2013. Use Fertilizers Sparingly on Lawns at Lake Tahoe, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet 13-37
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Kratsch, H. 2014. Flowers at the Border Plant Native Flowers around your Yard to Attract Pollinators and other Beneficial Insects University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Special Publication 14-07.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Kratsch, H. 2013. Penstemons are for Great Basin Gardens, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet 13-35.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2014 Citation: Paterson, J. and C. Minteer. 2014. 2012 Student Debates: Students' Perspectives on Scientific Tools to Solve Global Issues, American Entomologist 60: 4: 214-224.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Porensky, L., E. Leger, J. Davison, W. Miller, E. Goergen and E. Espland. 2014. Arid old-field restoration : native perennial grasses suppress weeds and erosion, but also suppress native shrubs. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. Volume 184: 135-144.