EXTENSION IPM IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM FOR NEW JERSEY

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: OTHER GRANTS
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 1027066
• Grant No.: 2021-70006-35389
• Cumulative Award Amt.: $519,175.00
• Proposal No.: 2021-05150
• Project Start Date: Sep 1, 2021
• Project End Date: Aug 31, 2024
• Grant Year: 2023
• Program Code: [EIP]- Extension Implementation Program

Recipient Organization
RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY
3 RUTGERS PLZA
NEW BRUNSWICK,NJ 08901-8559

Performing Department
Entomology

Non Technical Summary
The project proposes to increase IPM adoption in blueberries, tree fruit and grapes, improve pollinator health, IPM education of pesticide applicators, support the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Center, and improve IPM adoption following COVID-19 in Housing Authorities.The purpose of the Specialty Crops project is to provide fruit growers with up-to-date information, IPM demonstration projects, training about IPM practices, establishment of invasive pest management strategies and establishment of an IPM program for wine grapes. This is important because the recent introduction of new invasive insects into New Jersey has caused fruit growers to apply more insecticides. Increasing adoption of new IPM techniques targeting these pests will result in less insecticide use and reduce impacts on the environment and non-target organisms.The purpose of the Pollinator Health project is to establish a honey bee health monitoring system provide pollinator friendly recommendations, establish a pollinator working group, and develop a pollinator protection plan. This is important because of the harm that pesticides are causing with honey bees thereby potentially threatening our food supply. By improving the communication between growers and apiarists, and creating protection plans we can reduce the potential harm to honey bees and resulting threats to the food supply.The purpose of the Education for Pesticide Applicators project is to incorporate IPM information into the self-study training materials used by growers and commercial pesticide applicators study for state licensing exams and develop/deliver IPM presentations to NJ applicators. Incorporating IPM information materials and talks into the training programs used by applicators to study for their licensing exams we can improve their knowledge of alternatives to the use of pesticides to control pests thereby reducing pesticide use in the state.The purpose of the Pest Diagnostic Facilities project is to provide diagnostic services to the public, state and federal agencies, commercial/agricultural stakeholders, and university researchers, and participate in NJ Department of Agriculture and USDA APHIS sponsored surveys for newly introduced pests. Proper identification of pests is key to their management. Providing proper identification will reduce the use of unneeded or ineffective pesticides against them thereby reducing impacts on the environment.The purpose of the Training and Implementation in Housing project is to develop and provide training to housing staff and resident leaders at 15 NJ Housing Authorities about a comprehensive IPM program to control multiple pests under current COVID restrictions. This is important because recent COVID restrictions have reduced the use of IPM techniques to control pests increasing the reliance on insecticides. By providing training on how to use IPM under COVID conditions we can reduce insecticide use and protect human health.

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
211	1119	1130	25%
211	5320	1130	25%
211	2130	1130	10%
212	2130	1160	15%
211	3010	1130	25%

Knowledge Area
212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants; 211 - Insects, Mites, and Other Arthropods Affecting Plants;

Subject Of Investigation
1119 - Deciduous tree fruits, general/other; 2130 - Turf; 5320 - Houses (human residences), furniture, household equipment, non-textile furnishings; 3010 - Honey bees;

Field Of Science
1130 - Entomology and acarology; 1160 - Pathology;

Keywords

blueberries

grapes

ipm education

pest diagnostics

public health ipm

Goals / Objectives
Specialty Crops1. Reach over 90% of NJ blueberry, wine grape and tree fruit growers with IPM updates,recommendations and research results and interpretations from state, regional and national pestmanagement projects.2. Demonstrate and promote practices that replace and reduce conventional pesticide use.3. Train farm employees and farmers in IPM practices for these crops.4. Establish and continue efforts to manage invasive fruit pests, including spotted wing drosophila,African fig fly, brown marmorated stink bug and spotted lanternfly.5. Answer grape grower needs by establishing a wine grape IPM program built on our past 3 yearpilot program.IPM for Pollinator Health1. Establish a honey bee health monitoring system for beekeepers and blueberry growers.2. Provide recommendations to mitigate the negative impacts of pesticide use on bee health.3. Establish a pollinator working group to benefit both beekeepers and fruit growers.4. Write a NJ Pollinator Protection Plan used to educate fruit growers and the public.5. Adjust beekeeping and pest management practices to reduce negative impacts on honey bees.IPM Support for Pest Diagnostic Facilities1. Provide a portion of the costs of one technical employee trainedto perform basic diagnostic tasks including fungal culturing, insect identifications, ELISA, PCR,and other common tasks associated with insect pest and disease diagnostics.2. Provide training SOP for pests and diseases of concern in our region in USDAprograms, in the RU Lab, or in collaboration with other labs within the NEPDN region.3. Train the next generation of plant diagnosticians, government regulators, and IPMspecialists by participatingin the training of graduate student interns,undergraduate students, NPDN First Detectors, and Master Gardener volunteers.IPM Education for Pesticide Applicators1. Develop IPM training materials for use in-person meetings and self-study materials.2. Develop surveys to evaluate IPM training provided at statewide and county-based grower and commercial applicator meetings.3. Provide IPM training at statewide and county-based grower and commercial applicator meetings using the materials developed.4. Evaluate IPM specific self-study materials used by stakeholders to obtain a state pesticide applicatorlicense by working with the NJDEP to review and revise IPM specific questions used in state licensing exams. Those questions deemed to defective willeither be rewritten, or the self-study materials will be modified to better present the information.IPM Training and Implementation in Housing1. Investigate the current pest control practices and impactsof current COVID-19 pandemic has on pest infestations in low-income communities.2. Deliver training and continuous assistance to low-income housing staff to increase the adoption of IPM in low-income communities.3. Compare the effectiveness of two resident education strategies.

Project Methods
Specialty Crops - This part of the project involves the education of blueberry, grape and tree fruit growers in New Jersey and consists of insect and disease monitoring, new programs in weed mapping and recommendations, soil and plant fertility and nematode management in grapes and blueberries. Delivery come through the Fruit IPM Delivery Team composed of the Fruit IPM coordinator, 3 program associates and seasonal employees. The Team relies on the input from pesticide education, pomology, horticultural, and soil fertility specialists and agents, (7 other faculty), fruit entomology specialists (2), a weed specialist and 2 fruit pathologists. These faculty supply recommendations, consultations and diagnostic services when needed, and handle components in fertility and horticultural practices. The Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory supplies plant parasitic nematode identification and other diagnostic services when needed. Two USDA-ARS scientists; a plant geneticist for blueberry variety traits, and a plant pathologist for help in diagnosing blueberry viral diseases. Since some recommendations will require the use of Section 18 and 24C labeled materials for the control of invasive pests, we will network with specialists in Virginia and Maryland and the NJDEP to attain those labels. Farmworker safety, farmworker exposure and environmental health portions rely on input from the pesticide education (PESP) program.IPM for Pollinator Health - This part of the project involves the education of apiarists and growers in New Jersey and consists of two clientele groups- beekeepers and blueberry growers. Beekeepers consist of commercial businesses with at least 400 hives, and part time beekeepers with about 12 to 400 hives and hobbyists. The program focuses on working with beekeepers and growers to adjust practices, sample hives for hive health, and recommend pest management practices to growers that have minimal impact on bees. We will establish a regular monitoring schedule and meet with beekeepers and growers daily throughout the pollination period. Because commercial hives are difficult to follow after they are removed from the fields, we will also maintain our own hives, that will be monitored alongside the commercial hives, and available as 'standards' from which samples can be taken. Beekeepers and grower will receive 'hive health' reports, which will help both clientele groups adjust practices. We will summarize the results of these efforts at winter meetings to beekeepers and growers. We will address tree fruit growers who use bee toxic materials, and when combined with poor groundcover management, can cause bee kills by virtue of spraying flowering weeds and contacting foragers. This ground cover management program will involve our weed scientist for recommendations during the spring and fall.The program will also be partially integrated into the Blueberry IPM program. We will communicate with 6-8 commercial beekeepers prior to, during, and shortly after the pollination season, and with calls and emails during the winter. A working group will be established that consists of 6 major beekeepers (over 50,000 managed hives), 4 blueberry growers and representing the Blueberry Industry Advisory Council, the NJ state apiarist, and Rutgers Extension faculty. Communication with beekeepers will be individual and through chapter and annual meetings of the NJ Beekeepers Association. We will host several beekeeper meetings.IPM Support for Pest Diagnostic Facilities - This part of the project involves the identification of samples of pest and invasive species samples submitted by the general public, governmental entities growers and commercial pesticide applicators in New Jersey. The methods use for this program include:Identify sample submitted by the general public, growers, and commercial pesticide applicators using state of the art insect and weed identification techniques, disease detection methods, and DNA analysis when needed.Identify sample submitted by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Department of Environmental Protection and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service using state of the art insect and weed identification techniques, disease detection methods, and DNA analysis when needed.Inform sample submitters of identifications via email, written reports.Report on pest trends and first time introductions at growers and commercial applications at regional and statewide meetings.Report on pest trends and first time introductions using Rutgers University blog platforms.IPM Education for Pesticide Applicators - This part of the project involves the education of New Jersey growers and commercial applicators on the component and implementation of Integrated Pest Management. The methods use for this program include:The development of annotated PowerPoint slides and voice-over videos to educate growers and commercial pesticide applicators about Integrated Pest Management and its use.The development and inclusion of IPM related chapters for New Jersey's private and commercial self-study pesticide applicator raining manuals.Growers and commercial applicators receive better IPM training.Develop surveys to document increased IPM knowledge of private and commercial applicators.IPM Training and Implementation in Housing - This part of the project involves the education of New Jersey growers and commercial applicators on the component and implementation of Integrated Pest Management. The methods use for this program include:Identify public housing authorities or U.S. Department of Housing and Development assisted housing communities for education and IPM implementation. We plan to reach out to at least 15 of these communities.Conduct resident interviews during home inspections.Evaluate the effectiveness of resident education using one senior site (a high-rise apartment building) and a family site (low-rise apartment buildings) by first conducting building-wide inspections to determine the apartments with pests.Resident homes with pest issues will be selected for resident education.

Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences for this project are pest control operators working in urban housing complexes, agricultural producers, landscapers, golf course superintendents, staff and residents in low-income communities located in New Jersey Housing Authorities, and the general public. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?IPM Support for Specialty Crops Three twilight meetings were held for Blueberry Growers Three twilight meetings were held for North and South Jersey Growers One Statewide Grape Twilight meeting was held for Grape Growers Showed demonstrations on how to run a salt test at the May Blueberry Twilight meeting. IPM Support for Pest Diagnostic Facilities Progress Report Year 3 (9/1/2023-8/31/2024) Delivered 178 educational presentations on various IPM, plant pathology and entomology topics both in-person and virtually to various groups including: Master Gardener/community groups (20), Green Industry (41), Rutgers Continuing Professional Education Courses/Extension Conferences (114), University Undergraduates (3). ?IPM Education for Pesticide Applicators Conducted five IPM training at statewide and county-based grower and commercial applicator meetings using the materials developed during years 1 and 2. IPM Training and Implementation in Housing Provided on-site training to residents and housing staff at 24 communities belonging to eight housing agencies. They were in Asbury Park, Bayonne, Bergen County, Hoboken, Woodbridge, Millville, Newark, and Trenton. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported 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 Support for Specialty Crops Hired 5 seasonal scouts for the Blueberry IPM program to cover 40 farms in Burlington and Atlantic County area. Hired 2 seasonal scout for the North Tree Fruit IPM program to cover 30 growers and hired 1 seasonal scout for the South Tree Fruit IPM to cover 15 growers for the season of 2024. Data was generated weekly starting in the month of March and was posted in the plant and pest advisory and blueberry bulletin to reach the targeted audiences. 3 Twilight meetings were held for Blueberry Growers 3 Twilight meetings were held for North and South Jersey Growers 1 Statewide Grape Twilight meeting was held for Grape Growers Showed demonstrations on how to run a salt test at the May Blueberry Twilight meeting. A total of 104 SWD traps where set at blueberry farms and grape vineyards, from the data collected spray recommendations were made on selecting the correct resistance management practice sprays. In Southern New Jersey, 4 farms were scouted for disease and insect pest in grapes. Data was collected and reported back to the growers using the new report forms that were generated from season 2023. Reported observations were posted in the Plant Pest and Advisory to reach other targeted audiences. IPM Support for Pest Diagnostic Facilities Progress Report Year 3 (9/1/2023-8/31/2024) Delivered 178 educational presentations on various IPM, plant pathology and entomology topics both in-person and virtually to various groups including: Master Gardener/community groups (20), Green Industry (41), Rutgers Continuing Professional Education Courses/Extension Conferences (114), University Undergraduates (3). Hired and trained undergraduate technical employee for the summer season. Processed 1534 plant, insect, and /or soil samples: diagnosis of problem (1231), nematode assay (109), identification (194) IPM Education for Pesticide Applicators Held final stakeholder meeting to discuss the outcomes. Conducted five IPM training at statewide and county-based grower and commercial applicator meetings using the materials developed during years 1 and 2. IPM Training and Implementation in Housing Provided on-site training to residents and housing staff at 24 communities belonging to eight housing agencies. They were in Asbury Park, Bayonne, Bergen County, Hoboken, Woodbridge, Millville, Newark, and Trenton. To attract residents, we provided free pest control materials (flyers, sticky traps, snap traps, cockroach gel baits, mattress encasement, and bed bug monitors). Some housing agencies also provided refreshments or gift cards. The average attendance was 13 per training. In contrast, the number of residents in each community was around 100. Assisted the above housing agencies by reviewing their current pest control contracts; provided suggestions on how to revise future contracts.. Conducted building-wide pest surveys at a community in Linden, New Brunswick, and Trenton. We provided pest survey results to the property managers. Conducted resident interviews after each IPM education to residents. This was approved by Rutgers University Institutional Review Board (Pro2023000830). We obtained 176 completed questionnaires after IPM education. The questionnaire consisted of five questions. The questions and results are shown below: Do you have existing pest infestations in your home? Among 174 respondents, 28% had pests, 66% did not have pests, and 6% were not sure. Among the respondents who had pests, the pests (from most common to least common) are: cockroaches (63%), mice (33%), bed bugs (17%), and ants (10%). Have you purchased or used any pesticides within the past 6 months? Among 172 respondents, 30% said yes, 70% said no. Rank the importance of the following factors from 1 to 4 when you select pesticides: ___Price, ___Experience, ___Advertisement or other's recommendations, ___Safety. Among the 139 respondents, 55% selected "Safety" as the most important, 22% selected "price" as the most important, 19% selected "Experience" as the most important, and 4% selected "Advertisement or other's recommendations" as the most important. After today's training, do you think it is a good idea to use sprays to control cockroaches? Among 173 respondents, 36% selected "Yes". Therefore, one education alone may not change people's pesticide use habits. In our presentation, we stressed that insecticide sprays are ineffective in controlling cockroaches and will cause contamination. We recommend using get baits instead of insecticide sprays. What changes will you make regarding pest control? __Better sanitation, __Reducing clutter, __No change, ___ Other. Among 210 answers, 43% selected "Better sanitation", 42% selected "Reducing clutter, 28% selected 'No change", and 14% selected "Other". We conducted surveys in the New Brunswick Housing Authority to evaluate the effectiveness of IPM education on pest reduction. Approximately 200 apartments were surveyed. The residents in these apartments agreed to participate in the study and signed a consent form approved by Rutgers Institutional Review Board. Each of these apartments had at least 10 cockroaches based on total trap counts over 7-day period and were divided into two groups, "Control" and "Education". A researcher provided a one-page flyer showing the medical importance of cockroaches and simple methods on how to prevent and control cockroaches. We provided each resident with an IPM kit, which included 5 Trapper insect monitors, a bottle of boric acid dust, and a tube of cockroach gel bait. We instructed each resident on using these materials and the importance of housekeeping. We re-visited each apartment at 1 month and 6 months after the initial survey and provided additional education was provided to the resident. During follow-up visits, we asked residents about pest sightings and whether they used cockroach control materials. We measured the weight of the boric acid dust bottle. If cockroaches were still present and residents used all of the cockroach control materials, we would provide more materials. The cockroach count was determined using the same method as the initial survey. After 6 months, the geometric mean cockroach count was reduced by 98% in the "Education" group, whereas the geometric mean cockroach count was reduced by 68% in the "Control" group. showing that in-house resident education is effective in promoting the adoption of IPM by residents and can lead to higher cockroach reduction than the existing pest control services.

Publications

Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences for this project are pest control operators working in urban housing complexes, agricultural producers, landscapers, golf course superintendents, staff and residents in low-income communities located in Trenton, Jersey City, and Newark, and the general public. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?IPM Support for Specialty Crops -Farmers were updated on IPM practices over the time frame of the agricultural season through twilight meetings (3 for blueberry, 3 for North Jersey growers, 3 for South Jersey growers) and having staff members visiting the farms weekly. IPM for Pollinator Health - Presented talks at 3 grower meetings to educate growers on bee friendly IPM practices. IPM Support for Pest Diagnostic Facilities - Delivered 177 educational presentations on various IPM, plant pathology and entomology topics both in-person and virtually to various groups including: Master Gardener/community groups (20), Green Industry (39), Rutgers Continuing Professional Education Courses (16), Rutgers Undergraduates (2). IPM Education for Pesticide Applicators -Provided three in person IPM trainings (tree fruit, grapes and nursery) for applicators licensed in New Jersey's Private applicator category. IPM Training and Implementation in Housing - Provided on-site or remote IPM training of housing staff at 8 housing authorities in New Jersey including: Housing Authority of Bergen County, Linden, Jersey City, New Brunswick, Paterson, Trenton, Woodbridge, and Highland Park. Based on each site's situation, we either provided consultancy on pest prevention and control or demonstration of various tools and methods to prevent and reduce pest infestations in housing. About 70 staff were educated. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?IPM Support for Specialty Crops 1. Reach over 90% of NJ blueberry, wine grape and tree fruit growers with IPM updates, recommendations and research results and interpretations from state, regional and national pest management projects. • Hire seasonal employees and train them in pest recognition, scout blueberry fields and vineyards on a weekly basis. • Summarize data and publish in weekly newsletters and web blogs. 2. Demonstrate and promote practices that replace and reduce conventional pesticide use. • Interpret demonstrations for alternative pest management practices like mating disruption, use of degree day models, and the use of biological based insecticides. 3. Train farm employees and farmers in IPM practices for these crops.3 • Using twilight update meetings, and one-one-visits, demonstrate to growers various scouting practices. • Provide slide sets, web-based photos and cell phone communication to teach growers and farm employees about pest and beneficial insect recognition. 4. Establish and continue efforts to manage invasive fruit pests, including spotted wing drosophila, African fig fly, brown marmorated stink bug and spotted lanternfly. • Provide sampling kits for grower to sample fruit for spotted wing drosophila (SWD) larvae. • Provide photos to grape growers and articles concerning SWD and African fig fly recognition, monitoring practices, and the relationship to sour rot. • Provide blueberry and other small fruit growers with resistance management programs to prevent SWD fruit injury while meeting market demands. 5. Answer grape grower needs by establishing a wine grape IPM program built on our past 3-year pilot program • Solicit volunteer grape growers in southern and northern counties to participate in IPM programming and learn IPM concepts. • Establish farm sites, scouting methods, and an information reporting system with those growers. IPM for Pollinator Health 1. Improve honeybee health monitoring system for beekeepers and blueberry growers. 2. Provide recommendations to mitigate the negative impacts of pesticide use on bee health. 3. Meet with established pollinator working group to benefit both beekeepers and fruit growers. 4. Write a NJ Pollinator Protection Plan (PPP) used to educate fruit growers and the public. 5. Adjust beekeeping and pest management practices to reduce negative impacts on honeybees. IPM Support for Pest Diagnostic Facilities 1. Hire one technical employee trained to perform basic diagnostic tasks associated with insect pest and disease diagnostics. • Meet with Rutgers students within plant science and related undergraduate/graduate level courses to recruit for job position. 2. Train the technician in SOP's for pests and diseases of concern in our region in USDA programs, in the RU Lab, or in collaboration with other labs within the NEPDN region. • Incorporate new diagnostic protocols/techniques/technologies as they become available. 3. Participate in the training of graduate student interns, undergraduate students, NPDN First Detectors, Master Gardener volunteers, and other green industry stakeholders (growers, managers, applicators, etc.) • Provide training about regional pests and diseases of concern for at least three Master Gardener training programs throughout the state. • Provide training about regional pests and diseases of concern at New Jersey Green Expo and additional state and regional stakeholder conferences and meetings. • Provide training regarding IPM topics in lawns and landscapes in at least one undergraduate/graduate level course. • Update training presentations as necessary to include the most up-to-date research regarding plant insect pests and diseases of concern. IPM Education for Pesticides Applicators 1. Schedule meetings with the stakeholder group to discuss and review the IPM materials developed. • Hold two stakeholder meeting to discuss progress. 2. Develop IPM training materials identified during year one for use in-person meetings and self-study materials. • Revise training materials for Category 1B (Agricultural - Animal Pest Control) to training manual. • Develop training materials for Category 2 (Forest Pest Control) to training manual. 3. Provide IPM training at statewide and county-based grower and commercial applicator meetings using the materials developed. • Provide Private Category (Agriculture) training as part of at least two grower meetings. • Provide Category 3 (Ornamentals & Turf) training as part of at least two applicator meetings. IPM Training and Implementation in Housing 1. Deliver training and continuous assistance to low-income housing staff to increase the adoption of IPM in low-income communities. • Provide on-site IPM training of housing staff to approximately 8 new housing authorities. • Conduct pest inspections at each of the housing agencies that received IPM training. • Assist housing agencies in setting up new pest control contracts and revising their pest control contracts, pest monitoring, and record keeping. • Assist in housing staff in identifying repair needs and how to properly seal the building for pest prevention. • Conduct resident interviews and IPM education to residents during pest inspections. 2. Evaluate IPM adoption and effectiveness of resident education. • Conduct building-wide pest inspections at 6-12 months after the initial inspection to determine changes in pest infestation rates, satisfaction of the pest control services, insecticide use by residents.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? IPM Support for Specialty Crops Hired 4 seasonal scouts for blueberry and 1 seasonal scout in tree fruit in season 2022. Data was generated and was posted in the plant and pest advisory and blueberry bulletin to reach the targeted audiences. Farmers were updated on IPM practices over the time frame of the agricultural season through twilight meetings (3 for blueberry, 3 for North Jersey growers, 3 for South Jersey growers) and having staff members visiting the farms weekly. Provided salt test to growers if they wanted them at Twilight meetings and show demonstrations on how to run a salt test. SWD traps where set at blueberry farms and grape vineyards, from the data collected spray recommendations were made on selecting the correct resistance management practice sprays. In grapes, a scouting protocol and report form has been generated. Reported observations were posted in the Plant Pest and Advisory. IPM for Pollinator Health Established and hired a technician to help deliver and coordinate honeybee IPM programming. Established a network of beekeeper and fruit growers to help foster and guide the direction of this programming. Developed a set of pollinator friendly blueberry pest management recommendations to be used in 2023 and amended as needed. Demonstrated the ongoing forager contact with pesticides when hives are not properly removed from pollination sites by the end of fruit set. Documented the improved hive health under recommended practices vs hive conditions that results from poor pest management practices. Conducted a field trial to demonstrate novel fungicide reduction practices to improve honeybee health. Monitored both commercial and RU hives during pollination. Monitored RU hives after pollination and maintained communication with commercial beekeepers. Established honeybee health monitoring system for beekeepers and blueberry growers. Conducted a meeting with beekeepers and blueberry growers to discuss results from previous year and improved monitoring system. Provided blueberry growers and beekeepers with recommendations to follow during the pollination season to mitigate the negative impacts ofpesticide use on bee health at 3 meetings. Established a pollinator working group with key growers, commercial beekeepers, NJDA, and Rutgers participants to benefit both beekeepers andfruit growers. Organized one post pollination meeting with growers and beekeepers. Conducted one presentation for NJ Beekeepers Association IPM Support for Pest Diagnostic Facilities Interviewed and offered employment to potential technical employee for the upcoming summer season. Processed 629 plant, insect, and /or soil samples: diagnosis of problem (418), nematode assay (143), identification (68) Attended Northeast Plant Diagnostic Network Regional Meeting of plant diagnosticians and received training regarding lab accreditation. IPM Education for Pesticides Applicators Held two stakeholder meetings to discuss the inclusion of IPM materials to be included in the Private and Category 3 (Ornamentals & Turf) ApplicatorTraining Manuals. Completed updating the IPM information included in New Jersey's Category 3 (Ornamentals & Turf) Applicator Training Manual. Began the development of IPM information included in New Jersey's Private Applicator Training Manuals. Provided three in person IPM trainings for applicators licensed in New Jersey's Category 3 (Ornamentals & Turf) applicator category. Provided three in person IPM trainings (tree fruit, grapes and nursery) for applicators licensed in New Jersey's Private applicator category. IPM Training and Implementation in Housing Conducted pest inspections in selected buildings at seven housing agencies that received IPM training and provided advice on how to correct any existing issues to reduce pest infestations. We advised the housing authorities on how to revise the pest control contracts to ensure the contractors' service is effective and meets the expectations of the staff and residents. We asked residents to fill out a brief questionnaire after training. Results are being summarized. In collaboration with a youtuber, a bed bug video (23 minutes long) was produced and posted at youtube.com to educate the public about bed bugs. The video received 12 million views after 1 month.

Publications

Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences for this project are pest control operators working in urban housing complexes, agricultural producers, landscapers, golf course superintendents, staff and residents in low-income communities located in Trenton, Jersey City, and Newark, and the general public. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?IPM for Pollinator Health Conducted 2 grower meetings to educate growers on bee friendly IPM practices. IPM Support for Pest Diagnostic Facilities Delivered 110 educational presentations on various IPM, plant pathology and entomology topics both in-person and virtually to various groups including: Master Gardener/community groups (8), Green Industry (32), Rutgers Continuing Professional Education Courses (68), Rutgers Undergraduates (2). IPM Training and Implementation in Housing Interviewed about 300 residents and provided IPM education if residents' home has pests. Delivered an IPM training seminar at a meeting to New Jersey chapter of National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (30 attendees). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?IPM Support for Specialty Crops 1. Reach over 90% of NJ blueberry, wine grape and tree fruit growers with IPM updates, recommendations and research results and interpretations from state, regional and national pest management projects. 2. Demonstrate and promote practices that replace and reduce conventional pesticide use. 3. Train farm employees and farmers in IPM practices for these crops. 4. Establish and continue efforts to manage invasive fruit pests, including spotted wing drosophila, African fig fly, brown marmorated stink bug and spotted lanternfly. 5. Answer grape grower needs by establishing a wine grape IPM program built on our past 3 year pilot program IPM for Pollinator Health 1. Establish a honeybee health monitoring system for beekeepers and blueberry growers. 2. Provide recommendations to mitigate the negative impacts of pesticide use on bee health. 3. Establish a pollinator working group to benefit both beekeepers and fruit growers. 4. Write a NJ Pollinator Protection Plan (PPP) used to educate fruit growers and the public. 5. Adjust beekeeping and pest management practices to reduce negative impacts on honeybees. IPM Support for Pest Diagnostic Facilities 1.Hire one technical employee trained to perform basic diagnostic tasks associated with insect pest and disease diagnostics. 2.Train the technician in SOP's for pests and diseases of concern in our region in USDA programs, in the RU Lab, or in collaboration with other labs within the NEPDN region. 3.Participate in the training of graduate student interns, undergraduate students, NPDN First Detectors, Master Gardener volunteers, and other green industry stakeholders (growers, managers, applicators, etc.) IPM Education for Pesticides Applicators 1.Schedule meetings with the stakeholder group to discuss and review the IPM materials developed. 2. Develop IPM training materials during year one for use in-person meetings and self-study materials. 3.Provide IPM training at statewide and county-based grower and commercial applicator meetings using the materials developed. IPM Training and Implementation in Housing 1. Deliver training and continuous assistance to low-income housing staff to increase the adoption of IPM in low-income communities. 2. Evaluate IPM adoption and effectiveness of resident education

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? IPM Support for Specialty Crops Accomplishments Established a list of participants for collaborating with a blueberry IPM program Established seasonal positions for collecting data for blueberry and grape pests. The hiring process for these positions has begun. Analyzed preliminary data from 2021 to plan and establish a new weed and groundcover IPM program. Collaborated with the national USDA SCRI Spotted Winged Drosophila research and extension project, "Moving from crisis response to long-term integrated management of SWD: A keystone pest of fruit crops in the United States." IPM for Pollinator Health Accomplishments Established and hired a technician to help deliver and coordinate honeybee IPM programming. Established a network of beekeeper and fruit growers to help foster and guide the direction of this programming. Established a field trial to demonstrate novel fungicide reduction practices to improve honeybee health. Developed a set of pollinator friendly blueberry pest management recommendations to be used in 2022 and amended as needed. IPM Support for Pest Diagnostic Facilities Accomplishments Created new job posting in preparation of hiring technical employee for the upcoming season. Processed 437 plant, insect, and /or soil samples: diagnosis of problem (252), nematode assay (178), identification (7) Made preparations for technician to attend National Plant Diagnostic Network National Meeting of plant diagnosticians, extension specialists, regulatory officials, and policymakers from different university, government, and industry affiliates. IPM Education for Pesticides Applicators Accomplishments Reviewed New Jersey's 23 private and commercial applicator training manuals for current IPM information included in each manual. Identified manuals needing upgrading. Held first stakeholder meeting to discuss the outcomes of the initial manual review. Began development/updating of IPM information included in New Jersey's Private and Category 3 (Ornamentals & Turf) Applicator Training Manuals. IPM Training and Implementation in Housing Accomplishments Created a questionnaire of housing agencies about the current pest control practices and impacts of current COVID-19 pandemic has on pest infestations in low-income communities. In collaboration with extension staff in three other states, we surveyed 33 housing agencies (13 in New Jersey, 15 in Tennessee, 5 in Indiana, 3 in Arizona, 1 in Illinois). Created a cockroach and a house mouse prevention and control flyer in English and Spanish. Distributed at least one flyer to approximately 200 low-income residents in Trenton and New Brunswick. Conducted building-wide pest inspection in two housing agencies (New Brunswick, Trenton) including approximately 500 apartments. Interviewed about 300 residents and provided IPM education if residents' home has pests. Delivered an IPM training seminar at a meeting to New Jersey chapter of National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (30 attendees).

Publications