Source: CLEMSON UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
CROP PROTECTION AND PEST MANAGEMENT EXTENSION IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM FOR SOUTH CAROLINA
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1027203
Grant No.
2021-70006-35508
Cumulative Award Amt.
$518,669.00
Proposal No.
2021-05172
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2021
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2025
Grant Year
2023
Program Code
[EIP]- Extension Implementation Program
Recipient Organization
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
CLEMSON,SC 29634
Performing Department
Pant & Environmental Sciences
Non Technical Summary
The three-year program objectives focus on the following Priority Areas: IPM for Specialty Crops, IPM for Agronomic Crops and IPM for Pollinator Health. The South Carolina CPPM-EIP will continue to address critical, stakeholder identified needs, and will build upon previous EIP Program activities to increase adption of IPM practices. The goal of the statewide CPPM-EIP is to increase knowledge and capabilities of South Carolina producers and pest managers to adopt cost-effective and environmentally sound IPM practices, providing long-term solutions to key pest management issues. The EIP Coordination program will continue existing collaborations and develop new collaborative projects with South Carolina State University and with other institutions and stakeholder organizations, including with other regional EIP Programs and the Southern IPM Center. The proposed Program will strengthen statewide Extension IPM efforts by developing collaborative, inter- and trans-disciplinary training and demonstration and will address IPM Road Map recommendations to "improve the cost/benefit relationship when adopting IPM practices, and to reduce the potential human health risks and adverse environmental effects of related management strategies". The core program emphasis will be on Extension activities to transfer research-based recommendations and new knowledge to our stakeholders by combining a range of formal and informal training methods, including field demonstrations, and development of online and smartphone IPM tools.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
0%
Applied
100%
Developmental
0%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2162410113035%
2162410110235%
2162410114020%
2162410112010%
Knowledge Area
216 - Integrated Pest Management Systems;

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

Field Of Science
1130 - Entomology and acarology; 1120 - Nematology; 1102 - Mycology; 1140 - Weed science;
Goals / Objectives
The overarching goal of the SC CPPM EIP is to increase adoption of cost-effective and environmentally sound integrated pest management (IPM) practices, providing long-term solutions to critical pest management challenges. Coordinated Extension programming will aim to develop appropriate knowledge and competencies in producers and pest managers across the state, with the purpose of preventing excessive levels of pest damage, minimizing risks to the environment and to people, and reducing the evolution of resistance among target pests to pesticides. The objectives and activities outlined in this proposal address critical needs identified by a range of audiences including conventional, organic and limited resource farmers, agricultural consultants, commodity and NGO organizations, Extension agents and other agriculture professionals, and will build upon previous Extension IPM Program accomplishments to advance the adoption of IPM to a higher level (i.e. to increase confidence and competency in IPM practices among stakeholders that result in a reduction in reliance on pesticides). Statewide IPM training efforts will be coordinated and supported by the SC EIP by developing training and demonstration programs with inter- and trans-disciplinary emphases. The program will address recommendations outlined in the National IPM Road Map to promote practices that improve the cost/benefit relationship of adopting IPM practices, and to reduce the potential human health risks and adverse environmental effects of related management strategies. The objectives will focus on economically important IPM priority areas for SC in Specialty Crops, Agronomic Crops and Pollinator Health. Four additional specialists who were not part of the 2017-2021 SC EIP grant, have broadened the scope of the Agronomic Crop and Specialty Crop activities. The core program emphasis will be on Extension activities to transfer research-based recommendations and new knowledge to stakeholders by combining formal and informal training methods, including field demonstrations and experiential learning, and development of online and smartphone IPM tools.
Project Methods
Peach IPM. Obj. 1). To improve management of fungal diseases and to identify alternatives to chlorpyrifos for scale insects, horticultural oil (hortOil) applied before and after Captan 4L during cover sprays, and in mixture with fenbuconazole (Indar 2F) and pyraclostrobin and fluxapyroxad (Merivon) during preharvest sprays, will be evaluated. Each activity will be recorded using videos and images for Extension efforts such as webinars, presentations, workshops, and websites.Obj. 2) Update and improve the MyIPM smartphone app content to support IPM implementation in SC and as a regional IPM tool. We will update and improve the popular MyIPM smartphone app content to encourage grower implementation of IPM practices. The success of the app requires the MyIPM Working Group to meet in person (or virtually as in 2020) to keep content updated.Vegetable IPM. Obj. 1). Provide training in diagnosis and monitoring of key diseases, and in weed identification. Samples of diseased vegetables will be provided by Extension agents or growers. Pathogens will be identified to genus. A portable 'weed garden' with major weeds in SC will be utilized for training. Workshops on weed ID will be organized at vegetable field days.Obj. 2). Conduct demonstrations trials with disease tolerant or resistant cultivars with environmentally sensitive conventional fungicides or biofungicides. Four cultivars representing different pepper (bell, habanero, and cayenne) types will be evaluated for tolerance to anthracnose fruit rot. Video presentations featuring plots will be recorded for the Clemson IPM website. Articles will be published in Land-Grant Press and Plant Disease Management Reports.Obj. 3). Monitor sensitivity of cucurbit powdery mildew and downy mildew to fungicides. Powdery and downy mildew assays will be done in spring and fall, respectively, when the pathogens are most likely to occur. Powdery mildew assays will be done on summer squash and watermelon. Recommendations will emphasize the importance of resistance management, including the use of FRAC codes when selecting a management program.Obj. 4). Conduct demonstrations trials with new robotic weed control technology and new competitive varieties for weed management. New vegetable cultivars with improved tolerance to weeds include sweetpotato cultivars with a bunched type growth habit that can reach row closure sooner.Obj. 5). Provide in-field training in IPM strategies appropriate for limited resource, minority farmers Stakeholders for the supplemental training with SCSU will primarily consist of limited resource and minority farmers with small, diversified farming operations. Participants will receive brassica transplants with training for recommended practices for key pests. During the season, a series of follow-up on-farm workshops will focus on disease, insect and weed ID and IPM strategies.Turfgrass and Ornamental Plant IPM Obj. To build website and smartphone applications with information and training on turf and ornamental crop pest management. In year 1, the team will identify the arthropod pests and diseases to be included on the most common ornamental crops and warm- and cool-season turfgrasses. The website will include factsheets of pests and diseases, management guides, and efficacy trial data. The smartphone app will only contain diagnostic and pesticide information, and links to comprehensive profiles on the website. We expect the development phase to occur in years 1 and 2, with beta testing in the latter part of year 2-year 3. We expect to launch the website and app in year 3 and begin the process of impact assessment.Corn, Cotton, Peanut, Soybean, and Sorghum IPM Obj. 1). Conduct surveys and demonstration trials for insect pests as training tools and to generate data for Extension programs. Recommendations will be generated in cotton for bollworm for improved thresholds, grain sorghum as a trap crop, and a HearNPV virus as a biopesticide. In soybean, work will focus on confirmation of thresholds for main pests. In corn, demonstration trials will focus on efficacy of Bt corn, and the importance of IRM. In sorghum, a demonstration trial will showcase the value of adopting a tolerant grain sorghum variety and adjusting planting date to manage the sugarcane aphid. In addition to in-person/online trainings, information will be communicated via newsletters, social media, and Extension publications.Obj. 2). Develop training programs to increase adoption of cultural practices to minimize weed pressure and critical herbicide stewardship to delay resistance. IPM demonstration trials for weed resistance management in cotton and soybean will show cultural practices to reduce weed pressure in cotton and soybean. Planting date will vary to establish crops before weeds emerge or to be competitive with the crop. Weed populations and herbicide usage will emphasized at field days and grower meetings. Critical herbicide stewardship and resistance management practices will be demonstrated.Obj. 3). Increase ability of growers to manage nematodes on row crops and minimize yield losses by generating a database of relative prevalence of species and by conducting IPM training programs. Field days will be conducted showing nematode management programs based on IPM principles for whole farms, with training on how to: 1) Recognize symptoms of nematode damage in corn, cotton, peanut and soybean; 2) Take samples to confirm nematode problems; 3) Participate in sampling to develop management schemes for subsequent crops; 4) Learn to utilize damage thresholds to determine what species of nematodes are potential threats to what crop; and 5) Cross reference current recommendations with nematode samples from fields to develop comprehensive, IPM based nematode management plans.Obj. 4). Conduct demonstration trials for diseases of peanut using on-farm trials and develop a visual aid for improved identification of key diseases. Fields will be identified where recently observed fungicide efficacy departed from anticipated levels. Demonstration trials will be conducted with plots treated with single and multiple FRAC modes of action vs. untreated plots. Stakeholders will view plots alongside laboratory results representing phenotypic resistance status. A visual aid diagram to help guide in-field identification of accurate defoliation levels caused by leaf spot on peanut will be developed.Obj. 5). Continue development of a MyIPM smartphone app as a novel tool to deliver IPM recommendations for agronomic crop pests. This on-going work was initiated and funded in year 4 of the 2017-2021 SC EIP grant. Efforts will continue to enter photos and management information into the online system created for the application with sections on weeds, diseases, and insects for cotton, soybean, corn, sorghum, and peanut.IPM For Pollinator Health Obj. 1). Develop and deliver apiculture trainings for commercial and hobby beekeepers in IPM strategies for honey bee pests and diseases. A demonstration apiary will be established and maintained for capturing images and data for extension publications/websites, hosting field workshops for beekeepers, training Extension agents, testing/practicing various apiculture IPM strategies, conduct workshops and webinars in apiculture, especially with IPM of Varroa mites, small hive beetles, wax moths and European foul brood (at least one/year).Obj. 2). Provide training programs to promote pollinator conservation and IPM strategies on farms, in managed forests, around residential landscapes and across urbanized areas. Pollinator habitat demonstration plots will be established. Sites will be used for workshops for beekeepers, growers, Extension Agents and other public audiences. Citizen science projects will be developed to record and submit observations in a statewide pollinator survey and an annual flower phenology reporting system.

Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/25

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences include producers of the following commodities: peach, row crops, horticultural crops including vegetables and ornamentals, commercial beekeepers and the general public. Target audiences also included landscape care professionals, arborists, municipal ground managers, Master Gardeners and home gardeners. Other training participants included Extension agents, crop consultants, agricultural industry representatives, and representatives from non-profit agricultural organizations and students. Undergraduate students were involved in the project and gained experience in IPM. Efforts were made to engage under-served audiences in the training programs including limited resource farmers, minority farmers with small, diversified farming operations. Changes/Problems:Launch of the fully functioning Turfgrass and Ornamental Plant IPM website (i.e., MyIPMT-O) has faced multiple delays. During the grant reporting period, Clemson University performed significant updates to websites across the university. Part of these updates included changes to software systems that hosted program websites. Therefore, the initial draft website that was fully constructed was not allowed to launch in as soon as expected in the grant period. Moreover, given the original website was designed on an older platform, we faced numerous formatting and compatibility issues when trying to launch under the new platform offered by the University. Dr. Roberts was able to work with members of the Clemson Computing and Information Technology office to address those issues and launched the website in spring 2025. Given the later launch of the website, beta-testing and feedback were delayed. We hope to gain feedback on the website following the first full year of release. Given the delays and compatibility concerns with the website development, the corresponding cell phone application was also delayed. The information needed for the cell phone application is currently being migrated and we expect that to be available in 2026. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Peach IPM. One research technician and an undergraduate research assistant were trained and assisted with project implementation and data collection. Vegetable IPM: Master Gardeners were trained in disease identification and management. Ten Extension agents were trained in field diagnosis of cucurbit and basil diseases and mode of action of fungicides, and 2 Extension agents were trained in analysis of data from field trials. Nine undergraduate students were trained in vegetable pathology and horticulture techniques. Landscape and Nursery IPM: A research specialist was recruited and trained to develop the Extension-focused website. Agronomic Crop IPM. A graduate student was trained on fungicide efficacy evaluation and analysis during the project. IPM for Pollinator Health: training activities included introductory beekeeping courses (including for De La Howe governors School for Agriculture students), a Planting for Pollinators workshop at the SC Beekeepers Association annual spring conference, a journeyman (intermediate level) training for beekeepers, an introductory beekeeping course (virtual lectures and field day), invertebrate ID field lab for Horry Georgetown Technical College students, and mentoring of a summer intern. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Peach IPM: Results were presented through publications and presentations at production meetings and professional fruit workers meetings held annually in various states. The MyIPM working group met in October each year to update the smartphone app. Vegetable IPM: Results of fungicide resistance trials were presented at meetings with growers and industry personnel. The weed garden was showcased at several pre-plant Extension meetings, which also included some adjuvant demonstrations. Turfgrass and Ornamental IPM: Results have been disseminated through construction of the website and in presentations offered through Extension programs within the Turfgrass and Ornamental Plant Industries in SC. Agronomic Crop IPM: Presentations included grower meetings, Certified Crop Advisor training sessions, the Cotton Beltwide meeting, and at the Open IPM Forum. Growers and other stakeholders were also reached using social media ('Clemson IPM' and 'Bugsdocisin' Twitter accounts), the Clemson Cotton/Soybean Insect Newsletter, updates to the SC Pest Management Handbook, Land-Grant Press articles, and other publications (Cotton Beltwide Proceedings and academic journals). IPM demonstration trials for weed resistance management in cotton and soybean were planted each year and Extension presentations were made at grower meetings and training meetings for Extension agents and CCAs. Production guides were distributed to farmers and related stakeholders. For the new MyIPM for row crops app, efforts were made to reach stakeholders at grower meetings, and conferences. IPM for Pollinator Health: Numerous presentations on honey bee colony management were made to local beekeeper associations. The Master Beekeeper Program certified (beginner) level training was overhauled, with new training having a greater focus on safe use of pesticides in and around honey bee operations. Presentations were made on pollinator conservation at conferences and meetings. Pollinator plots are now used as training tools at the Pee Dee REC. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? SPECIALTY CROP PRIORITY AREA Peach IPM Objectives: 1) Assess in-season horticultural oils for insect pest control and investigate use patterns and potential synergistic effects in combination with fungicides; 2) Update and improve the MyIPM smartphone app content to support IPM implementation in SC and as a regional IPM tool. Objective 1 - Accomplishments: 3 years of trials showed that applying horticultural oil alone and mixed with captan fungicide can suppress San Jose scale while also managing brown rot. High rates of captan mixed with heavy oils can result in phytotoxicity. While polyoxin-D consistently reduced disease, the addition of thyme oil or mineral oil did not lead to additive or synergistic interactions. The use of low rates of horticultural oil gives growers another tool for San Jose scale. Organic growers in SC are now using the OMRI-approved polyoxin D for brown rot control. Objective 2 - Accomplishments: The MyIPM working group met in October of every year to update the MyIPM app series. More than 12 team members met either online or in person at Clemson to update recommendations. As of 08/2025, the MyIPM for Fruit & Nut smartphone app had over 5,165 active users. Vegetable IPM Objectives: 1) Provide training in diagnosis and monitoring of key diseases, and in weed identification; 2) Conduct demonstrations trials with disease tolerant or resistant cultivars with environmentally sensitive conventional fungicides or biofungicides; 3) Monitor sensitivity of cucurbit powdery mildew and downy mildew to fungicides. 4) Conduct demonstrations trials with new robotic weed control technology and new competitive varieties for weed management; 5) Provide in-field training in IPM strategies appropriate for limited resource, minority farmers. Objective 1 - Accomplishments: 82 vegetable disease samples were diagnosed for SC growers. Globisporangium ultimum and Pythium aphanidermatum were recovered from snap beans with pod rot. Extension agents were trained in field diagnosis of vegetable disease symptoms. The weed garden was shown at pre-plant Extension meetings each year, which included some adjuvant demonstrations. Objective 2 - Accomplishments: Two Capsicum chinense cultivars and two C. frutescens cultivars had significantly lower green fruit anthracnose incidence than 12 other cultivars of C. annuum, C. baccatum, and C. chinese. A rotation of mancozeb and azoxystrobin reduced fruit disease compared to the control. Results were presented at grower meetings. Objective 3 - Accomplishments: In cucurbit downy mildew fungicide bioassays, oxathiapiprolin showed reduced sensitivity with P. cubensis Clade 2 on cucumber at reduced rates, while sensitivity was reduced in Clade 1 on butternut squash only at 0.13x rate. In 2022, insensitivity to azoxystrobin and mandipropamid was found in Clade 2 on cucumber. No resistance to powdery mildew fungicides was detected in 2023 or 2025. In both cases, chlorothalonil was less effective than powdery mildew-specific products. Results were presented at Extension meetings. Objective 4 - Accomplishments: demonstration trials with new competitive vegetable varieties with a bunched type growth habit that can reach row closure sooner were shown at field days. A robotic weed control platform was demonstrated and appears suitable for small-medium sized growers in SC. Objective 5- Accomplishments: Training programs for limited resource and minority farmers were conducted each year in addition to regular farm visits to assist with IPM adoption. Turfgrass and Ornamental Plant IPM Objective: To build website and smartphone applications with information and training on turf and ornamental crop pest management that can delivered effectively and efficiently. Accomplishments: 28 pest profiles were developed covering turfgrass and ornamental plant diseases and insects. Dr. Roberts has continually worked with Clemson Computing and IT to develop an active website. The current URL is https://blogs.clemson.edu/tandoipm. Results have been disseminated through construction of the website and at Extension meetings. AGRONOMIC CROP PRIORITY AREA Objectives: 1) Conduct surveys and demonstration trials for insect pests as training tools and to generate data for Extension programs; 2) Develop training programs to increase adoption of cultural practices to minimize weed pressure and critical herbicide stewardship to delay resistance; 3) Increase ability of growers to manage nematodes on row crops and minimize yield losses by generating a database of relative prevalence of species and by conducting IPM training programs; 4) Conduct demonstration trials for diseases of peanut using on-farm trials and develop a visual aid for improved identification of key diseases; 5) Continue development of a MyIPM smartphone app as a novel tool to deliver IPM recommendations for agronomic crop pests that will integrate recommendations for weeds, diseases, and insect pests of row crops refined by objectives 1-4. Objective 1 - Accomplishments: End-of-season data collection was conducted for field trials, leading to presentations at grower meetings, Certified Crop Advisor training sessions, the Cotton Beltwide meeting, and field days. Growers and other stakeholders were also reached using social media ('Clemson IPM' and 'Bugsdocisin' Twitter accounts), Clemson Cotton/Soybean Insect Newsletter, updates to the SC Pest Management Handbook, several Land-Grant Press articles, and other publications. Objective 2 - Accomplishments: IPM demonstration trials for weed resistance management in cotton and soybean were planted each year and presentations were made for Extension agents and CCAs. Extension articles included a Land-Grant Press article and sections on weed management in the SC Pest Management Handbook, Peanut Moneymaker Production Guide, Wheat Cheat Sheet Guide, and Corn Production Guide. Objective 3 - Accomplishments: demonstration sites were used for field days, in addition to sampling of grower fields for nematodes, and management programs were developed with growers. Extension presentations were made at grower meetings. Extension articles included sections in the SC Pest Management Handbook, SC Production Guides for corn, soybean, peanut, and soybean, newsletters and blogs. Objective 4 - Accomplishments: Peanut leaf samples were collected from 8 counties. Survey samples were analyzed from a variety of fungicide programs and production environments. Demonstration experiments were conducted to evaluate efficacy of fungicides. Photographs were compiled into a decision aid and distributed to stakeholders. Presentations included grower meetings, CCA training sessions, the Clemson Peanut Update E-Letter, and one-on-one communication. Objective 5 - Accomplishments: the MyIPM for Row Crops app was launched in 2022 and is available as a free download and includes information on pest ID and management. Work was conducted to add a section on insects on small grains, which was launched in 2023. The project is a result of collaboration among 9 land-grant universities and the Southern IPM Center. IPM FOR POLLINATOR HEALTH PRIORITY AREA Objectives: 1) Develop and deliver apiculture trainings for commercial and hobby beekeepers in IPM strategies for honey bee pests and diseases; 2) Provide training programs to promote pollinator conservation and IPM strategies on farms, in managed forests, around residential landscapes and across urbanized areas. Objective 1 - Accomplishments: Presentations on honey bee colony management were made each year to local beekeeper associations. The Master Beekeeper Program certified (beginner) level training was overhauled, with new training having a greater focus on safe use of pesticides in and around honey bee operations. Objective 2 - Accomplishments: Presentations were made on pollinator conservation at meetings. Pollinator plots are used at the Pee Dee REC as a training tool for multiple training programs.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Greene, J. K. 2025. Cotton Insect Management, pp. 111-125. In South Carolina Pest Management Handbook. https://www.clemson.edu/extension/agronomy/_files/pest-management-handbook-clemson-extension.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Jones, M. A., Farmaha, B. S., Greene, J. Marshall, M., Mueller, J. D., Smith, N. B. 2025. South Carolina Cotton Growers Guide. EC 589. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, Clemson, South Carolina. Revised March 2025. 133 Pp.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Mueller, J. D. 2025. Corn Disease Control. Pp. 70-80. In 2025 South Carolina Pest Management Handbook. M. Marshall, editor. Clemson University Cooperative Extension College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Mueller, J. D. 2025. Corn Nematode Control. Pp. 81 - 85. In 2025 South Carolina Pest Management Handbook. M. Marshall, editor. Clemson University Cooperative Extension College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.
  • Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Keinath, A. P. 2024. Microbial and biochemical biofungicides ineffective against Alternaria black spot on organic kale. PhytoFrontiers 4(4):662-670. NIFA support acknowledged. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTOFR-04-24-0039-R (gold open access)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Greene, J. K. 2025. Cotton/Soybean Insect Newsletter (Vol. 20, 20 Issues to date). Distributed weekly to various clientele (county agents, consultants, producers, etc.). Spring-Summer. https://www.clemson.edu/extension/agronomy/crops/cotton.html https://www.clemson.edu/extension/agronomy/crops/soybeans.html
  • Type: Other Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Musser, F. R., S. A. Brown, T. Bryant, W. D. Crow, J. A. Davis, C. DiFonzo, C. Floyd, S. H. Graham J. K. Greene, K. A. Hamby, D. Kerns, J. Knodel, D. Owens, D. D. Reisig, P. M. Roberts, N. J. Seiter, A. J. Sisson, B. C. Thrash, K. J. Tilmon, and R. T. Villanueva. 2025. 2024 soybean insect losses in the United States. Midsouth Entomol. 18: 10-35. https://midsouthentomologist.org.msstate.edu/pdfs/Vol18_1/MusserEtAl2025.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Greene, J. K. 2025. Soybean Insect Control, pp. 286-296. In South Carolina Pest Management Handbook. https://www.clemson.edu/extension/agronomy/_files/pest-management-handbook-clemson-extension.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Mueller, J. D. 2025. Cotton Disease Control. Pp. 126-131. In 2025 South Carolina Pest Management Handbook. M. Marshall, editor. Clemson University Cooperative Extension College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Mueller, J. D. 2025. Cotton Nematode Control. Pp. 132-134. In 2025 South Carolina Pest Management Handbook. M. Marshall, editor. Clemson University Cooperative Extension College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Mueller, J. D. 2025. Soybean Disease Control. Pp. 297-302. In 2025 South Carolina Pest Management Handbook. M. Marshall, editor. Clemson University Cooperative Extension College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Mueller, J. D. 2025. Soybean Nematode Control. Pp. 303. In 2025 South Carolina Pest Management Handbook. M. Marshall, editor. Clemson University Cooperative Extension College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Mueller, J. D. & Anco, D. 2025. Peanut Nematode Control. Pp. 235-236. In 2025 South Carolina Pest Management Handbook. M. Marshall, editor. Clemson University Cooperative Extension College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.


Progress 09/01/23 to 08/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences include producers of the following commodities: peach, row crops, horticultural crops including vegetables and ornamentals, commercial beekeepers and the general public. Target audiences also included landscape care professionals, arborists, Master Gardeners and home gardeners. Other training participants included Extension agents, crop consultants, agricultural industry representatives, and representatives from non-profit agricultural organizations and students. Undergraduate students were involved in the project and gained experience in IPM. Efforts were made to engage under-served audiences in the training programs including limited resource farmers, minority farmers with small, diversified farming operations. Changes/Problems:Launch of the fully functioning Turfgrass and Ornamental Plant IPM website (i.e., MyIPMT-O) has faced multiple delays. During the grant reporting period, Clemson University performed significant updates to websites across the university. Part of these updates included changes to software systems that hosted program websites. Given the original MyIPMT-O website was designed on the older platform, we faced numerous formatting and compatibility issues when trying to launch. Dr. Roberts has been working with members of the Clemson Computing and Information Technology office to address compatibility concerns. Given these significant delays, MyIPMT-O has an expected launch in late 2024/early 2025. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Vegetable IPM: Two undergraduates were mentored in plant pathology techniques, including recognizing vegetable disease symptoms and culturing pathogens from diseased samples, during summer employment at Clemson University Coastal Research and Education Center. Agronomic crop IPM: A graduate student was able to be trained on fungicide efficacy evaluation and analysis during the project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Peach IPM: Results were presented through publications and presentations at production meetings and the professional fruit workers meeting in Florida. See list of publications and presentations above. The MyIPM working group met in October 2023 to update the smartphone app. Vegetable IPM: Results of vegetable disease management trials were disseminated to fellow scientists in 1 refereed journal article; to Extension agents in 1 training; to vegetable growers in 4 presentations, 1 podcast, 1 blog, and a regional vegetable production guide; and to home gardeners in 1 presentation. The weed garden was shown to 25 extension agents and growers. Training programs for limited resource and minority farmers were conducted in addition to regular farm visits to assist with IPM adoption Turfgrass and Ornamental IPM: Dissemination of information on major arthropod pests and diseases of turfgrass and ornamental plants will begin once the IPM tools are developed. Agronomic Crop IPM: Presentations included grower meetings, Certified Crop Advisor training sessions, and at the Open IPM Forum. Growers and other stakeholders were also reached using social media ('Clemson IPM' and 'Bugsdocisin' Twitter accounts), the Clemson Cotton/Soybean Insect Newsletter, updates to the SC Pest Management Handbook, Land-Grant Press articles, and other publications (Cotton Beltwide Proceedings and academic journals). Peanut IPM results have been disseminated to stakeholders through combinations of printed and electronic Peanut Production Guides (>600/yr), production meetings, electronic production updates, and one-on-one communication. IPM for Pollinator Health: Numerous presentations on honey bee colony management were made to local beekeeper associations. Apiaries were used for hands-on training programs and field days, in addition to microscope labs to identify major honey bee pests. Pollinator plots are now used as training tools at the Pee Dee REC, including personnel from USDA FSA and NRCS, SC Dept. Natural Resources, and Clemson Extension. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Work on the majority of the objectives will continue as needed to meet the goals of the projects. This will includecontinuing on the MyIPM for Row Crops app to add a section on weed pests. An article has just been submitted on the MyIPM group of apps (Fruit and Nuts, Row Crops, Hawaii, Vegetables) to the Journal of Integrated Pest Management (Reay-Jones et al. in review). We expect revisions to be conducted as needed during the review process. In addition, the Turfgrass and Ornamental Plant IPM group website launch will facilitate beta-testing and content revision based on feedback. The group is also working with a template for migrating information currently contained in the website pest profiles into a form suitable for cell phone application development in partnership with the Southern IPM Center.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The SC CPPM-EIP continues to address critical, stakeholder identified needs in IPM, with a goal of increasing knowledge and capabilities of SCproducers and pest managers to adopt cost-effective and environmentally sound IPM practices. SPECIALTY CROP PRIORITY AREA Peach IPM Objectives: 1)Assess in-season horticultural oils for insect pest control and investigate use patterns and potential synergistic effects in combination with fungicides;2)Update and improve the MyIPM smartphone app content to support IPM implementation in SC and as a regional IPM tool. Objective 1 -Accomplishments: A 2nd year of trials demonstrated that horticultural oil alone and mixed with captan fungicide can suppress San Jose scale crawler.However, there is a risk when using high rates of captan mixed with heavy oils, which can result in phytotoxic damage. We evaluated the efficacy of polyoxin-D with or without thyme oil or mineral oil to control brown rot on peach caused by Monilinia frucicola in a multiyear study. The addition of thyme oil or mineral oil to polyoxin D did not lead to additive or synergistic interactions. Objective 2 -Accomplishments: The MyIPM working group met in October 2023 to update the app. Eight team members met either online or in person at Clemson to update labeled chemistries, rates, and recommendations.Outcomes, Impacts:Stakeholders have continued access to an up-to-date tool to help implement IPM. As of May 2024, the MyIPM for Fruit & Nut smartphone app has over 10,000 active users. Vegetable IPM Objectives: 1)Provide training in diagnosis and monitoring of key diseases, and in weed identification;2)Conduct demonstrations trials with disease tolerant or resistant cultivars with environmentally sensitive conventional fungicides or biofungicides;3)Monitor sensitivity of cucurbit powdery mildew and downy mildew to fungicides.4)Conduct demonstrations trials with new robotic weed control technology and new competitive varieties for weed management;5)Provide in-field training in IPM strategies appropriate for limited resource, minority farmers. Objective 1 -Accomplishments: Pythium ultimum and P. aphanidermatum were recovered from processing cultivars of snap beans with pod rot in May and June, respectively. The weed garden was used on about 20 occasions where a grower, extension agent or visiting graduate student was walked through the portable garden and received weed id training. Objective 2 -Accomplishments: In a field experiment testing a rotation of azoxystrobin and mancozeb on four cultivars of pepper susceptible to anthracnose fruit rot caused by Colletotrichum scovillei, fungicides reduced the percentage of diseased fruit on bell, Italian frying, and chili peppers but not on jalapeno. Fungicide application did not increase fruit yield due to exceptionally dry conditions and relatively low percentages of diseased fruit. Objective 3 -Accomplishments: No resistance to powdery mildew fungicides detected in Fall 2023. Although 2 bioassays were done in Spring 2024, no powdery mildew developed in the first assay, and only a few plants developed powdery mildew in the second bioassay due to hot, dry weather. In a downy mildew bioassay in Fall 2023 on watermelon, no resistance to downy mildew fungicides was detected. Objective 4 -Accomplishments: demonstration trial with new competitive vegetable varieties were shown to 25 extension agents and growers. Objective 5-Accomplishments:Training programs for limited resource and minority farmers were conducted in addition to regular farm visits to assist with IPM adoption. Turfgrass and Ornamental Plant IPM Objective:To build website and smartphone applications with information and training on turf and ornamental crop pest management that can delivered effectively and efficiently. Accomplishments: To date, 28 pest profiles were developed covering turfgrass diseases, insects and nematodes, and ornamental plant diseases and insects. Work has continued to develop a draft website. Outcomes, Impacts: Dissemination of information will begin once the website is developed. AGRONOMIC CROP PRIORITY AREA (14% of budget) Objectives: 1)Conduct surveys and demonstration trials for insect pests as training tools and to generate data for Extension programs;2)Develop training programs to increase adoption of cultural practices to minimize weed pressure and critical herbicide stewardship to delay resistance;3)Increase ability of growers to manage nematodes on row crops and minimize yield losses by generating a database of relative prevalence of species and by conducting IPM training programs;4)Conduct demonstration trials for diseases of peanut using on-farm trials and develop a visual aid for improved identification of key diseases;5)Continue development of a MyIPM smartphone app as a novel tool to deliver IPM recommendations for agronomic crop pests that willintegrate recommendations for weeds, diseases, and insect pests of row crops refined by objectives 1-4. Objective 1 -Accomplishments: End-of-season data collection was conducted for on-going field trials. Presentations included grower meetings, Certified Crop Advisor training sessions, the Cotton Beltwide meeting, and field days.Outcomes, Impacts: Growers and other stakeholders were also reached using social media, the popular Clemson Cotton/Soybean Insect Newsletter, updates to the SC Pest Management Handbook, and other publications. Objective 2 -Accomplishments: IPM demonstration trials for weed resistance management in cotton and soybean were plantedand presentations were made for Extension agents and CCAs.Outcomes, Impacts:Extension articles included a Land-Grant Press articleand sections on weed management in the SC Pest Management Handbook. Objective 3 -Accomplishments: 360 grower fields were sampled for nematodes, and management programs were developed with growers. Extension presentations were made at grower meetings.Outcomes, Impacts:Extension articles included sections in the SC Pest Management Handbook, and 2 journal articles. Objective 4 -Accomplishments: leaf samples were collected from 8 counties from a variety of fungicide programs and production environments. Demonstration field trials were conducted to compare fungicide management efficacy in peanut. Photographs were taken from plots with peanut cultivars with varying amounts of defoliation caused by late leaf spot. Pictures were organized in a visual aid diagram and incorporated into the Peanut Production Guide and distributed to stakeholders. Objective 5 -Accomplishments: the MyIPM for Row Crops app was launched in 2022 and is available as a free download and includes information on pest ID and management. Work was conducted to add a section on insects on small grains, which was launched in 2023. The project is a result of collaboration among 9 land-grant universities and the Southern IPM Center.Outcomes, Impacts: stakeholder usage is expected to increase over the next year. IPM For Pollinator Health Objectives: 1)Develop and deliver apiculture trainings for commercial and hobby beekeepers in IPM strategies for honey bee pests and diseases;2)Provide training programs to promote pollinator conservation and IPM strategies on farms, in managed forests, around residential landscapes and across urbanized areas. Objective 1 -Accomplishments: Presentations on honey bee colony management were made to local beekeeper associations. Apiaries expanded from 30 to 50 colonies to facilitate research and extension activities in 2024. Apiaries were used for breeding, monitoring pests, testing control methods, and hands-on beekeeper education. Objective 2 -Accomplishments: Presentations were made on pollinator conservation at meetings. Pollinator plots used as a training tool included 26 test plots to test seven different management regimes: prescribed fire, trampling, mowing (3 frequencies), graminicide, and grazing.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Gura, W. P., J. Gelain, and G. Schnabel 2024. Influence of preharvest polyoxin-D applications with or without spray oils on brown rot development and tree health of peach. Plant Health Progress https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-09-23-0075-RS.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Gura, W., G. Schnabel, J. Gelain, and J. Hopkins 2024. Efficacy of biorational fungicides programs for control of brown rot in peach, 2023. PDMR 18:PF039.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Keinath AP, Rennberg G, DuBose VB, Zardus SH, Rollincs PA. 2023. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum Identified on Okra in South Carolina, United States. Plant Health Progress. 24(1): 110-111.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Reay-Jones, F.P.F., G. D. Buntin, D. D. Reisig, and W. C. Bridges, Jr. 2024. Longitudinal trials illustrate interactive effects between declining Bt efficacy against Helicoverpa zea and planting dates of corn. Journal of Economic Entomology. In press.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Bryant, T., J. K. Greene, D.D. Reisig, and F.P.F. Reay-Jones. 2024. Continued decline in sublethal effects of Bt toxins on Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in field corn. Journal of Economic Entomology. In press.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Levinson, J., D. Lamie, M. Vassalos, C. Eck, J.-H. Chong, F.P.F. Reay-Jones. 2024. An exploration of learning and teaching methods in agricultural extension. The Journal of Extension. 61(4): 14.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Reay-Jones, F.P.F., and T. Bryant 2024. Corn insect control, pp. 52-71. 2024 Pest Management Handbook for Field Crops. Clemson Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Reay-Jones, F.P.F. 2024. Sorghum insect control, pp. 190-197. 2024 Pest Management Handbook for Field Crops. Clemson Extension.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Renfroe-Becton, H., Croft, J., Davis, C., Varn, J., Culbreath, A.K., Langston, D.B., and Anco, D.J. 2023. Phenotypic fungicide resistance and cross-resistance among Nothopassalora personata populations. PhytoFrontiers. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTOFR-10-23-0137-R (NIFA support acknowledged)
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Faski, T., Mueller, J. D., Becker, 0. Bernard, E., Bradley, C., Bond, J., Desager, J., Eisenback, J., Grabau, Z., Hu, J., Kemerait, R. Koehler, A., Lawrence, K., Mehl, H., Rudolph, R., Sikora, E., Thomas, S., Walker, N., Wheeler, T., Wrather, A., Ye, Weimen, and Zhang, L 2023. Summarized distribution of the southern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, in field crops in the United States. Plant Health Progress Brief. PHP-04-23-0031-BR
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: J Culbreath, J., Wram, C., Khanal, C., Bechtel, T., Wadl, P.A., Mueller, J., and Rutter, W. B.. 2023. A community-level sampling method for detection of Meloidogyne enterolobii and other root-knot. Crop Protection 174 (2023) 106401.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Mueller, J. D. & Plumblee, M.T. 2024. "Foliar Disease Control in Corn". Pp. 7277. In South Carolina Pest Management Handbook for Field Crops  2024. M. Marshall, editor. Clemson University Cooperative Extension College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Bryant, T., J. K. Greene, D. Reisig, and F.P.F. Reay-Jones. 2024. Grower perceptions and adoption of IPM and non-Bt refuge in field corn: a survey in North and South Carolina. Journal of Integrated Pest Management. 15(1): 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1093/jipm/pmad030
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Mueller, J. D. 2024. Corn Nematode Control. Pp. 7883. In South Carolina Pest Management Handbook for Field Crops  2024. M. Marshall, editor. Clemson University Cooperative Extension College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Mueller, J. D. 2024. Cotton Disease Control. Pp. 125129. In South Carolina Pest Management Handbook for Field Crops  2024. M. Marshall, editor. Clemson University Cooperative Extension College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Mueller, J. D. 2024. Cotton Nematode Control. Pp. 130132. In South Carolina Pest Management Handbook for Field Crops  2024. M. Marshall, editor. Clemson University Cooperative Extension College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Mueller, J. D. 2024. Soybean Disease Control. Pp. 295300. In South Carolina Pest Management Handbook for Field Crops  2024. M. Marshall, editor. Clemson University Cooperative Extension College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Mueller, J. D. 2024. Soybean Nematode Control. Pp. 301. In South Carolina Pest Management Handbook for Field Crops  2024. M. Marshall, editor. Clemson University Cooperative Extension College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Calvin, W., J. Gore, J. K. Greene, L. Perkin, and D. L. Kerns. 2024. Potential for grain sorghum as a trap and nursery crop for Helicoverpa zea and its natural enemies and dissemination of HearNPV into cotton. Agronomy (submitted 6 Jul 2024)
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Calvin, W., F. Yang, J. Gore, J. K. Greene, and D. L. Kerns. 2023. Profitability of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum (L.), when controlling bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), with variable treatment thresholds. Crop Protection, 173, Nov 2023, 106368 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2023.106368
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Reisig, D. D., S. H. Graham, J. K. Greene, S. V. Paula-Moraes, P. M. Roberts, and S. V. Taylor. 2023. Influence of Heliothinae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) pests on cotton yield components across a range of planting dates in the southeastern USA. Crop Protection https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2023.106320
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Keinath, A. P. 2023. Congruent and differential responses of Pseudoperonospora cubensis clades 1 and 2 to downy mildew fungicides. Plant Health Progress 24(4):405-410. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-01-23-0007-SC. NIFA support acknowledged.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Roberts, Joe, and Steve Jeffers. Two newly developed pest profiles outlining Meloidogyne species (i.e., root knot nematode) and Belonolaimus species (i.e., sting nematode) impacting turfgrasses managed in South Carolina. Posted on new Clemson turfgrass website.


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

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences include producers of the following commodities: peach, row crops, horticultural crops including vegetables and ornamentals, commercial beekeepers and the general public. Target audiences also included landscape care professionals, arborists, municipal ground managers, Master Gardeners and home gardeners. Other training participants included Extension agents, crop consultants, agricultural industry representatives, and representatives from non-profit agricultural organizations and students. Undergraduate students were involved in the project and gained experience in IPM. Efforts were made to engage under-served audiences in the training programs including limited resource farmers, minority farmers with small, diversified farming operations. Changes/Problems:Co-PI Juang-Horng Chong left his position at Clemson University in April 2023. However, his portion of the work has been completed, and the remainder of the Turfgrass and Ornmentals team (Drs. Joe Roberts and Steve Jeffers) will be able to complete the objectives without Dr. Chong. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Peach IPM. One research technician and an undergraduate research assistant were trained and assisted with project implementation and data collection. Vegetable IPM: Two summer undergraduates were trained in vegetable disease research. Two Extension agents were trained in analysis of data from vegetable disease field trials. Landscape and Nursery IPM: A research specialist, Dr. Joe Doherty, was recruited and has helped in developing an Extension-focused website. IPM for Pollinator Health: Activities during the reporting period included an introductory beekeeping course (virtual lectures and field day), invertebrate ID field lab for Horry Georgetown Technical College students, and mentoring of a summer intern. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Peach IPM: Results from the horticultural oil trial were presented to peach growers at the 2023 Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, GA. The MyIPM working group met in October 2022 to update the smartphone app. Vegetable IPM: Results of fungicide resistance trials were presented at meetings with growers and industry personnel. The weed garden was showcased at several pre-plant Extension meetings, which also included some adjuvant demonstrations. Turfgrass and Ornamental IPM: Dissemination of information on major arthropod pests and diseases of turfgrass and ornamental plants will begin once the IPM tools are developed. Agronomic Crop IPM: Presentations included grower meetings, Certified Crop Advisor training sessions, the Cotton Beltwide meeting, and at the Open IPM Forum. Growers and other stakeholders were also reached using social media ('Clemson IPM' and 'Bugsdocisin' Twitter accounts), the Clemson Cotton/Soybean Insect Newsletter, updates to the SC Pest Management Handbook, Land-Grant Press articles, and other publications (Cotton Beltwide Proceedings and academic journals). IPM demonstration trials for weed resistance management in cotton and soybean were planted in May/June 2022 and Extension presentations were made at grower meetings and training meetings for Extension agents and CCAs in fall/winter of 2022. 650 copies of the Peanut Production Guide have been printed, with approximately >500 already distributed to farmers and related stakeholders. Photographs were taken from plots with peanut cultivars with varying amounts of defoliation caused by late leaf spot. Pictures were organized in a visual aid diagram and incorporated into the Peanut Production Guide and distributed to stakeholders. For the new MyIPM for row crops app, efforts were made to reach stakeholders at grower meetings, and with a presentation at the Southeastern Branch ESA meeting. IPM for Pollinator Health: Numerous presentations on honey bee colony management were made to local beekeeper associations. The Master Beekeeper Program certified (beginner) level training was overhauled, with new training having a greater focus on safe use of pesticides in and around honey bee operations. Presentations were made on pollinator conservation at conferences and meetings. Pollinator plots are now used as training tools at the Pee Dee REC. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?SPECIALTY CROP PRIORITY AREA Peach IPM Objective 1) Assess in-season horticultural oils for insect pest control and investigate use patterns and potential synergistic effects in combination with fungicides. Field trials will be conducted to evaluate horticultural oils in combination with fungicides on peach trees. Objective 2) Update and improve the MyIPM smartphone app content to support IPM implementation in SC and as a regional IPM tool. The MyIPM working group will continue to keep up-to-date contents of app and is expected to meet in the Fall of 2023 at Clemson University. Vegetable IPM Objective 1) Provide training in diagnosis and monitoring of key diseases, and in weed identification Pathogens will be identified from vegetable samples submitted by growers or agents. Weed ID workshops will utilize a portable weed garden. Objective 2) Conduct demonstrations trials with disease tolerant or resistant cultivars with environmentally sensitive conventional fungicides or biofungicides. Bell, jalapeno, and cayenne peppers will be evaluated for a second year for tolerance to anthracnose fruit rot in plots treated with FRAC 11 and FRAC M fungicides or left untreated. Trial results will be used in grower presentations and videos for the Clemson IPM website. Objective 3) Monitor sensitivity of cucurbit powdery mildew and downy mildew to fungicides. In the spring, powdery mildew bioassays will be done on summer squash and in fall, downy mildew bioassays will be done on cucumber and butternut squash. Grower meetings will emphasize importance of resistance management. Objective 4) Conduct demonstrations trials with new robotic weed control technology and new competitive varieties for weed management. This objective will continue in 2023. Preparations are underway for demonstration trials to showcase robotic weed control technologies and competitive vegetable varieties. Objective 5) Provide in-field training in IPM strategies appropriate for limited resource, minority farmers. South Carolina State University collaborators will assist limited resource, minority farmers with adoption of vegetable IPM strategies via farm field days and grower meetings. Turfgrass and Ornamental Plant IPM Objective: To build website and smartphone applications with information and training on turf and ornamental crop pest management that can be delivered effectively and efficiently. Currently working with Clemson CCIT to launch the website under the url: http://myipmt-o.clemson.edu/. Translate current factsheets on the website into template profiles that facilitate incorporation into a new cell-phone application to be hosted in conjunction with additional MyIPM applications (i.e., MyIPM for Row Crops). Beta-test the website and cell phone application. AGRONOMIC CROP PRIORITY AREA (14% of budget) Objectives: 1) Conduct surveys and demonstration trials for insect pests as training tools and to generate data for Extension programs. Demonstration plots will be established at RECs and grower fields for Bt corn plots, sugarcane aphid in sorghum, bollworm in cotton, cotton thrips plots, soybean insect management plots. Monitoring efforts will include bollworm, budworm, and Mexican rice borer (invasive pest recently found in Savannah, GA) pheromone traps, resistance to insecticides. Objective 2) Develop training programs to increase adoption of cultural practices to minimize weed pressure and critical herbicide stewardship to delay resistance. Place 2 to 3 weed science demonstration sites at grower fields in South Carolina. Conduct 1 short "drop-in" field day at each site during the summer of 2023. Conduct relevant field trials in corn, cotton, soybean, and peanut at Edisto REC evaluating current practices for control of major weeds present in South Carolina row crops. Present these results to growers at the Edisto Peanut Field Day and Agronomic Field Day in September 2023 (dates TBA). Objective 3) Increase ability of growers to manage nematodes on row crops and minimize yield losses by generating a database of relative prevalence of species and by conducting IPM training programs. Plans are underway to set up two demonstration sites for field days on nematode management programs based on IPM principles for whole farms. Nematodes will be sampled to guide management programs. Objective 4) Conduct demonstration trials for diseases of peanut using on-farm trials and develop a visual aid for improved identification of key diseases. Demonstration trials will be conducted with single vs. multiple FRAC modes of action. The developed visual aid will continue to be disseminated to stakeholder groups. Objective 5) Continue development of a MyIPM smartphone app as a novel tool to deliver IPM recommendations for agronomic crop pests that will integrate recommendations for weeds, diseases, and insect pests of row crops refined by objectives 1-4. With the app launched in January 2022, efforts will focus on (1) improving and updating contents, and (2) creating new sections, with initial efforts focusing on wheat insects. IPM For Pollinator Health (5% of budget) Objective 1) Develop and deliver apiculture trainings for commercial and hobby beekeepers in IPM strategies for honey bee pests and diseases. The demonstration apiary at the Pee Dee REC will be used for workshops for a range of stakeholders. Training programs will be conducted across the state on various topics in apiculture. Objective 2) Provide training programs to promote pollinator conservation and IPM strategies on farms, in managed forests, around residential landscapes and across urbanized areas. Work will continue on managing pollinator habitat demonstration plots at the Pee Dee REC. Workshops and webinars will be conducted on pollinator conservation for public audiences.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The SC CPPM-EIP continues to address critical, stakeholder identified needs in IPM, with a goal of increasing knowledge and capabilities of SCproducers and pest managers to adopt cost-effective and environmentally sound IPM practices. In addition to numerous stakeholder meetings, IPM information was conveyed in a newly developed Clemson IPM Newsletter, in addition to pest management handbooks, Land-Grant Press articles, and other outreach publications. SPECIALTY CROP PRIORITY AREA Peach IPM Objectives: 1) Assess in-season horticultural oils for insect pest control and investigate use patterns and potential synergistic effects in combination with fungicides; 2) Update and improve the MyIPM smartphone app content to support IPM implementation in SC and as a regional IPM tool. Objective 1 - Accomplishments: A 2nd year of trials demonstrated that horticultural oil alone and mixed with captan fungicide can suppress San Jose scale crawler.However, there is a risk when using high rates of captan mixed with heavy oils, which can result in phytotoxic damage. Results were presented to peach growers at the 2023 Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. Objective 2 - Accomplishments: The MyIPM working group met in October 2022 to update the app. 13 team members met either online or in person at Clemson University to update labeled chemistries, rates, and recommendations. Outcomes, Impacts: Stakeholders have continued access to an up-to-date tool to help implement IPM. Vegetable IPM Objectives: 1) Provide training in diagnosis and monitoring of key diseases, and in weed identification; 2) Conduct demonstrations trials with disease tolerant or resistant cultivars with environmentally sensitive conventional fungicides or biofungicides; 3) Monitor sensitivity of cucurbit powdery mildew and downy mildew to fungicides. 4) Conduct demonstrations trials with new robotic weed control technology and new competitive varieties for weed management; 5) Provide in-field training in IPM strategies appropriate for limited resource, minority farmers. Objective 1 - Accomplishments: 11 vegetable disease samples were diagnosed for SC growers. Two Extension agents were trained in analysis of data from trials. The weed garden was shown at pre-plant Extension meetings, which included some adjuvant demonstrations. Objective 2 - Accomplishments: A preventative fungicide rotation of mancozeb and azoxystrobin reduced anthracnose fruit rot on four pepper cultivars. No synergistic effects between fungicides and cultivar tolerance were detected. Results were presented at three meetings. Objective 3 - Accomplishments: Insensitivity to azoxystrobin and mandipropamid was found in Pseudoperonospora cubensis Clade 2 on cucumber; Clade 1 did not develop on butternut squash. Results were presented at 17 Extension meetings. Outcomes, Impacts: A peer-reviewed publication on fungicide sensitivity with cucurbit downy mildew was accepted pending revision in Plant Health Progress. Objective 4 - Accomplishments: demonstration trial with new competitive vegetable varieties were shown at fields and other training programs. Objective 5- Accomplishments: Training programs for limited resource and minority farmers were conducted in addition to regular farm visits to assist with IPM adoption. Turfgrass and Ornamental Plant IPM Objective: To build website and smartphone applications with information and training on turf and ornamental crop pest management that can delivered effectively and efficiently. 26 pest profileswere developedduring 2022 covering turfgrass diseases and insects and ornamental plant diseases and insects. A draft website was developed. The Turfgrass and Ornamental Plant IPM group has received a template for migrating information currently contained in the websiteinto a form suitable for smartphone application development. Co-PI Juang-Horng Chong left Clemson in April 2023; however, his component of this objective is complete. Outcomes, Impacts: Dissemination of information on major arthropod pests and diseases of turfgrass and ornamental plants will begin once these tools are developed. AGRONOMIC CROP PRIORITY AREA (14% of budget) Objectives: 1) Conduct surveys and demonstration trials for insect pests as training tools and to generate data for Extension programs; 2) Develop training programs to increase adoption of cultural practices to minimize weed pressure and critical herbicide stewardship to delay resistance; 3) Increase ability of growers to manage nematodes on row crops and minimize yield losses by generating a database of relative prevalence of species and by conducting IPM training programs; 4) Conduct demonstration trials for diseases of peanut using on-farm trials and develop a visual aid for improved identification of key diseases; 5) Continue development of a MyIPM smartphone app as a novel tool to deliver IPM recommendations for agronomic crop pests that will integrate recommendations for weeds, diseases, and insect pests of row crops refined by objectives 1-4. Objective 1 - Accomplishments: End-of-season data collection was conducted for on-going field trials. Presentations included grower meetings, Certified Crop Advisor training sessions, the Cotton Beltwide meeting, and field days. Outcomes, Impacts: Growers and other stakeholders were also reached using social media ('Clemson IPM' and 'Bugsdocisin' Twitter accounts),Clemson Cotton/Soybean Insect Newsletter, updates to the SC Pest Management Handbook, a Land-Grant Press article (cutworms in field corn), and other publications. Objective 2 - Accomplishments: IPM demonstration trials for weed resistance management in cotton and soybean were plantedand presentations were made for Extension agents and CCAs. Outcomes, Impacts: Extension articles included a Land-Grant Press articleand sections on weed management in the SC Pest Management Handbook, Peanut Moneymaker Production Guide, Wheat Cheat Sheet Guide, and Corn Production Guide. Objective 3 - Accomplishments: 137 grower fields were sampled for nematodes, and management programs were developed with growers. Extension presentations were made at grower meetings. Outcomes, Impacts: Extension articles included sections in the SC Pest Management Handbook, Land Grant Press, 6 newsletters and blogs. Objective 4 - Accomplishments: 1) 21 samples were collected from 6 counties in 2022 from a variety of fungicide programs and production environments; the data were analyzed and a manuscript has been drafted. 2) Planning is underway to conduct further demonstration field trials to include treatments with a single or multipleFRAC modes of action fungicide and untreated plots. 3) This component has been completed. Objective 5 - Accomplishments: the MyIPM for Row Crops app was launched in 2022 and is available as a free download and includes information on pest ID and management. Work was conducted to add a section on insects on small grains, which should launch in summer 2023. The project is a result of collaboration among 9 land-grant universities and the Southern IPM Center. Outcomes, Impacts: stakeholder usage is expected to increase over the next year. IPM For Pollinator Health (5% of budget) Objectives: 1) Develop and deliver apiculture trainings for commercial and hobby beekeepers in IPM strategies for honey bee pests and diseases; 2) Provide training programs to promote pollinator conservation and IPM strategies on farms, in managed forests, around residential landscapes and across urbanized areas. Objective 1 - Accomplishments: Presentations on honey bee colony management were made to local beekeeper associations. The Master Beekeeper Program certified (beginner) level training was overhauled, with new training having a greater focus on safe use of pesticides in and around honey bee operations. Objective 2 - Accomplishments: Presentations were made on pollinator conservation at meetings. Pollinator plots are used at the Pee Dee REC as a training tool.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2023 Citation: Croft, J., and J. D. Mueller. 2023. Identifying and managing foliar fungal diseases of soybean. Land Grant Press. Clemson Extension. Accepted for Publications, March 2023
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Ahmed S., Plumblee M., and Mueller JD. 2022. Performance of southern root-knot and reniform nematode resistant cotton varieties in fields infested with Columbia lance and lesion nematodes. Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists. September 26-30, Anchorage, Alaska. Journal of Nematology 54 (1): 4-4. 2022.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Keinath, A. P. 2022. Reduced sensitivity of Pseudoperonospora cubensis clades 1 and 2 to oxathiapiprolin in South Carolina. Plant Health Prog. 23(3):256-259. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-12-21-0148-SC.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2023 Citation: Keinath, A. P., Rennberger, G., DuBose, V. B., Zardus, S. H., and Rollins, P. A. 2023. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum identified on okra in South Carolina, United States. Plant Health Prog. 23: (in press). https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-05-22-0048-BR.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2023 Citation: Keinath, A. P., Colburn, G. C., and Yang, X. 2023. Differential susceptibility of two Citrullus amarus pollenizer watermelons to five species of Pythium and Globisporangium. Plant Dis. 107: (in press). https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-01-23-0073-SC.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Keinath, A. P., DuBose, V. B., and Zardus, S. H., Mothersbaugh, A. C., and Hajihassani, A. 2023. Screening tomato rootstocks for resistance to southern blight, 2021. Plant Dis. Manage. Rep. 17:V068. https://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume17/abstracts/v068.asp
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Keinath, A. P., DuBose, V. B., and Zardus, S. H. 2023. Evaluation of DMI fungicides rotated with mancozeb to manage gummy stem blight on fall watermelon, 2020. Plant Dis. Manage. Rep. 17:V069. https://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume17/abstracts/v069.asp
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Kaur, K., Keinath, A. P, and Branham, S. E. 2023. Response of mustard green cultivars to Alternaria leaf spot, 2022. Plant Dis. Manage. Rep. 17:V070. https://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume17/abstracts/v070.asp
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Keinath, A. P., DuBose, V. B., Zardus, S. H., and Mothersbaugh, A. C. 2023. Conventional and organic fungicide programs to manage southern blight and Cercospora leaf spot on red beet cultivars grown for beet greens, 2022. Plant Dis. Manage. Rep. 17:V071. https://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume17/abstracts/v071.asp
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Keinath, A. P., DuBose, V. B., Mothersbaugh, A. C., and Zardus, S. H. 2023. Evaluation of DMI fungicides and Miravis Prime to manage gummy stem blight caused by a tebuconazole-resistant isolate of Stagonosporopsis citrulli on fall watermelon, 2022. Plant Dis. Manage. Rep. 17:V072. https://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume17/abstracts/v072.asp
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Reay-Jones, F.P.F., and T. Bryant. 2023. Identification and management strategies for cutworms as pests in field corn. Land-Grant Press by Clemson Extension. LGP 1161.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Reay-Jones, F.P.F. 2023. Sorghum insect control, pp. 181-187. 2023 Pest Management Handbook for Field Crops. Clemson Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Reay-Jones, F.P.F. 2023. Corn insect control, pp. 51-69. 2023 Pest Management Handbook for Field Crops. Clemson Extension.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Neupane, J., J. M. Maja, M. Marshall, G. Miller, J. Greene, M. Cutelle, J. Lou, and E. Barnes. 2023. A new spraying system for cotton defoliation using unmanned ground vehicle. Beltwide Cotton Conferences, National Cotton Council of America, Cordova, TN.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Greene, J. K. 2023. Soybean Insect Control, pp. 281-291. In South Carolina Pest Management Handbook. https://www.clemson.edu/extension/agronomy/pest%20management%20handbook.html
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Greene, J. K. 2023. Cotton Insect Management, pp. 107-120. In South Carolina Pest Management Handbook. https://www.clemson.edu/extension/agronomy/pest%20management%20handbook.html
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Greene, J. K. 2022. Cotton/Soybean Insect Newsletter (Vol. 17, 19 Issues). Distributed weekly to various clientele (county agents, consultants, producers, etc.). Spring-Summer. https://www.clemson.edu//extension/agronomy/cotton1/newsletters.html
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Bryant, T., and F.P.F. Reay-Jones (with collaborators). 2022. Clemson IPM Newsletter.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Graham, S. H., D. Reisig, A. Huseth, J. Greene, and P. Roberts. 2023. Maximizing insect control in ThryvOn cotton in the Southeast. Alabama Extension  Peer-Reviewed, Crop Production, ANR-2984. (published 17 Mar 2023) https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/crop-production/maximizing-insect-control-in-thryvon-cotton-in-the-southeast/
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Bryant, T., and F.P.F. Reay-Jones (with collaborators). 2023. Clemson IPM Newsletter.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Reisig, D., G. D. Buntin, J. K. Greene, S. Paula-Moraes, F. Reay-Jones, P. Roberts, R. Smith, and S. V. Taylor. 2023. Magnitude and extent of Helicoverpa zea resistance levels to Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab2 across the southeastern USA. Insects 14(3): 262 https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14030262
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Conzemius, S. R., F. P. F. Reay-Jones, J. K. Greene, B. T. Campbell, D. D. Reisig, H. Wang, and W. C. Bridges. 2022. Field screening of wild cotton, Gossypium hirsutum, landraces for resistance to thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). Crop Protection 163 (2023) 106113 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2022.106113
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Grabarczyk, E. E., T. D. Northfeld, R. F. Mizell, J. K. Greene, T. E. Cottrell, P. G. Tillman, P. C. Andersen, T. C. Riddle, and W. B. Hunter. 2023. Spatiotemporal distribution of the glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), in a southeastern agroecosystem. Florida Entomol. 105(4): 280-286. https://doi.org/10.1653/024.105.0403
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Rich, M., E. Noh, H. Wang, J. K. Greene, T. Gilligan, F. Reay-Jones, M. Turnbull, and F. Zink. 2023. Field-based recombinase polymerase amplification and laboratory-based qPCR assays for detection of Helicoverpa armigera. J. Econ. Entomol. XX(XX): XXX-XXX. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toad048
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Marshall, M. 2023. Weed control in field corn, pp. 19-50. 2023 South Carolina Pest Management Handbook, Clemson Cooperative Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Marshall, M. 2023. Weed control in cotton, pp. 79-104. 2023 South Carolina Pest Management Handbook, Clemson Cooperative Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Marshall, M. 2023. Weed control in forage legumes, pp. 127-136. 2023 South Carolina Pest Management Handbook, Clemson Cooperative Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Marshall, M. 2023. Weed control in grass forages, pp. 137-154. 2023 South Carolina Pest Management Handbook, Clemson Cooperative Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Marshall, M. 2023. Weed control in grain sorghum, pp. 172-180. 2023 South Carolina Pest Management Handbook, Clemson Cooperative Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Marshall, M. 2023. Weed control in peanut, pp. 188-204. 2023 South Carolina Pest Management Handbook, Clemson Cooperative Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Marshall, M. 2023. Weed control in small grains, pp. 225-232. 2023 South Carolina Pest Management Handbook, Clemson Cooperative Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Mueller, J. 2023. Cotton disease control, pp. 119-123. 2023 South Carolina Pest Management Handbook, Clemson Cooperative Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Mueller, J. 2023. Cotton nematode control, pp. 124-126. 2023 South Carolina Pest Management Handbook, Clemson Cooperative Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Mueller, J. 2023. Peanut nematode control, pp. 224. 2023 South Carolina Pest Management Handbook, Clemson Cooperative Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Mueller, J. 2023. Foliar disease in field corn, pp. 70-74. 2023 South Carolina Pest Management Handbook, Clemson Cooperative Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Mueller, J. 2023. Corn nematode control, pp. 75-78. 2023 South Carolina Pest Management Handbook, Clemson Cooperative Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Mueller, J. 2023. Soybean disease control, pp. 284-288. 2023 South Carolina Pest Management Handbook, Clemson Cooperative Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Mueller, J. 2023. Soybean nematode control, pp. 289. 2023 South Carolina Pest Management Handbook, Clemson Cooperative Extension.


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

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences include producers of the following commodities: peach, row crops, horticultural crops including vegetables and ornamentals, commercial beekeepers and the general public. Target audiences also included landscape care professionals, arborists, municipal ground managers, Master Gardeners and home gardeners. Other training participants included Extension agents, crop consultants, agricultural industry representatives, and representatives from non-profit agricultural organizations and students. Undergraduate students were involved in the project and gained experience in IPM. Efforts were made to engage under-served audiences in the training programs including limited resource farmers, minority farmers with small, diversified farming operations. Changes/Problems:Some in-person training programs did not happen in 2021 due to COVID-19. We are hopeful that these will resume this year. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Vegetable IPM: Master Gardeners were trained in disease identification and management. Landscape and Nursery IPM: A research specialist, Dr. Joe Doherty, was recruited. Dr. Doherty will be provided with training and experience in developing an Extension-focused website. IPM for Pollinator Health: Activities during the reporting period included an introductory beekeeping course for De La Howe governors School for Agriculture students, a Planting for Pollinators workshop at the SC Beekeepers Association annual spring conference, and a journeyman (intermediate level) training for beekeepers, includes detailed section on understanding pesticide laws, labels and routes of exposure. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Peach IPM: The results were disseminated in state and regional production talks. The MyIPM working group met in October 2021 to update the smartphone app Vegetable IPM: Four Extension agents were trained in field diagnosis of cucurbit and basil diseases from September to October 2021. Results of the fungicide sensitivity bioassays were presented at 2 Clemson Extension meetings to 28 vegetable growers; a peer-reviewed publication on this topic was accepted in Plant Health Progress on Feb. 28, 2022; it was downloaded twice in the first 9 days it was posted online. The weed garden was showcased at several pre-plant Extension meetings, which also included some adjuvant demonstrations. Turfgrass and Ornamental IPM: Dissemination of information on major arthropod pests and diseases of turfgrass and ornamental plants will begin once the IPM tools are developed. Agronomic Crop IPM: Presentations included grower meetings, Certified Crop Advisor training sessions, the Cotton Beltwide meeting, and at the Open IPM Forum. Growers and other stakeholders were also reached using social media ('Clemson IPM' and 'Bugsdocisin' Twitter accounts), two issues of the Clemson Cotton/Soybean Insect Newsletter, updates to the SC Pest Management Handbook, Land-Grant Press articles (Japanese beetle in corn, overview of Bt corn), and other publications (Cotton Beltwide Proceedings and academic journals). Extension articles included sections on nematode management in two book chapters. Pictures of peanut cultivars with varying amounts of defoliation caused by late leaf spot were organized in a visual aid diagram and incorporated into the Peanut Production Guide. For the new MyIPM for row crops app, efforts were made to reach stakeholders at grower meetings, with a press release (https://news.clemson.edu/clemson-releases-myipm-for-row-crops-app/), and with presentations at the International IPM Symposium and at the Southeastern Branch ESA meeting. IPM for Pollinator Health: Numerous presentations on honey bee colony management were made to local beekeeper associations. The Master Beekeeper Program certified (beginner) level training was overhauled, with new training having a greater focus on safe use of pesticides in and around honey bee operations. Presentations were made on pollinator conservation at conferences and meetings. Pollinator plots were planted at Pee Dee REC as a training tool. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?SPECIALTY CROP PRIORITY AREA Peach IPM Objective 1) Assess in-season horticultural oils for insect pest control and investigate use patterns and potential synergistic effects in combination with fungicides. Field trials will be conducted to evaluate horticultural oils in combination with fungicides on peach trees. Activities and trial results will be used in workshops, websites, and grower presentations. Objective 2) Update and improve the MyIPM smartphone app content to support IPM implementation in SC and as a regional IPM tool. The MyIPM working group will continue to keep up-to-date contents of app and is expected to meet in the Fall of 2022. Vegetable IPM Objective 1) Provide training in diagnosis and monitoring of key diseases, and in weed identification Pathogens will be identified from vegetable samples submitted by growers or agents. Weed ID workshops will utilize a portable weed garden. Objective 2) Conduct demonstrations trials with disease tolerant or resistant cultivars with environmentally sensitive conventional fungicides or biofungicides. Different pepper types (bell, habanero, cayenne) will be evaluated in year 2 for tolerance to anthracnose fruit rot in plots treated with a FRAC 11 fungicide or left untreated. Trial results will be used in grower presentations and videos for the Clemson IPM website. Objective 3) Monitor sensitivity of cucurbit powdery mildew and downy mildew to fungicides. In the spring and fall, powdery and downy mildew assays will be conducted on summer squash and watermelon. Grower meetings will emphasize importance of resistance management. Objective 4) Conduct demonstrations trials with new robotic weed control technology and new competitive varieties for weed management. This objective will begin in summer 2022 of year 1 and will continue in year 2. Preparations are underway for this objective. Objective 5) Provide in-field training in IPM strategies appropriate for limited resource, minority farmers. South Carolina State University collaborators will assist limited resource, minority farmers with adoption of vegetable IPM strategies via farm field days and at grower meetings. Turfgrass and Ornamental Plant IPM Objective: To build website and smartphone applications with information and training on turf and ornamental crop pest management can be delivered effectively and efficiently. The website will be built on the hosting platform contracted by Clemson University. Complete the factsheets for the selected pest and disease issues; then review and revise the factsheets as needed. Upload the factsheets to the website. Beta-test the website and revise the content based on inputs and feedback. AGRONOMIC CROP PRIORITY AREA Objectives: 1) Conduct surveys and demonstration trials for insect pests as training tools and to generate data for Extension programs. Demonstration plots will be established at RECs and in grower fields for Bt corn plots, sugarcane aphid in sorghum, bollworm in cotton, cotton thrips plots, soybean insect management plots. Monitoring efforts will include bollworm, budworm, and Mexican rice borer (invasive pest recently found in Savannah, GA) pheromone traps, resistance to insecticides. Objective 2) Develop training programs to increase adoption of cultural practices to minimize weed pressure and critical herbicide stewardship to delay resistance. Place 2 to 3 weed science demonstration sites at grower fields in South Carolina. Conduct 1 short "drop-in" field day at each site during the summer of 2022. Conduct relevant field trials in corn, cotton, soybean, and peanut at Edisto REC evaluating current practices for control of major weeds present in South Carolina row crops. Present these results to growers at the Edisto Peanut Field Day and Agronomic Field Day in September 2022 (dates TBA). Participate in the planned Field Crop Scouting Schools in 2022 emphasizing weed identification and herbicide injury symptoms. Objective 3) Increase ability of growers to manage nematodes on row crops and minimize yield losses by generating a database of relative prevalence of species and by conducting IPM training programs. Plans are underway to set up two demonstration sites for field days on nematode management programs based on IPM principles for whole farms. Objective 4) Conduct demonstration trials for diseases of peanut using on-farm trials and develop a visual aid for improved identification of key diseases. Leaf samples will be collected from grower fields to determine fungicide phenotypic resistance levels. Demonstration trials will be conducted with single vs. multiple FRAC modes of acrion. Work will continue on the visual aid to help in-field identification of defoliation levels caused by leaf spot on peanut. Objective 5) Continue development of a MyIPM smartphone app as a novel tool to deliver IPM recommendations for agronomic crop pests that will integrate recommendations for weeds, diseases, and insect pests of row crops refined by objectives 1-4. With the app launched in January 2022, efforts will focus on (1) improving and updating contents, and (2) creating new sections, with initial efforts focusing on a weed section. ?IPM For Pollinator Health Objective 1) Develop and deliver apiculture trainings for commercial and hobby beekeepers in IPM strategies for honey bee pests and diseases. The demonstration apiary at the Pee Dee REC will be used for workshops for a range of stakeholders. Training programs will be conducted across the state on various topics in apiculture. Objective 2) Provide training programs to promote pollinator conservation and IPM strategies on farms, in managed forests, around residential landscapes and across urbanized areas. Work will continue on setting up pollinator habitat demonstration plots, with plot in Florence having recently germinated. Workshops and webinars will be conducted on pollinator conservation for public audiences.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The South Carolina CPPM-EIP continues to address critical, stakeholder identified needs in IPM, with a goal of increasing knowledge and capabilities of South Carolina producers and pest managers to adopt cost-effective and environmentally sound IPM practices in specialty and agronomic crops, as well as pollinator protection. In addition to numerous stakeholder meetings for a range of commodities, IPM information was conveyed in a newly developed Clemson IPM Newsletter, in addition to pest management handbooks, Land-Grant Press articles, and other outreach publications. The core program emphasis is on Extension activities to transfer research-based recommendations and new knowledge to our stakeholders by combining a range of formal and informal training methods, including field demonstrations, and development of online and smartphone IPM tools. SPECIALTY CROP PRIORITY AREA Peach IPM Objective 1) Assess in-season horticultural oils for insect pest control and investigate use patterns and potential synergistic effects in combination with fungicides; Several horticultural oils alone and mixed with captan fungicide helped suppress San Jose scale crawler abundance. In-season captan+Oil applications suppressed preharvest brown rot development. Highly refined oils at 0.5% mixed with low label rates of captan did not cause phytotoxicity. High rates of captan mixed with heavy oils caused phytoxic damage to peach leaves. Objective 2) Update and improve the MyIPM smartphone app content to support IPM implementation in SC and as a regional IPM tool. The MyIPM working group met in October 2021 to update the smartphone app. Labeled chemistries, rates, and recommendations were updated. Stakeholders have an up-to-date tool to help implement IPM. Vegetable IPM Objective 1) Provide training in diagnosis and monitoring of key diseases, and in weed identification; 14 vegetable disease samples were diagnosed for SC growers. Four Extension agents were trained in field diagnosis of cucurbit and basil diseases from September to October 2021. The weed garden was showcased at several pre-plant Extension meetings, which also included some adjuvant demonstrations. Objective 2) Conduct demonstrations trials with disease tolerant or resistant cultivars with environmentally sensitive conventional fungicides or biofungicides; this objective will not be conducted until year 2. Objective 3) Monitor sensitivity of cucurbit powdery mildew and downy mildew to fungicides. Fungicide sensitivity bioassays found reduced sensitivity to oxathiapiprolin in Pseudoperonospora cubensis Clade 2 on cucumber at 0.5x, 0.25x, and 0.13x of the field rate, while sensitivity was reduced in Clade 1 on butternut squash only at 0.13x rate. Results were presented at 2 Clemson Extension meetings. A peer-reviewed publication was accepted in Plant Health Progress. Objective 4) Conduct demonstrations trials with new robotic weed control technology and new competitive varieties for weed management; These trials will not be conducted until summer 2022 Objective 5) Provide in-field training in IPM strategies appropriate for limited resource, minority farmers. The Fall Leafy Greens IPM Project is an on-going activity with the Joint 1890-Clemson Extension Sustainable Agriculture Program and the SC EIP program, that included a training program for agents. IPM demonstration trials were conducted last year, and are planned for the upcoming growing season. Turfgrass and Ornamental Plant IPM Objective: To build website and smartphone applications with information and training on turf and ornamental crop pest management can be delivered effectively and efficiently. A list of major arthropod pests and diseases to be covered by the website has been compiled. The selected pests and diseases are the most economically important pest and disease issues to the green industry in SC. The writing process for the factsheets on the biology, ecology, diagnosis, and management of these identified pest and disease issues has been initiated. The process to develop the website has been initiated with Clemson Computing and Information Technology (CCIT). AGRONOMIC CROP PRIORITY AREA Objective 1) Conduct surveys and demonstration trials for insect pests as training tools and to generate data for Extension programs; End-of-season data collection was conducted for on-going field trials. Presentations included grower meetings, Certified Crop Advisor training sessions, the Cotton Beltwide meeting, and at the Open IPM Forum. Growers and other stakeholders were also reached using social media ('Clemson IPM' and 'Bugsdocisin' Twitter accounts), the Clemson Cotton/Soybean Insect Newsletter, updates to the SC Pest Management Handbook, Land-Grant Press articles (Japanese beetle in corn, overview of Bt corn), and other publications. Objective 2) Develop training programs to increase adoption of cultural practices to minimize weed pressure and critical herbicide stewardship to delay resistance; IPM demonstration trials for weed resistance management in cotton and soybean will be planted in May/June 2022. Extension presentations were made at grower meetings and training meetings for Extension agents and CCAs. Extension articles included a Land-Grant Press article on volunteer peanut control in corn and soybean, sections on weed management in the SC Pest Management Handbook, and SC Peanut Moneymaker Production Guide. Objective 3) Increase ability of growers to manage nematodes on row crops and minimize yield losses by generating a database of relative prevalence of species and by conducting IPM training programs; IPM demonstration trials for nematode management have yet to be planted, with planning underway for the 2022 season. Extension presentations were made at grower meetings, a CCA training meeting, and at the Cotton Beltwide meeting. Extension articles included sections on nematode management in the SC Pest Management Handbook and in two book chapters. Objective 4) Conduct demonstration trials for diseases of peanut using on-farm trials and develop a visual aid for improved identification of key diseases; Planning is underway to conduct demonstration field trials. Photographs were taken from plots with peanut cultivars with varying amounts of defoliation caused by late leaf spot. Pictures were organized in a visual aid diagram and incorporated into the Peanut Production Guide. This visual aid will be incorporated into the MyIPM app. Objective 5) Continue development of a MyIPM smartphone app as a novel tool to deliver IPM recommendations for agronomic crop pests that will integrate recommendations for weeds, diseases, and insect pests of row crops refined by objectives 1-4. the MyIPM for Row Crops app was formally launched in January 2022 and is now available as a free download in Apple and Android app stores and includes information on pest identification and pest management information on a range of insects and diseases of agronomic crops. The project is a result of collaboration among 9 land-grant universities and the Southern IPM Center. IPM For Pollinator Health Objective 1) Develop and deliver apiculture trainings for commercial and hobby beekeepers in IPM strategies for honey bee pests and diseases; Numerous presentations on honey bee colony management were made to local beekeeper associations. The Master Beekeeper Program certified (beginner) level training was overhauled, with new training having a greater focus on safe use of pesticides in and around honey bee operations. Objective 2) Provide training programs to promote pollinator conservation and IPM strategies on farms, in managed forests, around residential landscapes and across urbanized areas. Presentations were made on pollinator conservation at conferences and meetings. Pollinator plots were planted at Pee Dee REC as a training tool.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Mueller, J. D. 2022. Soybean disease control. Pp. 280 to 287. In South Carolina Pest Management Handbook  2022. https://www.clemson.edu/extension/agronomy/pest%20management%20handbook.html
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Mueller, J. D. 2022. Soybean nematode control. Pp. 288. In South Carolina Pest Management Handbook  2022. https://www.clemson.edu/extension/agronomy/pest%20management%20handbook.html
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Mueller, J. D. 2021. Hoplolaimus columbus: A prime candidate for site-specific management in cotton and soybean production. CAB International 2021. Integrated Nematode Management: State-of-the-art and visions for the future (eds. R.A. Sikora et al) DOI: 10.1079/9781789247541.0012
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Mueller, J. D. 2022. Cotton nematode control. Pp. 127 to 129. In South Carolina Pest Management Handbook  2022. https://www.clemson.edu/extension/agronomy/pest%20management%20handbook.html
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Plumblee, M. T., and J. D. Mueller. 2021. Implementing precision agriculture concepts and technologies into crop production and site: Specific management of nematodes CAB International 2021. Integrated Nematode Management: State-of-the-art and visions for the future (eds. R.A. Sikora et al.) 421DOI:10.1079/9781789247541.0059
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Clemson IPM Newsletter. 6 issues per year highlighting accomplishments and efforts of EIP grant. https://www.clemson.edu/extension/ipm/ipmresources/newsletters.html
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Keinath, A. P. 2022. Reduced sensitivity of Pseudoperonospora cubensis clades 1 and 2 to oxathiapiprolin in South Carolina. Plant Health Prog. 23: (accepted 2/28/2022).
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Anco, D. 2022. Peanut Money-Maker 2022 Production Guide. Clemson University (http://blogs.clemson.edu/sccrops/files/2022/03/Production-Guide-2022-web-version.pdf)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Greene, J. K. 2021-2022. Cotton/Soybean Insect Newsletter. Distributed weekly to various clientele (county agents, consultants, producers, etc.). Spring-Summer. https://www.clemson.edu//extension/agronomy/cotton1/newsletters.html
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Reisig, D., J. Greene, S. Paula-Moraes, P. Roberts, and S. Taylor. 2022. Timing of bollworm infestation across cotton planting dates and impacts on yield in the southeastern US, pp. 207-214. Beltwide Cotton Conferences, National Cotton Council of America, Cordova, TN.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Zaccaron, M., J. Koebernick, D. Roark, S. Taylor, A. S. Huseth, J. K. Greene, R. Kemerait, I. Small, K. Conner, K. L. Bowen, P. Price, T. W. Allen, T. R. Faske, and D. Kerns. 2022. Results from the 2021 CLRDV sentinel plots in AL, FL, GA, SC, NC, VA, MS, AR, LA, TN, and TX and resistance screening efforts at Auburn University, pp. 342-343. Beltwide Cotton Conferences, National Cotton Council of America, Cordova, TN.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Greene, J. K. and P. M. Roberts. 2022. Residual control of stink bugs and leaffooted bug with selected insecticides, pp. 463-469. Beltwide Cotton Conferences, National Cotton Council of America, Cordova, TN.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Mahas, J. W., A. L. Jacobson, C. Ray, J. B. Mahas, M. Toews, P. Roberts, J. Greene, G. G. Kennedy, S. Taylor, S. Paula-Moraes, J. Gore, W. Crow, S. D. Stewart, D. Kerns, and S. Vyavhare. 2022. Monitoring seasonal dynamics and community composition of cotton infesting aphid species in the southern U.S., pp. 461. Beltwide Cotton Conferences, National Cotton Council of America, Cordova, TN.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Calvin, W., D. Kerns, J. Gore , J. K. Greene, S. Vyavhare, M. N. Parajulee, R. Schnell, and L. C. Perkin. 2022. Investigating the potential for utilizing grain sorghum as a nursery crop for HearNPV dissemination into cotton, pp. 383-393. Beltwide Cotton Conferences, National Cotton Council of America, Cordova, TN.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Smith, K., M. T. Plumblee, and J. K. Greene. 2022. Evaluation of insecticide efficacy at various wash-off intervals, pp. 477. Beltwide Cotton Conferences, National Cotton Council of America, Cordova, TN.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Greene, J. K. 2022. Effects of insecticides at planting on early developing populations of cotton aphid, pp. 456-460. Beltwide Cotton Conferences, National Cotton Council of America, Cordova, TN.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Bryant, T., and F.P.F. Reay-Jones. 2022. Japanese beetles as a pest of field corn. Land-Grant Press by Clemson Extension. LGP 1134.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Reay-Jones, F.P.F. 2022. Managing insect pests in field corn using transgenic Bt technology. Land-Grant Press by Clemson Extension. LGP 1132.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Reay-Jones, F.P.F. 2022. Management of insects in corn, pp. 49-67. 2022 South Carolina Corn Production Guide. Clemson Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Reay-Jones, F.P.F. 2022. Corn insect control, pp. 52-70. 2022 Pest Management Handbook for Field Crops. Clemson Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Reay-Jones, F.P.F. 2022. Sorghum insect control, pp. 175-181. 2022 Pest Management Handbook for Field Crops. Clemson Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Marshall, M. 2022. Weed control in field corn, pp. 20-51. 2022 Pest Management Handbook for Field Crops. Clemson Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Marshall, M. 2022. Weed control in cotton, pp. 82-107. 2022 Pest Management Handbook for Field Crops. Clemson Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Marshall, M. 2022. Weed control in grain sorghum, pp. 166-174. 2022 Pest Management Handbook for Field Crops. Clemson Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Marshall, M. 2022. Weed control in peanut, pp. 183-199. 2022 Pest Management Handbook for Field Crops. Clemson Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Marshall, M. 2022. Weed control in soybean, pp. 238-268. 2022 Pest Management Handbook for Field Crops. Clemson Extension.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Mueller, J. D. and M. T. Plumblee. 2022. Foliar disease control in field corn. Pp. 71-76. In South Carolina Pest Management Handbook  2022. https://www.clemson.edu/extension/agronomy/pest%20management%20handbook.html
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Mueller, J. D. and M. T. Plumblee. 2022. Corn nematode control. Pp. 77 to 80. In South Carolina Pest Management Handbook  2022. https://www.clemson.edu/extension/agronomy/pest%20management%20handbook.html
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Mueller, J. D. 2022. Cotton disease control. Pp. 122 to 126. In South Carolina Pest Management Handbook  2022. M. Marshall ed. https://www.clemson.edu/extension/agronomy/pest%20management%20handbook.html