DIVIDED BY WATER, UNITED BY NEED: IPM PROGRAM FOR PUERTO RICO & VIRGIN ISLANDS

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: ACTIVE
• Funding Source: OTHER GRANTS
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 1027226
• Grant No.: 2021-70006-35563
• Cumulative Award Amt.: $550,652.00
• Proposal No.: 2021-05131
• Project Start Date: Sep 1, 2021
• Project End Date: Aug 31, 2025
• Grant Year: 2023
• Program Code: [EIP]- Extension Implementation Program

Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO EXTENSION
(N/A)
MAYAGUEZ,PR 00681

Performing Department
Agroenvironmental Sciences

Non Technical Summary
IPM issues throughout the Caribbean region need to be part of the on-going recovery from storms, and rebuilding of agriculture. Pest/disease control issues, cost and availability of agricultural inputs and lack of IPM strategy knowledge is a challengeto producing quality food. Pesticides are used extensively for control of agricultural and backyard pests in theCaribbean region. Residues are encountered on food, drinking water, public places, and gardens.Nearly all families use pesticides at least one time per year. The Extension IPM Units in PR & USVI, will support the community and spread the word about safety and healthy foods throughtrainings,Extension bulletins, descriptive comic and cartoon booklets, pocket field guides, audio and visual message clips and posters,to promote the implementation of reduced-risk practices and the protection of pollinators. Our project will unite and increase exchange between PR and UVI in order to collectively address and engageregional ornamental growers, small farmers, backyard gardeners, community members and livestock and forage crops owners in best management practices and IPM methods for reducing disease-pest incidence, favoring beneficial organismsand increasing yield and income.To better accomplish our goals, Dr. Curbelo, Assistant Director of the UPRM Extension Planification and Evaluation Office and co-PD of this projectwill provide workshops about interactive educational tools toproject personnelto encourage trainer-traineeinteractions and enhance the teaching and learning experience. These workshops will include online and real-time evaluation tools that allow the audience to answer polls using their own cell phones or computers, encouraging discussion and stimulating active learning toincrease the audience attention span. A pre and post-test is provided, using the same tools, which allows us to quantitatively measure learning effectiveness and create accurate reports. Extension Agents and the Leaders of the Extension Programs (4H, Family and Consumer Sciences and Agriculture & Natural Resources, VI-DOA backyard garden initiative) will help implement the educational campaigns. Outreach efforts will provide timely and high quality information and strategies to Extension agents, nursery growers, dairy cattle and forage producers, agronomists, ornamental producers, 4H youth and master gardeners and other backyard gardeners. Other planned activities include creation of pollinator gardens, student presentations on pollinator health andreduced risk pesticides, an annual newsletter to inform the public about the outcomes of the project, and two evaluation programs to help measure impact and progress. The project will use the official Facebook pages of the Agricultural Extension Service (PR, UVI) and the Diagnostic Clinic (PR) to maintain clientele education in IPM thru live forums and publications. The Southern IPM Center will host the Virgin Islands IPM website, include assistance with setting up the site, arranging general layout for content for UVI IPM personnel, a new VIBugDoc.uvi.edu blog, and training on content management. Results of the project will be presented in the annual meetings of the crops and dairy herds commodities.To measure the increase of knowledge ofstudents, farmers, ornamental growers and the general public, a short test will be submitted before and after each field day or training to measure knowledge acquired. The design of IPM continuum ladders from chemical dependency to IPM sustainability and stewardship willhelp us evaluate where a stakeholder fits on the IPM continuum and where interest/implementation lies for tool adoption in ornamentals and vegetables. Model demonstrations in IPM for pollinators and forage crops destined to feed livestock andin ornamental/vegetable crops willpromote adoption of IPM strategies concerning scheduled pesticide applications and importance of preventative measures like record keeping, monitoring and cultural practices. We willevaluate success and impact of project activities including measurement of tool adoption, knowledge tests, activity effectiveness, and IPM progress along a sustainability continuum.

Animal Health Component

(N/A)

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

(N/A)

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
216	1469	3100	20%
216	3095	3100	20%
216	1459	3100	20%
216	1499	3100	20%
216	1699	3100	10%
216	2122	3100	10%

Knowledge Area
216 - Integrated Pest Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
1469 - Solanaceous and related crops, general/other; 1499 - Vegetables, general/other; 3095 - Other non-bee pollinators, general; 1699 - Pasture and forage crops, general/other; 1459 - Rhizomes, tubers, bulbs, and root crops, general/other; 2122 - Potted plants;

Field Of Science
3100 - Management;

Keywords

dairy herd ipm

ipm

ornamentals

pollinator protection

root crops

vegetables

white fly

Goals / Objectives
This whole project's primary goal isto unite UVI and UPR Extension by engaging and empowering stakeholders and communities in IPM, and increasing the information flowabout safe pest management practices and methods for reducing pest numbers to improve yield and income. We want to increase collaboration and exchange between Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The overall goals of our project are to reduce human and environmental health risks and increase IPM adoption. We aim to provide education and technology transfer through four primary priority areas: IPM implementation in Specialty Crops (Root Crops, ornamentals, and vegetables), IPM implementation in Animal Agriculture, IPM Implementation for Communities and IPM for Pollinator Health. The secondary priority is IPM Support for Pest Diagnostic Facilities. Our EIP-IPM proposal main objectives are: 1) to promote pest monitoring and plant inspection methods along with integrated toolsets to minimize pest damage, 2) Educate clients with informative IPM bulletins, illustrative pest, beneficial card sets, 5-min. audio and visual message clips, and development of pocket guides for specific crops and ornamentals; 3) Design IPM continuum ladders from chemical dependency to IPM sustainability to help evaluate where a stakeholder fits on IPM continuum and where interest/implementation lies for tool adoption. 4)Provide demonstrations/training/field tours to unite USVI/PR stakeholders and expose them to safe options for the management of pests of plants or animals. 5) Spread knowledge concerning pesticide exposure, misuse, unnecessary treatments, and importance of preventative measures and tools to reduce the need to use sprays; and 6) Evaluate success and impact of the project including measurement of tool adoption, knowledge tests, activity effectiveness, and progress along the IPM continuum. In Root Crops IPM the goal is to promote the application of IPM practices to improve the yield and marketable quality of sweet potato, yam, and tanier and increase youth and adult'sconsumption through an educational campaign among elemental schools, 4H youth, and the community showing root crops asthe new superfoods for the Caribbean, to strengthen food security. The objectives are 1) Develop acartoonof a superherothat includes allthe main factsand IPM in action charactersas the Caribbean Super Foods for sweet potato, yam, andtanier, 2)Developa pocket guide as a comic booklet with BMP, IPM, and nutritional facts. 3)Develop an educational campaign among elemental schools, and communities with emphasis on the nutritional value, low maintenance,and resilience of root crops.In Whitefly IPM the goal is to identify the current whiteflies biotypes present in nurseries, development of a protocol for whitefly management, andtraining to growers on scouting and IPM practices. The objectives are 1. Identification of whiteflies population on floriculture and greenhouse crops. 2. Create protocols on BMP and IPM and appropriate selection of bio-pesticides to promote adequate rotations. 3. Expand and update the poinsettia manual for all floriculture/greenhouse growers. 4. Train Agricultural Agents and growers thru the poinsettia production model and assist growers in the implementation of the protocols. In IPM for Forage Crops and Dairy Herds, the goal is to reduce the impact of pests and diseases on dairy herds in PR & USVI. The first objective is to establish a demonstrational project in a model dairy farm where the recommended practices will be applied and demonstrate to dairy farmers the advantages of using IPM strategies to manage pests and diseases. The second objective is an assessment of the most common invasive weeds that affect tropical and subtropical forages andassess the impact of excrement and manure on weed dispersion and the third objective is to develop an IPMmanual for the control of invasive pests that affect tropical and subtropical forages. In IPM for Pollinator Health,the goal is to establish a multifaceted approach by beginning with BMP's to ensure a healthy and diverse pollinator community on the PR & USVI islands, which will contribute to the development of sustainable food system and reduce the effect of pesticide use. Objectives: 1) develop fact sheets and PowerPoint presentations for all the lessons of the PR Curricular Guide on Pollinators. 2)Train the trainers' program for Extension Faculty and Master Gardeners in the Pollinator Curricular guide, 3) develop an evaluation form that will list BMP practices and IPM prevention measures along a progressive ladder that informs a gardener/beekeeper of how a garden area can graduate from being chemically dependent to manage pests, to adopt sustainable practices that promote pollinators and minimize pest levels. In IPM Implementation in Communities, the goal is to increase homeowners' and community members' knowledge on IPM and BMP's which can reduce pesticide use. Objectives:1) to gather information about all common ornamental plants in production in Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands, including native and exotic plants produced for ornamental use and found in the landscape that are beneficial to pollinators and wildlife. 2) prepare educational materials in Spanishand Englishabout IPM and BMPto train Extension faculty and Master Gardeners. 3) use ofa Stairway to Sustainability and Stewardship" rating model to engage the Extension clientele. In Pest Diagnostic Facilitiesthegoalis to build a stronger clinic system to diagnose all-important biotic and abiotic plant health problems in collaboration with USVI and give support to the priority areas of the project by helping in the diagnosis of pests and diseases. The objectives are 1) toassistin identifying plant diseasesby developing short bulletins on the identification of the most common diseases and pests of vegetables, root crops, and forages in Puerto Rico; 2). Develop and disseminate IPM and biosafety practices on Musa producers to avoid the entry of FocTR4, and 3)Develop IPM recommendations for these crops to prevent the most common and limiting diseases and/or pests.

Project Methods
The Extension IPM Units, demonstration gardens and model nurseries on St. Croix and Puerto Rico will support the community and spread the word about safety and healthy foods through our extension outreach and training throughout the region. Information will be shared across the waters (PR and UVI) and efforts combined. Workshops employing person to person or remote format will be provided to the project key personnel on theimportance of adopting active learning activities in their educational methodologies, Dr. Curbelo, CoPD willcarry out workshops to trainparticipants in the use of VeVox, a live polling and questions and answers online tool that promote active participation making the audience more inclusive. Each workshop will be evaluated using a pre- and post-test using VeVox and success will be achieved when all participants obtain 80% or more in their post evaluation test.In Root Crops IPMan educational campaign among elemental schools, and communities will emphasizenutritional value, IPM and low maintenance and resilience of yam, sweet potato and tanier.The educational campaign among elemental schools, 4H youth and communities will be supported by the Extension Family &Consumer Sciences educators and the4H Program.Field days willbe conducted throughout Puerto Rico,usinga "hands-on" experiential approach and small group discussions and demonstrationsto teach key concepts to youth, parents and leaders.Results of the project will be presented in the farinaceous crops commodity meeting.To measure the increase of knowledge of the clientele, a short test will be submitted before and after each field day to measure knowledge acquired. In IPM for pollinators we are developing a rating that lists BMPs and IPM prevention measures along a continuum that informs a gardener/beekeeper of their Pollinator IPM level, from a chemically dependent to adoption of sustainable practices that promote pollinators. Clients will rate themselves and choose new practices they feel will fit into their system.Five Agricultural Agents in PR & one agent in USVI will share the "Stairway to Sustainability and Stewardship" evaluation to their clientele over the course of the Project. Clients will be trained on pollinators protection through model farms and pollinator gardens. Participants will be awarded a with a certification "Pollinator Friendly Farm", and a sign identifying this participant farm as a pollinator preservation area.Using the established model gardens and material developed from an EcoIPM Project titled: Promoting Pollinators in the Urban Forest, during this first year two virtual forums will be offered.Final evaluation on developed pollinator gardens on commercial farms/gardens. This is based on number of gardens maintained, practices established, limitations on production, presence and variability of pollinators whether improved or decreased. In IPM implementation in communitieswe will make two production surveys, one in PRaboutornamental production ingarden and nurseries and one in USVI about Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae crops. A database will be created, and the information will be collected and assembled for the "Stairway to Sustainability and Stewardship" evaluation. The database will be used to include relevant and adapted information for IPM and BMP manual and Field guides in Spanish and English. With the educational materials created we will offer extension trainings and pocket guides to promote IPM. We will use pre- and post-tests at the trainings as a measurable tool of the increased in knowledge. The "Stairway to Sustainability and Stewardship" evaluation will be presented at a group/one-on-one training to gardeners in year 2, for an initial discussion on what backyard gardeners are truly doing regarding preventative measures, relieving stressors and adoption of best practices in their gardens and then will be revisit. Each will be confidentially rated for their level of adopted BMPs. Each person will then be presented with an array of other practices that were gathered and given the option to choose additional practices to fit into their backyard system-ornamentals and vegetables.The IPM Program will provide leadership in addressing major pest outbreaks and giving support to the priority areas of the project through the UPR Diagnostic Clinic in the Mayaguez Campus and the Rio Piedras Experimental Station Phytopathology Laboratory.Field days will be held at the most affected farms to collect samples,aidinidentifyingplant diseases andprovideeducational information for their control.The WhatsApp application will be usedtocommunicate sampling and report. Samples will becollected,andadiagnosiswill bemade in the field and the laboratory. Results will be delivered to farmersvia email. This willprovidethe opportunityfortheidentification of diseases and pests and educate farmers aboutthebest IPM practicesto prevent common and emerging new diseases. Field days will be coordinated to train farmers in early detection of pests, prevention, and available management techniques.Stakeholder engagement will be promoted through these field days, and through virtualforums. Extension agents will make follow up visits to document practice adoption by farmers, with a briefquestionnaire to see how farmers applied the IPM practices recommended to them after diagnosingpestsand diseases. In IPM forwhitefly (WF) management in Ornamentals and Vegetables, field days & trainings on both islands include record-keeping, pest & beneficial identification & inspection, and preventative,cultural, physical, and chemical practices (e.g., reduced risk chemicals). Identify WFbiotypes found in floriculture, and vegetables in greenhouses and farms on both PR and USVI and createprotocols forBMP & IPM implementation for WFand other pests.The Puerto Rico's IPM & BMP poinsettia manual will be adpated forallfloriculture/greenhouse& vegetable growers. Expand & design new IPM products including, pocket-size field guides, posters, Extension Bulletins, digital presentations. Train (e.g., field days) & assist growers, farmers, Agricultural Agents and other stakeholders on application and implementation of IPM-BMP and protocols (e.g., model for poinsettia production). Select growers/farmers to test protocols; andevaluate the impact of the EIP-IPM trainings and materials produced including: Stairway to Sustainability and Stewardship Evaluation rating of current/future adoption of IPM practices on farm, and Knowledge Comprehension, which measures the change in knowledge, before and after each field day event, for Extension faculty and farmers. In IPM Implementation in Animal Agriculture for Forage Crops destined to Feed Livestock, a survey will collectdata aboutinsects and weeds to design management protocol. Data will be analyzed and evaluated using the SAS statistical program andresults used to develop educational materials and provide training, theory and experiential learning, in dairy farmsto farmers aboutbest management practices toimprove their production efficacy. Success milestones will include the generation of two publications, graduation of the two graduate students and presentation of results in at least one scientific meeting. The success of the workshops will be achieved when more than 50% of the participating audience engage in active learning experiences (VeVox tools) and score more than 70% in the post evaluation test.

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

Outputs
Target Audience:Root and tuber crops faremrs Ornamental growers Vegetable farmers 4H youth elemental school students backyard gardeners forage producers livestock producers goat producers Extension Agents Agronomists of the Department of Agriculture home owners community gardens Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The UPRM Pollinator Garden and the Plant Diagnostic Clinics has been used to train undergraduate and graduate students in pollinator protection and identification of diseases and pests by processing and diagnosing samples. 25 Extension agents in PR were trained on Diagnosis and use of microscopes, and equipped with field microscopes and other tools to assist better their farmers. The PR Extension Plant Pathology Specialist and the Root Crops Reseacherattended the APS Caribbean Division Annual Meeting in Merida, Mexico to present results for this priority area. The UVI-IPM Coordinator and Extension Specialist - Pest Management attended the Caribbean Food Crops Anualmeeting on Dominican Republic totransfer the understanding of what IPM and present a poster on the IPM Score Card to evaluate farmer IPM practices in the farms. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Participation of the UPRM Diagnostic Clinic (poster, educational table, presentation of the PD/Plant Pathology Specialist about Biosecurity in farms)in the Farinaceuos CropsCommodity Meeting. Workshop to PR coffee farmersabout IPM in Fruit Rot of Coffee, a new emergent disease in the island,posters and publications were delivered to farmers to address this emergency. Conferences and "hands on" activities in schoolsand field days in farms (6)about Root crops IPM and consumption.Trainings (2) to Extension Agentsand growers of model ornamental greenhouses about protocols and IPM for whiteflies and other arthropods. Posting of project's achievements in the Extension's official webpage (https://www.uprm.edu/sea/sea-del-oeste/) and the IPM site, https://www.uprm.edu/sea/mip/. Trainingsto forage producers,livestock producers in IPM for grassland management and forage production for beef cattle and goats in PR & USVI.Hosting of a pilot project for farmers on an established/successful St. Croix farm to maintain communication between PR Extension Animal Sciences and forage specialists and farmers in USVI. In IPM for communities and IPM for Pollinators,Education of the community duringfestivals, where 4H-leaders and Agricultural Agents had used the publications and materials for their community activities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Root Crops IPM:Expand the educational campaign among elemental schools, 4H youth, and the community showing root crops as the new superfoods for the Caribbean tocontinue to strengthen food security. IPM practices to improve the yield and marketable quality of sweet potato, yam, and tanier will be promoted in agricultural fairs, 4H activities and Root Crops commodity meetings. IPM Implementaion in Speciality Crops: Ornamentals (Whitefly IPM) and Vegetables: The Agricultural Agents will continue assisting growers, farmers, and other stakeholders on application and implementation of IPM, BMP's and protocols. An educational video highlighting whitefly IPMof ornamental and vegetable greenhouseswill be prepared. Train-the-trainer in Identification of pests and IPM of Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae crops. IPM for Pollinators Give follow up to on-farm Pollinator Gardens established on 5 municipalities in Puerto Rico. Workshops for farmers, master gardeners and gardenersthat established pollinator areas and gardens on how to protect pollinators, and plants suitable to different geographical and climatic conditions in Puerto Rico.An educational video highlighting the UPRM pollinator garden including, common pollinators, plants to include in gardens and other specifications to attract pollinators, will be prepared. Pest Diagnostic Facilities Continue to provide consulting and IPM recommendations trough the clinic network within PRandUVI to diagnose all-important biotic and abiotic plant health problems. Continue promoting stakeholder engagement through field days, virtual forums,agricultural fairs and commodity meetings. Maintain the Plant Disease Clinic (PDC) Facebook page, www.facebook.com/clinicauprm/, and the group of the PDC (www.facebook.com/groups/IDENTIFICA/), to foster the flow of information with farmers and the community.IPM Evaluation and Impact Continue using the Stairway to Sustainability and Stewardship rating model to engage the Extension clientele.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Specialty Crops: IPM in roots and tubers in Puerto Rico- An educational campaign among elemental schools and communities was developed with the support of the Extension Agents. Field days were conductedthroughout Puerto Rico, focusing on providing knowledge and skills to youth, leaders and parents about root crops as superfoods and resilient crops,with emphasis on the nutritional value andIPM. PocketIPM guides were produced sweetpotato, tanier and yam. More than 500 hundred persons increased their knowledge in the identification of common pests, IPM practices and nutritional properties of root crops.The trainings and educational materials were shared with UVI personnel in a conference and visits to farmers in St Croix.The educational campaign was includedin the plan of work of Extension agents to be implemented as part of the regular curriculum and activities. There was an increase in the number of elemental schools that receive education on root crops. Also, field days and visits of Extension Agents to root and tuber crops farmers reported an increase of 50% in the number of growers that implement at least 3 IPM practices in their farms, including the use of clean seed, weed control and pest and disease monitoring. IPM Implementation in Animal Agriculture for Forage Crops destined to Feed Livestock- Athesis was developed on the evaluation of forage biomass using multispectral images collected with unmanned aerial vehicles and its relationship with IPM. In the dairy farms categorized as excellent,a lower frequency of weeds was observed, attributable to IPM practices such as livestock rotation, weed control, and fertilization, which promote a dense forage cover. In the dairy farms categorized as "poor," weed species such as Rhynchospora nervosa and Mimosa pudica predominated, suggesting poor management characterized by overgrazing. Extension Agents were trained onIPM practices to manage forage on dairy farms. This information is being used to assist farmers dealing with poor forage quality and abundance. A workshop was conducted for agricultural agents to address the impact of weeds on grazing lands and the efficient management of tropical forages to maximize forage biomass production. The workshop made emphasis in strategies for proper grazing land management and the importance of weed control to improve resilience and productivity. Innovative use of drones to assess forage healthenable precise and early monitoring of pasture conditions, facilitating informed and effective decisions in agricultural management. Field training of 14 undergraduate students of the Animal Sciences Department in the use of drones as anew technologies for weed management. Farmers in St. Croix were trained about the benefits of intensive rotational grazing to improve forage production and control weeds, desirable pasture species to be adapted on grassland and the importance of weed control on pastures. This effort helped us to increase IPM efforts in the Caribbean related to forage production and weed control. A pilot project for farmers was established in a successful farm in St Croix. A total of 25 participants were benefited fom this educational effort.Field trainings also gave emphasis to grassland management and forage production for beef cattle and goats. As a result of these efforts in PR and USVI, Extension Agents, forage producers and livestock producers increased their knowledge on IPM. A pocket guide about common weeds in dairy farms and an educational video about intensive grazing for weed management were produced.This pocket guide in spanish and english and the educational video will be extremely helpul to help farmers to begin adopting new IPM practices in forages. IPM Implementation in Specialty Crops: Ornamentals and Vegetables- In a whitefly survey in ornamental greenhousesin Puerto Rico, 179 samples were identified asBemisia tabaci Biotype B & Q.Biotype Q is informed for the first time in PR, posing a major threat to ornamental and vegetable growers. Extension agents of ornamental and ornamental producing municipalities were trained onwhiteflies IPM tohelp producerskeep a record of practices implemented in their nurseries to guide management decisions. 128 participants acquired knowledge in whiteflies IPM and BMP's, through7 workshops to 64 growers, 3 agricultural agents that work with ornamentals, and 10 nursery workers in Puerto Rico. The Ornamental and Entomology Specialists visited St. Croix, USVI and One workshop and visits to ornamental and vegetable growersin Virgin Island. A pocket guide about plant care and identification of common seasonal flowering plantsgrown in Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands was produced in spanish and english.Education of the community duringfestivals and other activities impaacted over 300 backyard gardenersin PR. 4H-leaders, Agricultural Agentshad used the publications and materials for their community activities. The outcome es increased access of the public to ornamental plants education. IPM for Pollinators- A list of ornamental plants that attract pollinators is currently available on the PR-IPM webpage (https://www.uprm.edu/sea/ornamentales/polinizadoras/).Around 30 plant nurseries were visited in PR & USVI, to familiarize producers with ornamental plants that support pollinators.25 native and naturalized plants were identified in visited nurseries and UPR Pollinator gardens that attract a variety of pollinators. Six workshops about Pollinator protection& plants that attract pollinators were presented to more than 200 participants in PR&USVI, 8 fact sheets were prepared to support the activities of the Pollinator curricular guide. and 4pollinator festivals were celebrated fromwith collaboration of different agencieswith participation of approximately 1,500 participants. The outcomes are increased number of farmers, youth and families that understand key factors affecting pollinators and how to protect them, improved understanding of pollinator protection in the community after the implementation ofmodel pollinator gardens, increased use of IPM practices both in gardens, orchards and farms to protect pollinators. IPM for Pest Diagnostic Facilities -The Diagnostic Clinic Team develop different activities throughout the island to give advise to the general public in pest identification and prevention, management tactics and promote other activities and ongoing projects to involve farmers, backyard gardeners.Every year Integrated Pest Management field days are held by the IPM staff and the agricultural agents to help growers make decisions on managing their crops. This field days allows PR Extension to get information to the growers and guide them in making key decisions about implementing IPM practicesWe have the facebook page of the diagnostic clinic to help farmers, ornamental producers and other public to recognize pests and diseases in different crops, we post publications about identification and management of key pests and go live to broadcar virtual events about IPM ongoing projects. A committee was created to address the emergency of the Coffee Fruit Rot disease in farms in PR. 200 farmers attended the workshop planned by the Project Director an Pant Pathologist in charge of the diagnostic clinic. Information was developed and offered to farmersabout Coffee root rot integrated management, registered fungicides, IPM plan for coffee production.were produced Two other workshops to assistfarmers inIPM in plantain and banana and IPM in hydroponics were celebrated in the PR municipalities of Ciales and Añasco.

Publications

• Type: Other Status: Under Review Year Published: 2024 Citation: Almodovar, Wanda. 2024. Pocket Guide: Pest and Disease Diagnosis in Plants. Agricultural Extension Service. College of Agricultural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus.
• Type: Other Status: Under Review Year Published: 2024 Citation: Almodovar, Wanda. 2024. Pocket Guide: Common Diseases of Vegetables. Agricultural Extension Service. College of Agricultural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Dreves, A., D. Rivera & L. Santiago. 2024. Caribbean Plants and Pollinators: Plant Health Care. University of Virgin Islands. School of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service. SOA-CES-IPM Pocket guide. Spanish & English.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Dreves, A., L. Santiago, D. Rivera & W. Almodovar. 2024. Tropical Flowers and pollinators in the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico- Education and coloring book. University of Virgin Islands. School of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service. SOA-CES-IPM
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Dreves, Amy & W. Almodovar. 2024. 4-D Farming for success: The integrated pest management approach in PR & USVI. Caribbean Food Crops Society. Dominican Republic.
• Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Gonzalez, Glorialis, W. Robles, J. Curbelo, W. Almodovar & W. Vel�zquez. 2024. Evaluation of forage biomass using multispectral images collected with unmanned aerial vehicles and its relationship with IPM. Thesis. Department of Animal Sciences. College of Agricultural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Gonzalez, Glorialis, W. Robles, J. Curbelo, W. Vel�zquez & W. Almodovar. 2023. Evaluation of weed and forage populations through the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in dairy farms. Puertorican Society of Agricultural Sciences. A�asco, PR.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Dreves, A. & L. Santiago. 2024. Integrated Pest Management. University of Virgin Islands. School of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service. SOA-CES-IPM 2000P3
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Giraldo, M., G. Soto, I. Mart�nez, W. Alm�dovar, M. Cort�s, V. Rosado, N. Mart�nez-Monta�ez, X.Reyes, M. L�pez Allende, C. J. Rodr�guez Mart�nez, N. Laboy, G. Santana, M. Iglesias, Z. P�rez, A. Vega, M. A. Acosta, T. Ramos. Tanier: Integrated Management of an Ancestral Crop. Agricultural Extension Service. College of Agricultural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus.
• Type: Other Status: Under Review Year Published: 2024 Citation: Giraldo, M, M. Feliciano, W. Almodovar, M. Cort�s, I. Mart�nez, R. Rivera Torres, M. Iglesias, F. Rodr�guez, A. Vega-Martinez, J. Santos, T. Ramos, M. Acosta, D. Ronda. 2024. Yam: Integrated Management in a Subsistence Crop. Agricultural Extension Service. College of Agricultural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Giraldo, M & W. Almodovar. 2022. Educational campaign about sweet potato consumption and IPM. Proceedings. Puertorican Society of Agricultural Sciences. Coamo, PR.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Dreves, A. & L. Santiago. 2024. Tropical Flowers and Pollinators in the US Virin Islands and Puerto Rico: Education and Coloring Book. University of Virgin Islands.School of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service. SOA-CES-IPM. English and spanish.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Dreves, A. & L. Santiago. 2024. Manejo Integrado de Plagas y Enfermedades. Edition: W. Almodovar. Translation: A. Vega-Martinez. University of Virgin Islands.School of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service. SOA-CES-IPM
• Type: Other Status: Under Review Year Published: 2024 Citation: Robles, W., J. Curbelo, G. Gonzalez & W. Almod�var. 2024. Guide to common weeds in Dairy farms in Puerto Rico. Agricultural Experimental Station & Agricultural Extension Service. College of Agricultural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus.

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

Outputs
Target Audience:Extension agents, nursery growers, dairy cattle producers, agronomists, ornamental producers, 4H youth, master gardeners backyard gardeners, sweet potato farmers, tanier farmers, yam farmers, vegetable farmers, ornamental nursery managers, ornamental producers Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?UPR - 15students were trained in the Pollinator curricular guide. Two students were trained in processing and diagnose samples in the diagnostic clinic. One graduate student and a technical person were trained in identification of plant diseases using conventional and molecular diagnostics.In UVI, two post-biology students were trained inplant pest identification and preservation, evaluation methods for seeking adoption of best management practices andsupport and protection of pollinators, and flowering plant designs to increase pollinator numbers, and2 students were educated in the discovery in the environmental and long-term cost benefits associated with an effective protection strategy.12 master gardeners in Puerto Rico were trained in identification and processing of diseased samples in the diagnostic clinic. The PR Extension Entomology Specialist and Plant Pathology Specialist attended the ESA Entomology Annual Meeting in Vancouver. The PR IPM Specialist and Ornamental Specialist, and the UVI-IPM Coordinator attended thePollinator Conference at the University of Georgia on October 9 to 13, 2022.The UVI-IPM Coordinator and Extension Specialist - Pest Management also attended the Pesticide Applicator Certification and Training (PACT) meeting on May 15-18, 2023 in Transverse City, MI to bolster soil health, plant strength, quality produce, pollinator and promote environmental sustainability and food security, and to transfer the understanding of what IPM is and the principles behind it. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? UPR - Participation of the UPRM Diagnostic Clinic and the Rio Piedras Diagnositc Laboratory in fairs and Commodity Meetings developed by Extension Agents and researchers in different municipalities around the Island. Posters and educational information were delivered to the community about the project, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis of diseases and pests and the use of IPM practices to reduce the use of pesticides and associated risks to humans and the environment. Conferences, training, and field days offered throughout the Island by the PD and COPD's. Posting of project's achievements in the Extension's official webpage (https://www.uprm.edu/sea/sea-del-oeste/) and the IPM site, https://www.uprm.edu/sea/mip/. UVI -Posters, educational materials (completed IPM bulletin, draft pest handouts), farm meetings, backyard initiative with 40 gardens, and a UVI series of "Farmers First" two-hour Talks over seven 'Thirsty' Thursdays (served local juice & handmade tarts) via ZOOM and in person (200 people). Topics included: Knowing the essential steps to the IPM strategy, Pest prevention and plant health are key, Key agriculture practices (document, optimal plant care, address water issues, take care of the soil, reduce pest build-up, support plant diversity, promote natural enemies and pollinators, navigate, and understand pesticide products, implement cultural and exclusion practices, and educate yourself. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Root Crops IPM: 1. Theeducational campaign among elemental schools, 4H youth, and the community showing root crops as the new superfoods for the Caribbean,will continue to strengthen food security. 2. IPM practices to improve the yield and marketable quality of sweet potato, yam, and tanier will be promoted in agricultural fairs, 4H activities and Root Crops commodity meetings. 3. The comic of the Tanier and True Yam Superheroes will be developed and the Tanier IPM pocketbook printed, to promote these crops asCaribbean Super Foods.These pocket guides and comics will be translated and printed in English. Whitefly IPM: 1.The Entomology and the Ornamental specialists will give follow up to theprotocols on BMP and IPM for whitefly management established in model nurseries. 2. The IPM & BMP poinsettia manual will be updated to include new information on new whitefly biotypes and their management. 3. The Agricultural Agents will assist growers, farmers, and other stakeholders on application and implementation of IPM-BMP and protocols. 4. An evaluation ofthe biological control of the whitefly biotypes found will be established in combination with the use of compatible insecticides. IPM for Vegetables 1. Organizecontent and layout, designing and drafting of two PR-UVI Extension Bulletins and two 4.25 x 5.5-inch spiral-bound field pocket guides for Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae,that includes identification, life cycle of pests and diseases, monitoring, and a management strategy (prevention measures and best management practices) after bulletin is complete. IPM for Forage Crops and Dairy Herds: 1. Analysis and interpretation of multispectral data (NDVI), dry matter of forage samples (biomass), insect identification and qualitative analysis of the survey results will be accomplished. 2. Six dairy farms will be screened for assessment of forage biomass and insect and weeds identification, by the end of the current report period August 31, 2023. 2. The graduate student is expected to finish her thesis dissertation by May 2024. 3. A trip to St. Croix to train cattle producers and stakeholders about the best management practices to manage forage destined to feed cattle and control it associated pests (according to the data collected) is expected to be held by the end of November or early December 2023. 4. A training to Extension Agents about the use of drones for assessment of forage biomass is expected to be provided before the end of the next reporting period. IPM for Pollinators 1. Give follow up toon-farm Pollinator Gardens established on 5 municipalities in Puerto Rico. 2. Workshops for gardeners, farmers and Extension faculty to emphasize the effects on pollinators when using pesticides, and identification of ornamentals varieties, their characteristics, and recommendations for use. 3. Presentations on Pollinators will be created for the public and profesional meetings. 4. Finish the six additional pollinator publications that are currently being produced and reviewed including Day and night pollinators in the USVI and PR, Support and protect the pollinators in the PR and USVI community, Ways to provide habitat for pollinators and natural enemies, Flower features that draw in specific pollinators and natural enemies in the USVI and PR; Honoring our own pollinators in the USVI and PR community, and a coloring and game book titled, Flowers and Pollinators - Color Away and Play Games. IPM Implementation in Communities 1. Finishand publish the Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands Ornamental Plants field guide, including native and naturalized plants produced for ornamental use and found in the landscape that are beneficial to pollinators and wildlife. 2. Prepare educational materials in Spanish and English about IPM and BMP to train Extension faculty and Master Gardeners.Field pocket guides are being created and assembled that highlight plant care, the Integrated Pest Management approach including prevention measures to grow healthy ornamentals and other plants. 3. Finish compiling the Information about common ornamental plants in production in Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands,including native and exotic plants produced for ornamental use and found in the landscape that are beneficial to pollinators and wildlife. 4. After publication of educational materials, in Spanish and English, ornamental plant care and health, the IPM strategy, and assemblage of BMP's will be used to help train Extension faculty, Master Gardeners, and community members during 2023-2024. 5. Publish the publication,Pesticide products in tropical environmentsin Fall of 2023. IPM Evaluation and Impact 1. Continue usingthe Stairway to Sustainability and Stewardshiprating model to engage the Extension clientele. 2. Finish reviewing the farmers response to the iPM Score card in April - May 2023 andoutlinepotential practices for adoption. Pest Diagnostic Facilities 1. Continue to provide consulting and recommendations troughthe clinic network within Puerto Rico and with UVI to diagnose all-important biotic and abiotic plant health problems and gave support to the priority areas of the project by helping in the diagnosis of pests and diseases. 2) Develop IPM recommendations for rootcrops, plantain and banana and vegetables to prevent the most common and limiting diseases and/or pests. 3. Continue promotingstakeholder engagement throughfield days,virtual forums and participation in agriculturalfairs and commodity meetings. 4. Preparation and updating short bulletins on identification of the most common diseases and pests of vegetables and other crops. 5. Maintain the Plant Disease Clinic (PDC) Facebook page, www.facebook.com/clinicauprm/, and thegroup of the PDC(www.facebook.com/groups/IDENTIFICA/), to foster the flow of information with farmers and the community.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? We continue providing educational activities to our audience about the implementation of best management practices and IPM techniques to reduce the incidence of key pests and diseases. Root Crops Integrated Pest Management (IPM): an educational campaign to showcase root crops as the new superfoods of the caribbean, while strengthening food security, was launched to educate students from elemental schools, 4H youth, andcommunity. IPM practices were adoptedbycrop producers, improvingyield and marketable quality of sweet potato, yam, and tanier. Superheroes cartoons for sweet potato and tanier were developed, to promote these crops in youth as the Caribbean Super Foods. A sweet potato pocket guide was printedwith Best Management Practices (BMP), IPM, and nutritional facts. Whitefly IPM:49poinsettia growers of the western and central municipalities of Puerto Rico, and their employees,were trained in Best Management and IPM practices. Extension agents are giving follow up to growers in the IPMprotocol. Poinsettia growersadopted the following practices: Increasedspacingbetween pots, use of registered pesticides andrecommended label dose, pesticide rotation by mode of action, record keeping of pesticides,use of sticky traps to monitor whiteflies, and removal of infected leaves from the production area. The outcome is a reduction inwhiteflies population in the last production cycle. A link is maintained and updated with all the information in the Extension webpage: https://www.uprm.edu/sea/mip/pascuas/. IPM for VegetableCrops:Key pest problems were identifiedat 10 vegetable (Cucuribitaceae and Solanaceae) farms and management practices recommended. Vegetable seed varieties suited for our tropical environment wereidentified and presented at the 2023 Agriculture and Food Fair- A Golden Opportunity to Grow. A vegetable farm field trip and vegetable taste testing were presented to farmers in March of 2023 on St. Croix, USVI. A farmer workshop was held in 2023 at the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture (VIDA) to discuss a variety of crop families (including Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae) and ways to minimize pests and diseases, and reduce pesticide use by promoting the IPM approach. IPM for Forage Crops and Dairy Herds:all the training related to biomass estimations using multispectral imaging with drones, image analysis using DroneDeploy, materials and equipment for data collection, field validations and and the identification of the participating dairy farms (using pre-existing pasture conditions scores made by Extension Agents) have been accomplished. Four dairy farms have been screened. Data collection included a Drone Mission to remotely collect vegetation indices such as NDVI to estimate pasture biomass and health. Additionally, in each sampling point, forage and weeds were identified, and insects collected, using net sweeps. A survey to determine the pasture management practices, implemented in each participating dairy farm, is being distributed to establish relationship between pasture biomass and health, weed and insect populations and management. IPM for Pollinator Health: a train the trainers' program was executed for Extension Faculty and Master Gardeners in the Pollinator Curricular guide. Tenundergraduate students of the UPRAgri-environmental Sciences Department were trained in the Pollinator Curricular Guide. Sixtrainings about how to promote pollinator friendly areas in farms were offered to farmers in the municipalities of Villalba, Adjuntas, Santa Isabel, Las Piedras, Cabo Rojo, San German and Lajas. Six publications were produced about pollinator protection, https://www.uprm.edu/sea/mip-publicaciones-ipm/. Three activities were held, the first pollinator fair (1,500 persons -June 2022),One Day with Pollinators(500 persons - December 2022) andIPM for Pollinators in Farms, in the First Seed Fair, at the Juana Díaz Experimental Station(September 2022). IPM Implementation in Communities:we collected information on plant care and identification of common seasonal flowering plants in Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. We visited plant nurseries on both islands to identify plants adapted to the islands and those plants attracting pollinators over the seasons. A list of ornamental plants was collected during the 2nd year, ones that attract pollinators.https://www.uprm.edu/sea/ornamentales/polinizadoras/. Publications in second year included: Plants for Pollinators and Natural Enemies in Puerto Rico and USVI communities. Integrated Pest Management in the USVI and PR backyard communities. Three, 2.5-hour Pest Management titled: "Take a Closer Look- Pest Management and Pollinator Protection" and a 2-hour "Pest Monitoring & Identification using the Field Scope for Close-up Viewing" workshop was presented to a total of 82 participants. We gathered information and pictures of over 100 ornamentals in the two US territories to create the Ornamental Plants field guide. Priority IPM Evaluation and Impact: Theevaluation plan,"Stairway to Sustainability and Land Stewardship" was completed and implemented in 2022-2023. TheiPM Score Card was discussed with 17vegetable and fruit farmers to measure their IPM practice use andentailed education onpractices that farmers could adopt. Four posters/talks relating to IPM and the "Ladder of Sustainability and Farm Stewardship": One Step at a Time, were presented at three different conferences in late Fall 2022 to increase farmer adoption of essential practices. Two workshops were held (October 2022) to teach farmers about ways to store and use A peer-reviewed Extension bulletin in the form of a door hanger format was published (English) in August 2022 titled, Managing Plant Pests in a Tropical Environment - farms and backyard gardens, and distributed at events. The bulletin was recently translated to Spanish. We attended and participated in the Caribbean Islands Stakeholder Collaboration team meeting with Migrant Clinician Network and Michigan State held in San Juan ,Puerto Rico on June 26-30, 2022 (12 attendees). Presented "Farmer Conversations about Pests and Pesticides" to St. Croix farmers in collaboration with Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture (VIDA)) at Agriculture Fairgrounds on August 31, 2022 (35 participants). Pest Diagnostic Facilities: we maintained a clinic network within Puerto Rico and with UVIto diagnose all-important biotic and abiotic plant health problems and gavesupport to the priority areas of the project by helping in the diagnosis of pests and diseases. We developed and disseminated: 1) IPM and biosafety practices to root crop producers (sweet potato, yam, tanier)to avoid the entry of exotic diseasesand manage reemerging diseases and pests likeYam rust and anthracnose in tanier. 2) IPM recommendations for these crops to prevent the most common and limiting diseases and/or pests, and 3) Plantain and banana farmers were trained in biosafety practices thatshould implemented ontheir farms. https://youtu.be/uhpcuszbPgc. Three field days were held in Camuy, Santa Isabel and Corozal to train farmers in early detection of diseases, prevention, and available management techniques in yam, sweet potato and tanier. Stakeholder engagement was promoted through these field days, and through virtual forums. https://youtu.be/1EKf22v4zxE, https://youtu.be/Eywki7-EZDs. Short bulletins on identification of the most common diseases and pests of vegetables and other crops are disseminated through the Plant Disease Clinic Facebook page, www.facebook.com/clinicauprm/. A group is maintained to foster the flow of information with farmers and the communitywww.facebook.com/groups/IDENTIFICA/. The Master Gardeners were trained in diagnostic techniques, how to submit samples to the clinic and IPM and use of pollinator gardens to enhance natural enemies and control pests.

Publications

• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Mart�nez-Calez, E.L. and Rivera, D. 2023. Poinsettia Integrated Pest Management. Factsheet. Agricultural Extension Service.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Mart�nez-Calez, E.L. and Rivera, D. 2023. Sampling for whitefly control. Factsheet. Agricultural Extension Service.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Mart�nez-Calez, E.L. and Rivera, D. 2023. Registration of pesticides for whitefly control. Factsheet. Agricultural Extension Service.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Mart�nez-Calez, E.L. and Rivera, D. 2023. Good agricultural practices in poinsettia. Factsheet. Agricultural Extension Service.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Mart�nez-Calez, E.L. and Rivera, D. 2023. Integrated whitefly management in poinsettia and vegetable nurseries. Factsheet. Agricultural Extension Service.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Almod�var, W., Mart�nez-Cal�z, E.L., Rivera, D., Alvarado, A. N. and Osoria, R. 2022. Education of the community about the benefits of Integrated pest and pollinator management in farms, forests and urban areas. Puertorrican Society of the Agricultural Science Annual Meeting Abstract and Poster. December 2, 2022 at Coamo, PR.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Alvarado, A. N., Almod�var, W. and Rivera, D. 2022. Curricular guide for pollinator protection. Puertorrican Society of the Agricultural Science Annual Meeting Abstract and Poster. December 2, 2023 at Coamo, PR.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Mart�nez-Cal�z, E.L., Rivera, D. and Dreves, A. J. 2022. Preliminary results for IPM implementation in specialty crops: Ornamentals and Vegetables. Puertorrican Society of the Agricultural Science Annual Meeting Abstract and Poster. December 2, 2023, at Coamo, PR.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Almod�var, W., Dreves, A.J., Alvarado, A. N., Giraldo, M.C., Rivera, D., Mart�nez-Calez, E.L., Curbelo, J. and Robles, W. 2022. Divided by water united by need: IPM program for Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. Puertorrican Society of the Agricultural Science Annual Meeting Abstract and Poster. December 2, 2023, at Coamo, PR.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Giraldo, Martha., W. Almod�var, M. Cort�s, V. Rosado, N. Mart�nez, R. Osoria, X. Reyes, M. L�pez, C.J. Rodr�guez, I. Mart�nez, N.I. Laboy, G.E. Santana, M.M. Iglesias & Z. P�rez. 2023. Our new friend: the sweet potato" a superfood. Agricultural Extension Service. College of Agricultural Sciences. Mayag�ez Campus.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Dreves, A.J., D. Rivera, and W.I. Almod�var. 2022. Integrated Pest Management in the USVI and PR backyard communities. Proceedings of the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Puerto Rican Society of Agricultural Sciences Annual Conference. December 2, 2022 at Coamo, Puerto Rico
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Rivera, D., A.J. Dreves and W.I. Almod�var. 2022. Plants for pollinators and natural enemies in Puerto Rico and USVI communities. Proceedings of the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Puertorican Society of Agricultural Sciences Annual Conference, abstract, poster and oral presentation at Coamo, Puerto Rico. December 2, 2022 at Coamo, PR.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Mart�nez-Calez, E.L., Dania Rivera, Amy Dreves and Lamani Santiago. 2023. The flower and the pollination process. UPR Agricultural Extension Service, UVI School of Agriculture Cooperative Extension.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Dreves, Amy. 2023. Ladder of Sustainability and Farm Stewardship: One Step at a Time. University of the Virgin Islands- School of Agriculture-Cooperative Extension Service, Extension Poster.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Dreves, A.J. and W. Almod�var. 2022. Managing Plant Pests in a Tropical Environment  farms and backyard gardens. University of the Virgin Islands- School of Agriculture-Cooperative Extension Service, Extension Bulletin SOA-CES-IPMb 0003. English and Spanish version.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Rivera, Dania., Amy Dreves, Anelisse Ramos & Lamani Santiago. 2023. Passport to the garden, coloring book, UPR Agricultural Extension Service, University of the Virgin Islands- School of Agriculture-Cooperative Extension Service, Extension Bulletin 0003.
• Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: https://www.uprm.edu/sea/mip/
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Amy Dreves. 2022. Managing Plant Pests in a Tropical Environment - farms and backyard gardens SOA-CES-IPM 0003. University of the Virgin Islands, School of Agriculture  Cooperative Extension Service, UVI.

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

Outputs
Target Audience:Ornamental growers, small farmers, backyard gardeners, community members, livestock owners , master gardeners, sweet potato farmers, students of elementary and secondary schools, 4H youth,Extension agents Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Dr. Jaime Curbelo, COPD of the project in charge ofIPM Implementation in Animal Agriculture for Forage Crops destined to Feed Livestock, acquired the license for use of VeVox forthe IPM team. One workshop and educational materials were produced and two trainings were held for the project's personnel. We are using VeVox to make our presentations interactive and increase the engagement of trainees. It has been successfully implemented in our training, with positive feedback. In collaboration with Dr. Wilfredo Robles, a graduate student from the Department of Agro-environmental Sciences has an assistantship and was trained in the use of geographic information systems (GIS) to create, manage, and analyze maps of the dairy herds to be screened. In meetings with Dr. Worku Burayu and Dra. Amy Dreves at the University of Virgin Islands, the needs of their small ruminant producers were identified and a plan of work was prepared to address them through this project. Five undergraduate students were trained in the diagnosis of pests and diseases at the diagnostic clinics and received practical training in the field helping in the development of field days in different crops and taking samples for diagnosis and make interviews to farmers. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Participation of the UPRM Diagnostic Clinic and the Rio Piedras Diagnositc Laboratory in fairs and Commodity Meetings developed by Extension Agents and researchers in different municipalities around the Island. Posters and educational information were delivered to the community about the project, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis of diseases and pests and the use of IPM practices to reduce the use of pesticides and associated risks to humans and the environment. Conferences, training, and field days offered throughout the Island by the PD and COPD's. Posting of project's achievements in the Extension's official webpage (https://www.uprm.edu/sea/sea-del-oeste/) and the IPM site,https://www.uprm.edu/sea/mip/. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Design the IPM knowledge tests, activity effectiveness, and an IPM "report card" with help from PR personnel, that identifies practices that range from being chemically dependent to IPM-sustainable; and promotes stewardship to help evaluate where a stakeholder fits on the IPM continuum with education/time and where interest/implementation lies for tool adoption. Unite and train the PR personnel on the development of the IPM "report card". Travel to St. Thomas, St. John USVI, and PR to present/assist in an IPM and pollinator promotion training; and collect information on seasonal flowering plants and the presence of pollinators. Introducethe community to pollinator health and conservation of beneficial organisms that reduce pests. Quarterly meetings will be scheduled in 2022-23 to ensure goals and work plan between island personnel. Two trips are intended to be in-person (one scheduled at the end of June). IPM Implementation in Specialty Crops: Ornamentals and Vegetables Continue to compile IPM-BMP information on landscape ornamentals, two vegetable families, and nursery production systemsand instill pest monitoring methods along with integrated tool sets to minimize pest damage anddecrease pesticide use. Compile and créate thepocket-size field guides and posters with detailed descriptions of organisms and IPM best practices. Create two presentations for local farmers and gardeners, two professional meetings, audio and visual message clips, and the development of a VIBugDoc.uvi.edu Blog, all of which include IPM content. Educate clients in field days & training on monitoring, record-keeping, pest & beneficial identification & inspection, pest preventative practices, and cultural, physical, biological, and chemical practices. Submit whitefly (WF) samples found on vegetable and ornamental plant families in USVI in order to identify biotypes to better manage WF infestations in USVI. Continue to document pest and disease profiles and beneficials of Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae and complete draft for publications. Implement the evaluation "Stairway to Sustainability and Stewardship Evaluation Report Card" before and after each field day event, for gardeners and farmers. IPM for Pollinator Health Further compile information and pictures of/about local pollinators, plants attracted, factors that affect pollinators and implementation of seasonal flowering plants. Gather more information and continue to compile common ornamental plants found on the farm/garden, and in the landscape that is beneficial to pollinators and wildlife. Develop a presentation on pollinators found in ornamental plants and other plants in collaboration with the PR Ornamental Specialist for a year 2 presentation. Present the "record card" that lists BMPs and key pest prevention measures to gather baseline information on selected clients. A workshop will be implemented to inform clients on the benefits of having a pollinator garden, its characteristics, ways to establish it, suggested plant list, and proper use & need of pesticides and Smart pest management. A certificate will be designed to promote: "Pollinator Friendly Farm", and a sign identifying a participant farm as a "Pollinator Preservation Area". Four Pollinator posters will move forward for production (after peer-review) to distribute to clients and a Pollinator Powerpoint presentation for training. Both English and Spanish. Specialty Crops:Root Crops IPM 1) Publish the pocket field guide for sweet potato. 2) Develop thecartoonbooklet of a superherothat includes allthe main factsand IPM in action charactersas the Caribbean Super Food for yam and publish thepocket field guide as a comic booklet with BMP, IPM, and nutritional facts, 3) Continue the educational campaign among elemental schools, and communities for sweet potato and launch the same campaign for yam, with emphasis on the nutritional value, low maintenance,and resilience. Specialty Crops: IPM Implementation in Communities Emphasize IPM innovation in public and backyard gardens, landscape; and pollinator health emphasizing seasonal flowering plants and resources that support cropping systems and the wildland. Continue to compile/take pictures of information on pests, landscape designs, and current integrated pest management practices associated with specialty crops within PR & USVI's local situations, similar environments, and similar needs. Document key pests and diseases, and confirm plant sample ID from experts in the NRCS in USVI and UPRM Diagnostic Clinics in PR. Preparepractical educational materials in English (USVI personnel) & Spanish (PR personnel) about IPM and Best Management Practices (BMP) and train Extension agents,backyard gardeners, homeowners, farmers, and school and/or community garden leaders.? IPM Implementation in Animal Agriculture for Forage Crops destined to Feed Livestock 1. Assessment of the most common invasive weeds and insects that affect tropical and subtropical forages in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, andthe resistance status of insects collected.A digital survey will be developed and distributed bygraduate students. Data related to management practices to control pests that affect forages (weeds and insects), botanical composition of pastures, forage availability, and weed abundance will be evaluated. The number of weeds and insect species present at each point will be recorded to determine their frequency of occurrence. Determination of the status of pesticide resistance in pests is critical to developstrategies to reduce pesticide usage. The most predominant collected insects will be evaluated to determine resistance to the most common pesticides used in forages. A Pesticide Effectiveness Bioassay will be performed on the most predominant collected insects. If chemical resistance is detected, molecular testing for the presence of commonly reported resistant genes will be assessed molecularly.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The IPM team increased theexchange of information and collaboration between PR and UVI personnel,addressing and engagingornamental growers, small farmers, backyard gardeners, community members, and livestock owners in the southern region. There was anincrease in the information flow on the useof best management practices and methods for reducing the disease-pest incidence, favoring beneficial organisms, reducing harmful inputs, and increasing yield and income.In IPM in Communities, a total of 38 ornamental plants (including native plants) have been worked for the ID plant Field Guide. For each, we have pictures, names (common and scientific), general description, and pollinators that attracts. We have created a PowerPoint with these plants, and it has been offered to the Agricultural Agents and Educators as part of the Pollinator Guide Curriculum on May 9, 19, and 20 of 2022. Best Management Practices information has been gathered to includeeducational materials. Two virtual presentations were presented on April 28, 2022, to the community about the importance of native plants in the forum, Use of native plants for green infrastructure: The Importance of Native Plants in Puerto Rico. By Dania Rivera and Esfuerzos de educar las comunidades sobre los beneficios de plantas nativas by Wanda Almodovar.In IPM of whiteflies in poinsettias, a total of 171 whiteflies samples were identified to Biotype, confirming the presence of two biotypes of Bemisia tabaci on the island. This will be the first report of the biotypes of Bemisia tabaci for Puerto Rico. Three of the samples will be sequenced to determine the haplotype. Two workshops on poinsettia production were given on February 17th and 24th of 2022 to the two model production nurseries. A total of 9 employees and one producer were trained in "Best Practices for Poinsettia Production". Two workshops on identification, sampling, and whiteflies integrated management practices for poinsettias and vegetables were given on February 23rd and March 21st of 2022. A total of 9 employees and two producers were trained in "Whiteflies IPM". Two follow-up visits were made to each of the model producers to evaluate the implementation of Best Management Practice and Whiteflies IPM recommendations given during the training. From these visits have been observed the following practice adoptions: Increased planting distance between the pots after transplant, Proper insecticide rotation, Removal of plants with disease symptoms from the production area, and a better understanding of the use of another chemical (i.e., disease control).In IPM Implementation in Animal Agriculture for Forage Crops destined to Feed Livestock, we acquired the license for use of VeVox by the IPM team. One workshop and educational materials were produced and two trainings were held for the project's personnel. We are using VeVox to make our presentations interactive and increase the engagement of trainees. It has been successfully implemented in our trainings, with positive feedback. In collaboration with Dr. Wilfredo Robles, a graduate student from the Department of Agro-environmental Sciences has an assistantship and was trained in the use of geographic information systems (GIS) to create, manage, and analyze maps of the dairy herds to be screened. In meetings with Dr. Worku Burayu and Dra. Amy Dreves at the University of Virgin Islands, the needs of their small ruminant producers were identified and a plan of work was prepared to address them through this project. Emphasis will be placed on practices that reduce over gracing and the propagation of weeds in pastures destined to feed goats and ewes.In Root Crops IPM, we compiled all existing information about sweet potato Best Management Practices (BMP), and IPM, as well as all nutritional facts and medicinal benefits. A graphic designer was hired and made a sweet potato character to capture the attention and captivate the general public. Meetings were held with the extension leaders and coordinators from 4H and family and consumer science educators, and activities and an educational campaign were developed. A focus group was made to evaluate the character and the writing: "Sweet potato, our ally, a key superfood for a healthy diet". A booklet was prepared and the Extension Family and Consumer Educators divided into smaller groups and prepared the plan of work to implement the different parts of the booklet. The sweet potato cartoon and character are being launched and introduced to 4H youth and to summer camps in schools. The publication Best Management Practices (BMP) and IPM in Sweet Potato, including nutritional facts, medicinal benefits, and practical recipes will be published and presented to the community in August 2022 during the annual meeting of the Farinaceous Crops Commodity. Extension agents will highlight the importance of root crops as super-foods and resilient crops in field days in June, July, and August 2022, including "hands-on" activities, small group discussions, and demonstrations to teach key concepts.In IPM for Pest Diagnostic Facilities, we had two field days to train farmers in early detection of pests, prevention, and available management techniques to control Cylas formicarius and other pests on sweet potato. An IPM plan was developed and given to farmers. Extension agents of the municipalities where sweet potato is grown were trained in sweet potato Best Management Practices and IPM. A workshop was held in Barranquitas to deliver the IPM program for Apio root rot management to the new extension agent Agro. Miguel García and apio farmers from Barranquitas.. Six fact sheets about diseases in vegetables were revised and updated and posted on the Extension webpage. An exhibition of the Diagnostic clinic was presented to farmers and Extension agents in the Expo-Hort, the annual activity of the vegetable commodity. We assisted in the emergency of coffee crops in Puerto Rico affected by the Fruit rot disease. As part of the diagnostic clinic and with the help of the Agricultural agents in charge of coffee we launched an educational campaign to educate farmers about the disease and its management.In IPM for Pollinator Health, we trained Extension Agents (EA) in the Pollinator Protection Curricular Guide. (https://www.uprm.edu/sea/mip/forestal/pdp/). The guide was produced with a series of resources such as a photo gallery, video gallery, PowerPoint presentations, activities, fact sheets, and posters, to be ready to use by EA in their training to volunteers and farmers. The Agricultural Agents in PR collaborating with the Master Gardeners Volunteer Program (MGVP) and the Beekeeping Education Program are training farmers, volunteers, and backyard gardeners on the benefits of having a pollinator garden, its characteristics, ways to establish it, recommended plants, and proper use of pesticides and IPM practices. We are in the process of establishing the model farms with farmers assisted by the Beekeeper Program. We supported the MGVP in the establishment of two pollinator gardens, one in the southwestern and the other in the northeast part of the Island, that will be used to train the community, including farmers, in pollinator protection.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Feliciano,Merari. 2022. Status of yam cultivation in Puerto Rico. Proceedings of the APS-CD Annual Meeting,San Juan,PR
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Giraldo,Martha. 2022. Status of sweet potato cultivation in Puerto Rico. Proceedings of the APS-CD Annual Meeting,San Juan,PR
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Martinez,Edda. 2022. Status of sweet potato pests in Puerto Rico. Proceedings of the APS-CD Annual Meeting,San Juan,PR
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Almodovar, Wanda. Role of Extension in IPM in Puerto Rico. Proceedings of the APS-CD Annual Meeting,San Juan,PR
• Type: Websites Status: Under Review Year Published: 2022 Citation: https://www.uprm.edu/sea/mip
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Management of sweet potato weevil and sweet potato varieties in Puerto Rico. Annual meeting Sweetpotato Group.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Soto, Giovannie. 2022. Status of tanier cultivation in Puerto Rico. Proceedings of the APS-CD Annual Meeting, San Juan,PR
• Type: Other Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2022 Citation: Giraldo,Martha. 2022. Best Management practices and IPM in sweet potato. Agricultural Extension Service. College of Agricultural Sciences. University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus. (Bulletin)
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Almodovar, Wanda. 2022. Educating the community about the benefits of native plants and the Integrated Management of Pests and Pollinators. Agricultural Extension Service. College of Agricultural Sciences. University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus. (virtual conference).https://fb.watch/dsVvDZf4sv/
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Cabrera, Irma. 2022. Mangifera indica: Visitors or pollinators. Agricultural Experimental Station. College of Agricultural Sciences. University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus. (virtual conference). https://fb.watch/dsVvDZf4sv/
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Segarra, Alejandro. 2022. 2X1: Flower flies: Pollinators and Biological Controls. Agricultural Experimental Station. College of Agricultural Sciences. University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus. (virtual conference). https://fb.watch/dsVvDZf4sv/
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Rivera, Dania. 2022. Importance of increasing availability of native plants. Agricultural Extension Service. College of Agricultural Sciences. University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus. (virtual conference). https://fb.watch/dsVvDZf4sv/
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Olive, N.D. and Amy J. Dreves. 2022. Fruit and Vegetable Seed Varieties Suited for the USVI Environment. 2022 Agriculture and Food Fair, A Golden Opportunity to Grow. UVI. Cooperative Extension.
• Type: Other Status: Under Review Year Published: 2022 Citation: Almodovar, Wanda. Farming for pollinators. Agricultural Extension Service. College of Agricultural Sciences. University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus.
• Type: Other Status: Under Review Year Published: 2022 Citation: Almodovar, Wanda. Bacterial spot of pepper. Agricultural Extension Service. College of Agricultural Sciences. University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Almodovar, Wanda. 2021. Vegetable diseases in tunnel systems. Agricultural Extension Service. In: Tunnel systems: Guide to the construction, management and crop sustainable production. College of Agricultural Sciences. University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus.https://www.uprm.edu/agriculturaurbana/wp-content/uploads/sites/224/2021/12/Sistemas-de-tu%CC%81neles_Gui%CC%81a-para-la-construccio%CC%81n_manejo-y-produccio%CC%81n-sustentable-de-cultivos_AU.pdf
• Type: Other Status: Under Review Year Published: 2022 Citation: Almodovar, Wanda. Powdery Mildew of solanaceous crops. Agricultural Extension Service. College of Agricultural Sciences. University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus.
• Type: Other Status: Under Review Year Published: 2022 Citation: Almodovar, Wanda. Downy Mildew of cucurbit crops. Agricultural Extension Service. College of Agricultural Sciences. University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus.
• Type: Other Status: Under Review Year Published: 2022 Citation: Almodovar, Wanda. Gummy Stem Blight of cucurbit crops. Agricultural Extension Service. College of Agricultural Sciences. University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus.
• Type: Other Status: Under Review Year Published: 2022 Citation: Almodovar, Wanda. Angular Leaf spot of cucurbit crops. Agricultural Extension Service. College of Agricultural Sciences. University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Alvarado, Ada. 2022. What is a Seed? In: Pollinator Protection Curricular Guide. Agricultural Extension Service. College of Agricultural Sciences. University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus. https://www.uprm.edu/sea/mip/forestal/pdp/).
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Alvarado, Ada. 2022. Flies. In: Pollinator Protection Curricular Guide. Agricultural Extension Service. College of Agricultural Sciences. University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus. https://www.uprm.edu/sea/mip/forestal/pdp/).
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Alvarado, Ada. 2022. Bees. In: Pollinator Protection Curricular Guide. Agricultural Extension Service. College of Agricultural Sciences. University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Alvarado, Ada. 2022. The flower. In: Pollinator Protection Curricular Guide. Agricultural Extension Service. College of Agricultural Sciences. University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Alvarado, Ada. 2022. Bats. In: Pollinator Protection Curricular Guide. Agricultural Extension Service. College of Agricultural Sciences. University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Rivera Dania. Native and naturalized plants that attract pollinators.In: Pollinator Protection Curricular Guide. Agricultural Extension Service. College of Agricultural Sciences. University of Puerto Rico. Mayaguez Campus.