Progress 09/01/23 to 08/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The Delaware IPM team develops and distributes programming to a diverse set of DE stakeholders. Among the agricultural community alone, there are an estimated 2,30 farm families, not including crop consultants and allied agribusiness personnel. Our stakeholder and target auidence is not limited to agriculutral commodity producers but includes small specialty crop producers, urban producers, and those beginning agricultural pursuits. Specific groups with more tailored effort inlcude sorghum producers and seed salesmen, malting barley producers, and vintners. One major priority area is directed primarily towards beekeepers. Other key stakeholders inlcude homeowners, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, green industries, lawncare, turf managers, and educators. All stakeholders are served through the Plant Diagnostic Laboratory. Changes/Problems:The entomology research associate departed in Feburary 2024 and the position refilled in May. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Demonstrations were highlighted at multiple field days and were the source of content for Weekly Crop Update articles. Experiences with cover crop were used to inform local recommendations as well as improve outreach tools such as Northeastern Cover Crop Council cover crop selections. Two Master Gardener trainings were provided using the demonstration garden. The ornamentals IPM extension specialist, plant disease diagnostician, and extension agents used the demonstration gardens for five green industry workshops from September 2023 - August 2024 (3 in New Castle County, 2 in Sussex County). These included pest walks and "hands-on" learning opportunities. The projects have provided training to 1 doctoral student, 3 undergraduate theses and 5 undergraduate interns. Students have gained experience in designing experiments, collecting data, managing honey bee colonies, processing products from the hive for retail, 3D printing, educational material development and outreach to the beekeeping and gardening community in Delmarva. A queen rearing workshop was held in June to demonstrate the grafting process used to raise queens with selected traits. Eight beekeepers from Delaware attended the workshop. Monthly outreach apiary events were scheduled throughout the spring and summer demonstrating pest monitoring techniques, colony production and management. Two student interns have continued through 2023-2024 to assist with plant diagnostics. Four interns have assisted the communities IPM team with demonstration garden installation and insect sampling. The diagnostician has used EIP funds to travel to mid-Atlantic and East-Coast meetings and learn about plant diagnostics and plant pathogens. In January and February the annual "University of Delaware's Winter Turfgrass Seminar" was held and is designed to provide turfgrass and ornamental managers with pesticide continuing education credits. The titles of the 50 minute talks were Hooray Math! - Practical Calculations for the Proper Application of Pesticides and Fertilizers and University of Delaware Plant Diagnostic Lab's Year-End Review. The event was held three times, one in each of our 3 counties, and supplied applicators with 2.0 continuing education credits for both the core and Ornamental & Turf categories. In March, May, and June a 3-hour pre-exam training course was held to prepare attendees who are scheduled to take the Category (03) Ornamental & Turf exam. Topics covered during the training were the common weeds, insect, and fungal pests of T&O systems along with the accompanying IPM principles for each pest category. Also covered were applicator BMP's and safety protocols and updates on laws and regulations. The event was a joint effort by both University of Delaware Cooperative Extension and the Delaware Department of Agriculture. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Information has been published in Weekly Crop Update and GROW (website devoted to management of herbicide-resistant weeds [GROWiwm.org]). These websites are widely publicized, free, and open to everyone. County and state extension meetings that discussed barley, cover crops, and sorghum included Delaware AgWeek, a 2023 Small Grain Workshop September 5, and MidAtlantic Crop Management School. Outreach and trainings conducted include 2 Landscape Pest Walks, 3 hands-on diagnostic workshops, Delaware Nursery & Landscape Association annual meeting pest walks, Beginning Farmer Training, 22 issues (current for 2024) of the Ornamentals Hotline reaching 200 landscapers and other professionals, Branches to Chances (horticultural job training program for unemployed, underemployed, and/or previously incarcerated individuals), master gardener plant diagnostics training, updates about important new diseases at farm field days, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute plant diagnostics training. Presentations: 2023 Carvel Research and Education Center All Crops Field Day, Georgetown, DE 2023 Fall Season Pest Identification, Dover, DE 2023 Small Grain Stakeholder Meeting, Georgetown, DE 2023 Marl Pit Field Day, Middletown, DE Speaker at 2024 Delaware Ag Week Soybean and Small Grain Agronomy Session, "Soybean and Small Grain Disease Management Update", Harrington, DE Queen Anne County Master Gardeners, "Principles of Soil Nematodes", Centreville, MD, Jan 2024 2023 Carvel Research and Education Center Fruit and Vegetable Crops Twilight Tour, Georgetown, DE A hands-on disease ID session was offered at the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Crop School "Crash Course on Corn Disease Identification" in Ocean City, MD. Participants joined in a trivia-style workshop to improve diagnostic capabilities of corn diseases, including nematodes. We have disseminated results via web material, workshops and presentations at local clubs and beekeeping conferences. A queen rearing workshop was held in June to demonstrate the grafting process used to raise queens with selected traits. Eight beekeepers from Delaware attended the workshop. Monthly outreach apiary events were scheduled throughout the spring and summer demonstrating pest monitoring techniques, colony production and management. In conjuction with the University of Delaware's marketing service we have developed a sign for the garden that uses a QR code for visitors to access information about the plants in the garden and the ecological value of plants as food for flower visiting insects (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z31gPyD1vUTvFvkQiQzer3eUkGL3C8wt/view?usp=sharing). Two WCU articles were written about using cover crops in vegetables this year (one on summer cover crop options and one about biofumigation). The NEWA strawberry diseases forecast data was distributed in four issues of WCU this spring. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Over the next reporting period, Palmer amaranth accessions will be tested for resistance. In particular, resistant to modes of action not previously reported in Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region. Results from the soft acaricide research are being analyzed. We will be translating results into BMPs for the beekeepers in the Delmarva region. We will present the results via local presentations to county clubs and through web material. We have finished assessing the colonies and have picked our breeder queens for next year and will start developing materials for another queen breeding workshop. We are working on completing the physical sign for the apiary and all the web-based educational material that will be accessed through the QR code. We are continuing to create 3D printed insects/ educational material for the garden and have just started work on a 3D virtual tour of the apiary and garden which will be accessed through the QR code on the garden sign. Fact sheets and geocache boxes continue to be assembled for distribution. University printing and the communications team are assisting with hosting fact sheets on the internet and creating useable links. The ornamentals specialist is working with the Delaware Department of Agriculture to locate plants infested with crape myrtle bark scale so we can augment our demonstration garden in New Castle County. We have continued our work with the University of Maryland to develop management strategies for CMBS and we continue to study CMBS phenology. Natural enemies provide challenges to this project when there is a high degree of plant diversity in the surrounding landscape.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1) Demonstrate cover crops as IPM tactics in specialty and agronomic crops Cover crops (primarily cereal rye) management to maximize weed management was demonstrated for soybeans. Cover cropsreduced weed density andgrowth rate whichprovides farmers with a wider application window for postemergence herbicide applications. Planting greento allow earlier soybean planting was examined.Thiswas prior to cereal rye stem elongation and biomass accumulation to facilitate planting and improvestand establishment. Cover crop termination is delayed to allow cereal rye to produce additional biomass. Formal cover crops surveys of specialty crop producers was conducted in 2022. Summaries indicated use of rye, barley and tillage radish most commonly andinterestin using biofumigant mustards. Diversemixes were used on a few farms with legumes, Brassicas, and small grains. Legume use was mostly crimson clover and no hairy vetch. Winter killed spring oats was also a common practice. 2) Survey for agricultural, horticultural, and landscape pests Aphids were surveyed in 6 malting barley fieldsNovember-February 2024. Onefield had eleveated populations and also greenbug; treatment wasreccommended. This field was near 2 others with low counts by the same farmer, highlighting the need for individual field scouting.Three malting barley fields were scouted for diseases. Pythium root rot and Fusarium Head Blight pressure was higher than recent years. Little BYDV was observed. Five sorghum fields were sampled in August - September 2023 for corn earworm and sugarcane aphid. Aphids were found in low numbers in 3 of the fields and did not exceed threshold in any of them. Five fields have been scouted in 2024 for Anthracnose stalk rot. Italian ryegrass samples were collected throughout Delmarva and tested forglyphosate resistance. None of the40 lineswere resistant to glyphosate, but5 exhibited reduced sensitivity to Axial. Nematode soil surveys were conducted at 7 locations to better understand host rotation impacts on nematode populations as a baseline for continued projects inrhizobox trials. Twovineyards were surveyedin July 2024. Japanese beetle and grape root borer were the primary pests observed. Spotted lanternfly was not observed in vineyards prior to August. 3. Assist stakeholders with pest identification, anticipation, and planning A sorghum variety trial was conducted in 2023. Low numbers of aphids were observed, yield data was taken in November 2023. The trial has not yet been published, but the 2022 trial has been, with NIFA acknowledgement (https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/sustainable-production/pest-management/insect-management-reports/). Aphid counts in general have been low during the project years, with the exception of 2 fields in 2022. A sorghum fungicide trial evaluated new fungicide options and optimized timings for anthracnose management. Nematode demonstration plots and product evaluation trials were planted in May 2024. Nematode samples were preserved for educational meetings. True Armyworm and Black cutworm pheromone traps were installedMarch-May 2024. Weekly insect catches were posted in the WCU.FiveEuropean corn borer traps were installed inApril 2024 and have thus far captured only 3 ECB. MY IPM App was expanded to include small grains. Scouting prophylactic soybean insecticide application trials installed in 2023continued into the final project year, along with yield measurement. Pest popualtions were not singficantly altered relative to established thresholds because of insecticide application. Producers have been discouraged from engaging in this prophylactic process through extension meetings andWeekly Crop Update. Pest & Disease Photo Compendium:Extension personnel submitted images of insect pests, diseases and physiological disorders of vegetables which have been organized by crop in a digital database (https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/sustainable-production/commercial-crops/pest-disease-database/).Additional images will be added as they are submitted. DEOS now feeds data into NEWA and data is used for strawberry disease forecasting. The Communities teampurchased36 additional infested crape myrtles and established them in the demonstration gardens located in New Castle and Sussex Counties.Monitoringcrape myrtle bark scale (CMBS) phenology revealed2 populationpeaks in Sussex County and green industry professionals alerted. 3-Dprinted arthropods were distributed as part ofoutreach at UD's Agriculutre Day, 27 April 2024. Additional 3-D printed arthropods are printed for use with geocache boxes. The geocache boxes will have QR-codes adhered to the lidsso participants can obtain information about arthropods in the landscape. We have created 5 new fact sheets and updated 12 others. Master Naturalist Gardens had additional plants installed this summer in two locations. The UD Plant Diagnostic Clinic has569 samples from 7 states in 2024. Over 100 samples were processed by other specialists on this grant. Weidentified the presence of a federally quarantined insect in DE, the box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis). 4) Enhance pollinator health, resiliency, and habitat Research on the use of soft acaricides and cultural controlswas conducted in 2022 and 2023 . We are currently analyzing the results. The Year 1 study evaluated both the immediate effectiveness and long-term viability of the formic acid treatment Formic Pro®. 24 research hives were established and monitored from June to November. Four treatments were assinged to colonies:(1) Formic Acid June, (2) Formic Acid August and October, (3) Formic Acid October, and (4) Untreated Control.Varroa levels were montiored with sticky boards, alcohol washes, and brood uncapping.When comparing mean mite counts after the 14-day treatment period, no significant difference was observed in the hives treated in June; however, mite counts did not increase significantly afterward. In contrast, the hives treated in August exhibited a 50.94% reduction in mite count. Mean mite counts in the June and August treated groups were 88.41% and 94.81% lower than those of the control group. These findings indicate that Formic Pro® treatments result in significantly lower mite counts, especially in later treatments. Data analysisis ongoing. In Year 2, the effect of Formic Acid and Oxalic Acid with brood interruption or brood splitting on Varroa were compared using 20 colonies in the following treatments:TRT 1: Early season formic acid application, followed by queen caging, and a late season formic acid application,TRT 2: Early season formic acid application, followed by brood splitting, and a late season formic acid application,TRT 3: Early season formic acid application, followed by queen caging, and an oxalic acid application,TRT 4: Early season formic acid application, followed by brood splitting, and a late season oxalic acid application,Control Group. All treatment groups reducedVarroa populations compared to the control group, and especially when trts were combined, suggesting that these strategies could be highly beneficial in maintaining hive health throughout the season. Over 10 native species of flowering plants have been established in the pollinator garden. Students have developed an online plant inventory of the garden which will be accessed through the use of a QR code. 6) Provide pesticide safety and application training to commercial applicators, private applicators, and homeowners. The PSEP porgram offered 3 Continuing education events and 3 pre-exam training coursesto prepare attendees to take the Category (03) Ornamental & Turf exams. These efforts reached a combined 152 attendees. In August, UD in partnership withthe Delaware Nursery and Landscape Associationhosted the Summer Expo (220 attendees). 4.0 pesticide CEU credits weredelivered to attendees by several UD Extension Agents and Specialists.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Cinderella J. and Koehler A.M. 2023. Assessment of fungicides for control of barley head diseases in Georgetown, DE, 2022. Plant Disease Management Reports. 17:CF056.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Singla S. and Betts A.K. 2024. Assessment of fungicides for control of Fusarium head blight of barley in Georgetown, DE, 2023. Plant Disease Management Reports.
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Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:The Delaware IPM team develops and distributes programming to a diverse set of Delaware stakeholders. Among the agricultural community alone, there are an estimated 2,300 farm families, not including crop consultants and allied agribusiness personnel. Our stakeholder and target audience is not limited to agricultural commodity producers and includes small specialty crop producers, urban producers, and those beginning agricultural pursuits. Specific groups with more-tailored effort include sorghum producers and seed salesmen, malting barley producers, and vintners. One major priority area is directed primarily towards beekeepers. Other key stakeholders include homeowners, Master gardeners, Green industries, lawncare, and turf managers. All stakeholders are served through the Plant Diagnostic Laboratory. Changes/Problems:Dr. Gordon Johnson is retiring from the University of Delaware. Mr. John Emerson is partially filling the Pesticide Safety Education Program coordinator position under guidance from Mrs. Kerry Richards. Due to Mr. John Emerson filling this role in year 2 instead of a partial year 1 fulfillment, some funds were reallocated to help support travel for the Pesticide Safety Education Program, but these changes do not amount to greater than 25% of the award amount. The DSU high tunnels were destroyed during severe thunderstorms and work towards demonstrating grafting techniques and biological control agent effectiveness in high tunnels has been temporarily delayed until high tunnel repairs are completed. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The plant diagnostician attended the National Plant Diagnostic Network meeting. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated through newsletters (Weekly Crop Update and Ornamentals Hotline), text voice recording s (Pest Patrol), and in-season direct stakeholder contact.3 farmers, 3 consultants, and 2 extension agents contacted directly advising of heavy true armyworm activity in the northern Kent County area and heavy early black cutworm activity in Kent and New Castle County traps. A Delmarva Pest Patrol alert was issued on April 12. Cutworm discussed in Weekly Crop Update. ECB traps discussed with 1 potato consultant. Trap counts reported in 7 Weekly Crop Updates (1,000+ email subscribers). Soybean prophylactic insecticide application restulsts were discussed in presentations given at theDelaware AgWeek and MidAtlantic Crop Consulting Meeting emphasizing that a vegetative insecticide application tank mix with herbicide can be safely avoided. Amalt barley field tour was held on June 6 involving members from Proximity Malt and several local breweries. Delmarva wheat tour used UD wheat/malting barley plots as a stop; agronomic and pest management considerations were discussed, specifically barley yellow dwarf virus and Fusarium head blight. Recommendations made to several consultants regarding aphid management planning for 2023-2024 crop season and discussed in detail in the Weekly Crop Update and 1 Pest Patrol alert.A hands-on disease ID session was offered at the 2022 Mid-Atlantic Crop School. 26 factsheets relating to soybean, corn, and small grains were developed as part of a comprehensive booklet provided to program attendees. The MyIPM App has been advertised at various producer meetings.Educational programs on useof biofumigant cover crops was done in 2022-2023 with articles in the Weekly Crop Update and talks given at DE 2023 Fruit and Vegetable Growers meetings and MarDel Watermelon Growers Association.Developed and delivered a 3 day hands-on queen rearing workshop for 12 beekeepers summer of 2022 with another workshop during the week of June 12th to 10 beekeepers. Hosted the annual "Univ. of Delaware Winter Turfgrass Seminar" (77 attendees) in all 3 counties that provided 3 T&O pesticide CEU's to participants. - Topic included "Identifying Common Turfgrass Fungal Pathogens", "Common Turfgrass Insect Pests and the Occasional Outbreak Culprits", and "Plant Growth Regulators for Turfgrass Management".Field day event for the Lawn & Landscape industry (207 attendees) demonstrating improved turfgrass varieties, value of compost applications to reduce disease pressure and demonstration for maintaining low-input meadow with fine fescue and cool-season grasses. Demonstrated soap flush for monitoring turf insects; encouraging managers to actively seek out newer varieties when purchasing seed. Handouts provided to participants. Conducted4 green industry workshops at demonstration gardens, 2 Master Gardener trainings, and 1 to the general public, educating professionals on emerald ash borer damage, galleries, insect appearance, and products. Crape myrtle bark scale awareness increased. Plant Diagnostic outhreach conducted included3 Landscape Pest Walks, Delaware NLA annual meeting, Beginning Farmer Training, and 12 issues (current for 2023) of the Ornamentals Hotline reaching 200 landscapers and other professionals, the DNLA Annual meeting, 4 diagnostic training workshops, 6 educational videos on YouTube, a Chrysanthemum-growing seminar, and participating with theBranches to Chances horticultural job training program for unemployed, underemployed, or the previously incarcerated.Hosted Lawn & Landscape Industry field day (207 attendees) demonstrating new varieties w/ reduced pesticide input needs in National Turfgrass Evaluation Program trials and turfgrass plots established with EIP funds encouragingturfgrass managers to seek newer varieties when purchasing seed. Turf and Ornamental hands-on sprayer and spreader calibration class (9 attendess), and Master Gardener's field day (15 attendees) and 2 pesticide recertification trainings were conducted for the DNLA Hort Expo (500 participants). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Demonstrate Cover Crops as IPM Tactics in Specialty and Agronomic Crops Sorghum cover crops and corn cover crop plots will be established in Fall 2023. The Specialty Crop team is in transition right now and will continue to develop and refine programming aimed at reducing Phytopthora impact in vine crops using cover crops. Cover crop plots will be established in Fall 2023. 2. Survey For Agricultural, Horticultural, and Landscape Pests ECB traps will continue to be monitored. Trap counts continue to be discussed during in-season updates. In Spring 2024, current traps will be redeployed. Vineyards continue to be scouted, and additional operators worked with in 2024. Complete lining up cooperators for soybean and sorghum strip trials, install and monitor strip trials. A sorghum variety trial will be placed with at least one producer in 2024. Scouting efforts will begin in July of 2023 and of 2024. Malting barley scouting will commence again in Fall 2023. Italian rye grass samples are being collected for herbicide screening, and additional plant species and populations collected in Fall 2023. Nematode demonstration plots and product evaluation trials have been planted and will be planted again in May 2024. Continue building small rhizoboxes and use in photos and video footage. We are continuing to gather data on crape myrtle bark scale phenology. 3. Assist stakeholders with pest identification, anticipation, and planning We will continue serving all stakeholders with regular in-season updates and newsletter articles. The Southern IPM Center to provide app user metrics; recommendations for specific pests to be continuously updated. App currently focuses on insect pests and may be expanded upon for other pest categories. We are continuing to source material for the Photo Compendium. Fact sheets continue to be developed for plant diseases, seedcorn maggot, and for deployment in geocache boxes. Geocache boxes will be deployed. 4. Enhance pollinator health, resiliency, and habitat Varroa and small hive beetle populations continue to be assessed. We will track beetles June-September. We are in the process of randomly assigning colonies to track. Small hive beetle workshop to deliver new regional BMP's to Delaware beekeepers. We have started to revamp the Mid-Atlantic Apiculture Extension and Research Consortium (MAAREC) https://canr.udel.edu/maarec/ Site. We have held a multi-state meeting and created a google drive for participating states to upload content on pollinator services, links, and information. This site will serve as a pollinator educational hub for the Mid-Atlantic. The Anther's Promise website https://theantherspromise.com/ is being updated with new information. Pollen grain photos are being updated for pollen exclusively collected by honeybees. We are developing take-and-go pollinator activities for the pollinator garden on Newark Farm at the University of Delaware. We also are developing an assessment program using a QR code for each of the activities to understand the impact of the different outreach activities. To this end, we have purchased a 3D printer (departmental funds) to create 3D pollen grains of bee-collected pollen as well as 3D printed pollinators. Many pollinators are small and/or sting. 3D models allow people to hold and get familiar with pollinator morphology. 3D Pollen models allows garden visitors to better understand pollination and the concepts of pollen as food for pollinators and pollinator adaptations to collect pollen. Continue installing native plant wildflower plots and conduct Master Naturalist workshops with educational signage and beneficial insect fact sheet creation. 5. Provide IPM support for smaller acreage, high education need crops DSU high tunnels are being repaired and restocked. High tunnel biological control will be presented at the American Society of Horticultural Sciences 2023 meeting. A pest survey is being completed and will be distributed to 50 high tunnel producers and an onsite workshop is being planned for when high tunnels are repaired. 6. Provide Pesticide Safety and Application Training to Commercial Applicators, Private Applicators, and Homeowners We are continuing to seek additional grant and other support to increase John Emerson's time commitment to 60% time working with Turf and Ornamentals, and 20 - 25% time for Kerry Richards working with Master Gardeners and agronomic producers. Together, they will develop short pesticide safety and pollinator safety videos; distribute watermelon WPS training video, and conduct master gardener training, pesticide certification and recertification training and field days similar to those conducted in 2022-2023.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1. Demonstrate Cover Crops as IPM Tactics in Specialty and Agronomic Crops Sorghum varieities with herbicide resistance traits were evaluated for overall weed control effectiveness and i splanned to incorporate into cover cropping systems. The impact of cover crop termination is being studied on corn in part through these and other funded efforts. A major effort was conducted in 2022 with vine crops and biofumigant cover crops.Demonstrations of no-till production of pumpkins, winter squash, and watermelons were conducted in 2022 with rye and clover cover crops, and research on the use of ladino cover crops for row middles in plasticulture was conducted in 3 trials. Trials showed a reduction in the incidence of Phytophthora capsici but no reduction in Fusarium wilt.In late summer and fall of 2022 planting dates for biofumigant mustard were tested for biomass production, in order to assess the viability of performing biofumigation in the fall. Plantings made from August 8 to August 22 achieved sufficient biomass for fall biofumigation. A formal survey was distributed to specialty crop producers and crop consultants; 24 responses were recorded and information is being summarized for future program development. 2. Survey For Agriculutral, Horticultural, and Landscape Pests Insect traps were deployed and trap updates delivered to stakeholders for True Armyworm, Black Cutworm, Fall Armyworm, Yellow Striped Armyworm, Diamondback Moth, European Corn Borer, and Grape Berry Moth. Producers used armyworm and cutworm trap counts to adjust crop management practices, and consultants used DBM, SWD,and ECB trap counts to target scouting activity and reccomendations. Crops surveyed for pest incidence include soybeans (3 farms participating in prophylactic insecticide application demonstration plots), malting barley (7 fields; aphids, powdery mildew, common rust, and Fusarium head blight), late sorghum (6 fields, aphids anthracnose and corn earworm with educational materials delivered to 9stakeholders and pesticide application reccomendations delivered to 1 grower), edible podded peas, broccoli, cauliflouer, brussels sprouts pest surveying, vineyards (2), blueberry (1), crape myrtles for crape myrtle bark scale andash trees for emerald ash borer. 3. Assist stakeholders with pest identification, anticipation, and planning The plant diagnostic lab handled 709 samples from 6 states and another 180 samples processed by other specialists on this grant. Crop monitoring efforts (objective 2) were relayed to farmers, crop consultants and other allied agribusiness stakeholders throughout the growing season via the Weekly Crop Update, Ornamentals Hotline, text messages, Pest Patrol, and at various extension meetings and workshops. Demonstrations on bluegrass weevil sampling and other turf pest sampling were conducted; 3 Landscape Pest Walks were conducted; disease fact sheets and resin samples for hands-on trainings were created, UD contributed towards the MyIPM app for Row Crops (soybean and small grain) which is a platform to deliver formerly paper reccomendations directly to a users smart phone via navigable app. A photo compendium companion guide to the Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Reccomendations guide has been built and is being updated. Rhizoboxes were created to help stakeholders see the impact of nematodes on crop root development and subsequent plant vigor. Herbicide resistance screening identified populations resistant to various herbicides (14 herbicides tested on 41 populations). Knowledge was gained to help producers anticipate pest issues on potential new processing crops. Biological control agents are being demonstrated and high tunnel producers surveyed to identify major pests, pest management needs and practices. 4. Enhance pollinator health, resiliency, and habitat The Delaware Master Naturalist program established 3 pollinator habitat plantings and produced a short video detailing efforts (https://youtu.be/EvtQu5oUa-M). The research/extension Apiculturalist (Dr. Delaney) completed trials studying Formic Pro and Oxalic acid timing and in conjunction with other cultural management practices on varroa mite management which is a ubiquitous, highly destructive pest of honeybees. Small hive beetle populations are being tracked. Queen rearing workshops educating stakeholders how to select for quality breeding stock and successfully produce honeybee queens was conducted in 2023. Pollinator activities for the general public are being implemented in the UD pollinator gardens as well information updates on The Anther's Promise website and MAAREC. 5. Provide IPM support for smaller acreage, high education need crops IPM and survey information delivered to sorghum producers, malting barley producers (weekly crop update and field day), vineyard operators, and high tunnel producers. 6. Provide Pesticide Safety and Application Training to Commercial Applicators, Private Applicators, and Homeowners The Pesticide Safety and Education Program has been revitalized through the EIP grant funds. Mr John Emerson's duties were expanded to include a signficant role in program development and leadership. Pesticide safety, pollinator safety, and turf footage was created for applicators, Master Gardeners, and consumers. Worker Protection Standard training material was created and is ready to be delivered pending EPA approval. Bi-monthly updates for the Turf and Ornamentals sector on BMPs and pesticide updates distributed in the Ornamentals Hotline and Weekly Crop Update newsletters. Pre-exam training was delivered to praticpants taking CORE pesticide exams and the T&O category 3 exams. The passing rate increased and 90% of participants felt that training helped them prepare for the exam.?
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Kessler, Alexandra C. and A. M. Koehler. 2023. A survey of plant parasitic nematodes of soybeans in Delaware and Maryland 2019 to 2021. Plant Health Progress 24: 99-103.
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Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:The Delaware extension programs funded by the EIP grant target a multifaceted and diverse clientele in the state. Agricultural field crop commodity producers and consultants are served primarily through herbicide resistance screening, nematode demonstration plots, sorghum demonstration plots and variety trials, early season moth trapping program, and alfalfa surveys. Large scale specialty crop producers (fresh market, processing, and fruit) are served through insect trapping, including stink bug, spotted wing drosophila, European corn borer, diamondback moth, armyworm trapping, grape berry moth trapping, cover crop demonstration for vegetables to reduce disease incidence, variety evaluations for processing vegetables, and the development of education resources for producers. Beekeepers associated with the Delaware beekeeper association as well as homeowners seeking to provide more pollinator resources. Delaware landscape, greenhouse, ornamental, silviculture, and agricultural clientele through the plant diagnostic lab, and All of the above through the efforts of the pesticide safety education program. Several field days are currently being planned for the summer, including turf, a Carvel REC personnel field day, Pest Walks for landscape professionals. Among the agricultural community alone, there are an estimated 2,300 farm families, not including crop consultants and allied agribusiness personnel. Homeowners, the green industry, and lawn care and turf managers are served via ornamental plantings, demonstration plots, master gardener linkages, and pest walks. Changes/Problems:Personnel changes have impacted the progress of several objectives.The Turf extension agent (Mr. John Emmerson) will also be filling PSEP coordinator role starting in July. This allows UD to keep the agent on in a full time capacity as well as meeting the needs of both PSEP and turf professionals. The entomology research associate Mr. Deidesheimer, vacated his position in 2021 and the position was refilled by Ms. Malone in March 2022. Internal billing and funding paperwork has not been timely executed by the DSU and UD budget offices, leading to a signficant delay in several planned specialty crop projects and demonstrations. It is hoped that these will be resolved ASAP so that extension activities can resume targeting high tunnel producers. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Agronomics Marl Pit Twilight Meeting was held at the UD Cooperative Extension Research and Demonstration Area in Middletown DE May 26 from 6-8 PM. Insect pests, weeds, plant pathology and plant diagnostic updates were shared with several row crop producers. Nutrient management and pesticide recertification credits were provided to 12 attendees. Pollinators A queen rearing workshop will be held June 10 to June 12 to teach Delaware beekeepers how to raise quality queens and how to select good breeding stock. Participants will be invited back to collect their queen cells. A broad advertisement was made to the Delaware Beekeepers Association listserv. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Primary in-season findings are disseminated via the Weekly Crop Update and Ornamentals Hotline. Multiple field days, twilight meetings, and workshops are currently slated for June, July, and August. Nematode surveysSurveys representing 7,000 acres completed for benchmark data. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?IPM for Agronomic Crops Objective 2 - demonstration of utility or lack of utility of soybean prophylactic pesticide treatment. Complete lining up cooperators, install strip trials on commercial farms, scout fields. Soybeans are typically planted April - July. Objective 3 - Pest surveys of barley and sorghum and demonstrate cover crops for sorghum. Sorghum to be scouted beginning in July; variety trials planted in June Objective 4 - Herbicide resistance screening. Herbicide resistance testing will resume with the growing season as cooperators note inadequate weed control. Post emergence treatments are going out in the area. Objective 5 - Nematode pest surveys and education. Nematode demonstration plots and product evaluations to be planted in May. Complete rhizobox design and initiate building. IPM Implementation in Specialty Crops Objective 1 - Survey cover crops to identify benefits and challenges. Formal survey will be conducted in 2022 targeting vegetable growers. Objective 2 - Evaluate new processing crops and identify pests. Additional trials will be conducted in 2022 Objective 3 - trap for armyworms and stink bugs. Traps will be deployed in late June - July. Information to be disseminated in the Weekly Crop Update. Objective 6 - Demonstration of advanced propagation techniques. Additional demonstrations are being planned. Objective 7 - Develop a photo compendium for the Mid-Atlatnic Commercial Vegetable Production Reccomendations Guide. Continue sourcing material. IPM for Pollinator Health Objective 1 - demonstration of FORMIC PRO and Oxalic Vapor efficacy on Varroa mites, demonstrate sampling techniques and monitor Varroa seasonality. Varroa mite sampling to be conducted early, mid, and late season. This will also enable construction of a Varroa mite population growth curve which will inform Delaware beekeepers. Varroa monitoring and treatment workshop to be conducted in late summer at the University of Delaware's Teaching Apiary In 2022-2023, Varroa mite treatments will be combined with cultural techniques for Varroa control (brood breaks, colony splitting, and queen caging). Objective 2 - Monitor small hive beetle populations and deliver BMP's to beekeepers Small hive beetle population growth to be tracked in colonies as well as installation and evaluation of different in-hive traps Small hive beetle workshop to deliver new regional BMP's to Delaware beekeepers Objective 4 - Expand outreach website to include further pollen and nectar information and investigate impact of habitat management on floral reward quality. Website updates will focus on the pollen website, The Anther's promise https://theantherspromise.com/ during spring and summer. IPM in Communities Objective 2 - Install demonstration plots for turf grass, including cultivars, annual bluegrass weevil, and compost. A field day to be held in late summer to early fall once all turfgrass plots are completely grown-in under various seeding, herbicide, and fertility regimes. The field day will supply information and CEUs for the nutrient management and pesticide programs for Delaware turfgrass managers. Brochures documenting the turfgrass establishment and BMP's will be created. IPM Support for Plant Diagnostic Facilities April through September is the busiest time period for samples to come into the Diagnostic lab. Samples received increased in 2021 to 697. Outreach consists of regular posts through the Ornamentals Hotline (currently 4 issues in 2022), Landscape Pest Walks, social media, and workshops. IPM Education for Pesticide Applicators ? The media team will be in Delaware the week of July 11 to capturefootage Landscape pest walk, landscape and ornamental pests Collection and preparationof a sample for the disease and soil testing labs Other priorities as established by a needs assessment ·Media team to write script and collect footage May - July Scriptdevelopment will be based on audio collected during filming Clips/scripts will be developed in small individual segments This will allow for easier, more specific, insertion in educational presentations This will also allow for combining of selected plants to match was is being presented in person for virtual participation Clips will be stored virtually so that all extension educators will have access to use them Still photographs can be made from any of the material in the footage
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
? IPM for Agronomic Crops Objective 1 - maintain traps for armyworm, cutworm, and European corn borer.92%completed True armyworm and black cutworm traps deployed from March 23 to May 20and commented upon in 8 issues of the Weekly Crop Update; European corn borer traps deployed at the end of April and to date have only captured 1 moth. Potentially damaging early season insect pest populations were identified in the northern half of the state and helped prevent yield loss through additional scouting efforts. Reports have been received of cutworm damaged fields, and these reports will be correlated with pheromone trap counts. Trapping indicated that cutworms would be large enough to begin cutting corn earlier in 2022 than normal and shortly after, reports began to be received of cut corn. Objective 2 - demonstration of utility or lack of utility of soybean prophylactic pesticide treatment.25% Prophylactic strip trials were setup in 2021, harvested in October and November 2021. Cooperators are currently being confirmed for 2022. Currently, there is little evidence of consistent returns above investment for this practice Objective 3 - Pest surveys of barley and sorghum and demonstrate cover crops for sorghum.60% Barley Fusarium Head Blight scouting conducted.Samples were brought back from 8 fields to plate out Fusarium to characterize species diversity within malting barley samples. Disease levels were moderate for the season, with frost damage being the most concerning event of the season. Minor diseases of barley were noted in-season, including powdery mildew. Cover Crop sorghum demonstration planted. Seed from more than 20 different varieties and 3 companies have been prepared. Objective 5 - Nematode pest surveys and education.35% Virtual field day was hosted. Began prototype rhizobox development for demonstrations. Nematode samples preserved in resin for education events. nematode trials have been planted. Rhizobox prototype designs are being constructed and evaluated. Objective 6 - Contribute to regional app-based recommendation delivery platforms.90% The MyIPM app has been developed and supported by the Southern IPM Center and Clemson University with input from numerous institutions across the mid-south, southeast, and mid-Atlantic.The app is currently available for Android and Apple. On the google play store, it can be downloaded athttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bugwood.myipmcrops. It has been mentioned at all winter and early spring entomology presentations. IPM Implementation in Specialty Crops Objective 1 - Survey cover crops to identify benefits and challenges.10 % Educational programs and on used of biofumigant cover crops, no-till production with cover crops, and use of cover crops for row middles in plasticulture have been initiated and plots planted. Objective 2 - Evaluate new processing crops and identify pests.33% Processing broccoli and cauliflower were identified as potential new crops to focus on initially. Field research was conducted in the fall of 2021. Insect pests identified were the Harlequin bug and the worm complex (imported cabbageworm, diamondback moth, cabbage looper). Diseases identified were Alternaria and black rot. Objective 4 - survey vineyard pests.20% Two vineyards are currently being surveyed for insect pests along with pheromone traps for grape berry moth and spotted wing drosophila. Objective 6 - Demonstration of advanced propagation techniques. 50% Propagation techniques have been demonstrated to groups including Master gardeners and Green Club Garden Club members. Objective 7 - Develop a photo compendium for the Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations Guide.10% Photographs are currently being collected and taken. A software editing tool has been procured. IPM for Pollinator Health Objective 1 - demonstration of FORMIC PRO and Oxalic Vapor efficacy on Varroa mites, demonstrate sampling techniques and monitor Varroa seasonality.25% complete Preliminary data collected from colonies treated with Formic Pro and Oxalic acid dribble. A new apiary has been setup specifically to address timing and dosing of Formic Pro and demonstrate optimal use strategies. Objective 2 - Monitor small hive beetle populations and deliver BMP's to beekeepers 33% 5 Entomopathogenic nematode strains tested for infectivity on adult small hive beetles Objective 3 - Support and educate new honeybee queen breeders to select appropriate stock.35% A queen rearing workshop will be held June 10 to June 12 to teach Delaware beekeepers how to raise quality queens and how to select good breeding stock. Participants will be invited back to collect their queen cells. Objective 4 - Expand outreach website to include further pollen and nectar information and investigate impact of habitat management on floral reward quality.5% Outreach websites are currently being updated. Floral reward experiments have been running in the greenhouse to compare different soil amendments and their effect on flower visitors and caterpillar development. Test plants include henbit, dandelion, selfheal, sunflower, and milkweed. Pollinator garden demonstration workshop was held at the Newark Farm; IPM in Communities Objective 1 - Install demonstration plots highlighting native plants for pollinators and beneficial insects.75% Native plant plantings - 2 sites, Kent County May 25 with early sunflower, spotted bee balm, sneezeweed, early goldenrod, late goldenrod, golden ragwort, golden alexander, common milkweed, butterflyweed, bergamot. 2 persimmon and 1 eastern redbud to be added. New Castle site has been prepped. Objective 2 - Install demonstration plots for turf grass, including cultivars, annual bluegrass weevil, and compost.25% 2 plots have been established. 1 with 3500 square feet creeping bentgrass has been prepared and seeded. Second plot with 4,000 square feet. Home lawn demonstration with cool and warm season plots seeded. Objective 3 - Install demonstration plots for maple and crape myrtles for pest identification.35% Planted infested crape myrtles in Sussex and magnolias with other scale problem into the garden. IPM Support for Plant Diagnostic Facilities Funds will be used for supplies, maintain equipment, and participate in professional development sessions including national NPDN meetings, USDA-Beltsville diagnostic workshops, and Clemson plant parasitic nematode courses.5% A student assistant has just been brought on-board to assist with sample diagnostics. Diagnostician attended the NPDN meeting. IPM Education for Pesticide Applicators Objective 1 - Develop educational materials for homeowners, commercial and private applicators Priorities have and are being determined for collection of footage by the media team Input was gathered from extension specialists during the May 6 Hort Team meeting. The media team will be in Delaware the week of July 11 to capturefootage Landscape pest walk, landscape and ornamental pests Collection and preparationof a sample for the disease and soil testing labs Other priorities as established by a needs assessment ·Scriptdevelopment will be based on audio collected during filming This will also allow for combining of selected plants to match was is being presented in person for virtual participation Clips will be stored virtually so that all extension educators will have access to use them Still photographs can be made from any of the material in the footage Objective 2 - Identify a facilitator to work with IPM team members to develop educational materials The Turf extension agent (Mr. John Emmerson) will also be filling PSEP coordinator role starting in July. This allows UD to keep the agent on in a full time capacity as well as meeting the needs of both PSEP and turf professionals.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
https://sites.udel.edu/weeklycropupdate/
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