Publications/Outreach

2010: Western IPM Center Funds Six Publications/Outreach Projects Totaling $69,950

Innovative Outreach for City Parks to Implement IPM Strategies (1 year)
Principal Investigators: Shelly Connor, Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides, Oregon; Tim Stock, Oregon State University

The project's goal is to develop innovative, interactive tools and conduct outreach to increase the implementation of IPM strategies among city park employees across the West. This is a multistate project covering Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and California. Investigators will develop user-generated content and officially launch a professional network Web site, Sustainable Parks Information Network (SPIN), to support city park managers in learning and implementing IPM techniques. Content will be generated in the form of blogs, a video library of IPM techniques used in the region, and a discussion forum where network members can learn, share, and discuss IPM techniques.

Objectives: 1) By June 2010, officially launch an online professional network site for the parks network (SPIN) that hosts a blog, discussion forums, resource list and other social networking features, where city park managers will share information and resources on proven, successful IPM strategies used in managing parks; 2) by July 2010, NCAP and OSU Extension interview at least five city park managers to create at least 12 blog posts on proven, successful IPM strategies to publish on the parks network (SPIN) Web site; 3) by January 2011, NCAP and OSU Extension create five, 3-5 minute videos on specific IPM practices used in maintaining city parks and post on the parks network (SPIN) website.

Final Report (PDF*)
Translation of the University of California Touch-Screen IPM Kiosk into Spanish (1 year)
P.I.: Mary Louise Flint, University of California

 In 2007 the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program (UC IPM) in collaboration with the Healthy Garden/Healthy Home Project (HGHH) managed by UCCE San Diego County developed a user-friendly, stand-alone, touch-screen IPM Kiosk to help educate home gardeners in solving pest problems, preventing runoff from residential landscapes, and protecting the environment. The IPM Kiosk contains information in English on approximately 60 common home and garden pests, their identification and management, least toxic pest control, alternatives to pesticides, and safe use and disposal of pesticides, as well as proper watering, fertilizing, and avoiding runoff of garden chemicals. The kiosks are loaned out to UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) offices, retail stores, and public agencies and have been displayed at retail nurseries and garden centers, public libraries, county fairs, farmers' markets, home and garden trade shows, and other events sponsored by UCCE and Master Gardeners.

According the 2008 U.S. census polls, about 36 percent of the population of California is of Hispanic origin. Approximately two thirds of these households speak a language other than only English at home. Given this demographic, it is important to broaden outreach to the Spanish-speaking population in California. Translating the kiosk into Spanish will provide Spanish-speaking audiences with pest management information that they may not otherwise have access to. Because the kiosks are placed in a wide range of locations and venues in many counties, this method of IPM information dissemination is ideal for reaching Hispanic residents and home gardeners.

Objectives: 1) Translate all content in the UC IPM kiosk into Spanish; 2) build a Spanish navigation branch for the kiosk to be loaded on existing kiosk machines; 3) do a preliminary evaluation of the Spanish kiosk at several types of user locations.

Final Report (PDF*) Photos (PDF*)
Development of IPM Outreach Materials for Utah and Colorado Tree Fruit Growers (2 years)
P.I.s: Marion Murray and Diane Alston, Utah State University; Harold Larsen, Colorado State University

The primary purpose of this grant is to develop, produce, and disseminate tree fruit IPM outreach educational materials for commercial and backyard growers in Utah and Colorado. Investigators will produce the first comprehensive commercial tree fruit production guide for the Utah-Colorado region, addressing a need for regional efforts in tree fruit IPM. Copies will be distributed to all commercial growers in both states, and a Web site will be created where the guide can be offered in an easy to search format and updated yearly. To supplement the written and online versions, investigators will also produce a series of short, Web-ready videos on tree fruit pest monitoring techniques and key pest identification, designed to target commercial and hobbyist growers.

Objectives: 1) Produce and distribute regional Utah-Colorado Tree Fruit Production Guide in print and online; 2) produce Web-enabled video shorts of IPM tree fruit pest identification and scouting techniques; and 3) develop Web site to house tree fruit production guide and scouting videos.

Progress Report (PDF*)
Demonstration and Implementation of IPM in the Production of Bedding and Container Color Plants (1 year)
P.I.: Mike Parella, University of California

The ornamental plant market has high aesthetic standards, and plants are subject to heavy pesticide use in production. The bedding and container color plant sector of this industry produces plants year round for outdoor planting in flower beds. This sector is unique in that the crop cycle is only 8 weeks, resulting in the perception among growers that integrated pest management (IPM) is not feasible. Typically at least three pesticide applications are made weekly for the entire crop cycle. Many bedding plant IPM tools exist and have been shown to work for individual pests. IPM can be successful for the entire suite of crop pests if growers are shown how to use these tools, along with some novel methods, in a short cropping cycle. A project team that has extensive experience solving problems for the bedding plant industry will work with cooperating growers to measure IPM adoption over a 1-year period. The goal for this project is to reduce the number of pesticide applications per crop in the collaborating greenhouses by 15 percent at the end of the one-year project.

Objectives: 1) Form a collaborative, interdisciplinary team that will use a systems approach to develop more effective pest management solutions for bedding and color plant production. The team members are in place and their first meeting was held in December 2009. Meetings will take place every one to two months during the project. These meetings will be open to both the management team and team partners; 2) enhance pest identification and monitoring skills as well as understanding of pest thresholds and tolerances among collaborating growers; 3) promote wider use of arthropod biological control through the release of natural enemies and the use of entomopathenogenic fungi; and 4) introduce the use of irrigation monitors to direct water applications to times and areas when they are needed.

Multimedia Bilingual English and Spanish Publications on Vineyard Pests (1 year)
P.I.: Lucia Varela, University of California

A key component of an Integrated Pest Management Program is the correct identification and monitoring of pests. Well-trained workers can provide growers with prompt pest detection needed for the effective use of alternatives to pesticides. Trained employees can also provide vineyard managers an additional resource to keep track of impending problems and to monitor the effectiveness of pest management practices. Spanish-speaking vineyard personnel have a wide range of literacy. Providing information through different media with different levels of sophistication may enhance the probability that the message reaches this very diverse audience. Investigators propose to develop educational materials using different media to reach a diverse audience with different levels of literacy and knowledge of pest management. The widest possible dissemination of IPM methods should result in reduced use of pesticides and a stronger protection of the environment.

Objective: 1) Translate Vineyard Pest Identification and Monitoring Cards into Spanish (41 cards); 2) create bilingual Vineyard Pest Notes for the 10 major pests of grapes; and 3) develop Spanish- and English-language short videos (YouTube) on how to monitor for key pests in California vineyards.

Idaho Pest Management Center IPM (1 year)
P.I.: Ronda Hirnyck, University of Idaho

Homeowners are increasingly interested in reducing pesticide use; however, there are few resources available to educate them about IPM. The project's goal is to educate homeowners about IPM and reduce pesticide runoff, exposure, and misuse.

Objectives: 1) Develop a series of online publications on IPM topics for homeowners. The first three publications will cover a general overview of IPM, biological control, and pest prevention through proper maintenance of lawns and gardens; 2) develop better methodology for the table of insecticides registered for homeowner use, as well as revise and update the information to include on the Homeowner Information section of the Pest Management Center Web site; and 3) meet with the Master Gardener topic team to determine additional IPM questions and concerns for homeowners that can be addressed with future Homeowner IPM Series publications.

2011: Western IPM Center Funds 10 Publications/Outreach Projects Totaling $132,011

IPM Educational Program for Vineyards and Orchards to Prevent and Manage Glyphosate Resistant Weeds (1 year)
P.I.: Kassim Al-Khatib, University of California, Davis

Weeds are a major factor limiting vineyard and orchard production throughout the western states. Over the past 35 years, glyphosate has been the cornerstone of weed IPM programs in these perennial cropping systems. However, because of the decline in glyphosate costs, many growers have stopped using other weed management practices and instead are using only glyphosate for weed control. As a result of this increased selection pressure, several cases of glyphosate-resistant weeds have been reported in the western United States. Over-reliance on one pest management tool is counter to the goals of an effective IPM program and can decrease the profitability and sustainability of western vineyards and orchards. The overall objective of this project is to enhance IPM practices in California and Pacific Northwest orchard and vineyard cropping systems. Educational publications, training sessions and workshops, and other materials will be developed and implemented to help promote IPM programs and prevent and manage herbicide/glyphosate resistant weeds. The primary audience of the project is farm advisors, county agents, and pesticides applicators.

Objectives: 1) Develop extension publication on glyphosate stewardship, optimizing and preserving glyphosate performance for IPM uses in vineyard and orchards; 2) conduct workshops for farm advisors, county agents, and pesticide applicators on weed IPM in vineyards and orchards; 3) conduct workshops for farm advisors, county agents, and pesticide applicators on monitoring, preventing, and managing glyphosate-resistant weeds in vineyards and orchards; and 4) develop a set of presentations to be used by farm advisors and county agents in their local educational programs on weed IPM in vineyards and orchards and prevention and management of glyphosate resistant weeds.

An Illustrated Field Guide to the Pests of Bivalve Aquaculture in Washington and Oregon (1 year)
P.I.: Steven Booth, Pacific Shellfish Institute

Researchers will develop and disseminate an illustrated field guide to the pests of bivalve aquaculture (e.g., oysters, Manila clams, Geoduck clams, and mussels) in Washington and Oregon. The guide will be organized taxonomically but cross-referenced to each pest's primary habitat type and status as native, non-native, or invasive species. A separate page will describe these and other key characteristics of each pest and will feature a color plate of the organism. Two hundred and fifty field-durable bound copies will be produced and disseminated to bivalve producers/members of the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association, other stakeholders such as federal and state agency personnel with a purview over estuarine resources, and recreational users of the estuary like beach combers and SCUBA divers. Additional electronic copies of the guide will be posted on the Pacific Shellfish Institute and Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association Web sites for downloading.

Objectives: 1) Develop a pictorial guide to the pests of bivalve aquaculture in Oregon and Washington; 2) publish the guide in both hard copy and electronic formats; 3) distribute the guide to commercial bivalve producers, educational groups studying estuarine ecology or other relevant curricula, regulatory agencies or councils dealing with invasive species issues, and beachcombers; and 4) measure the guide's primary impact to bivalve aquaculture by surveying growers' abilities to identify pests prior to and after the guide's dissemination.

Adopting IPM on Oregon's School Landscapes (1 year)
P.I.: Aimee Code, Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides

The purpose of this project is to provide the information and support that schools need to prevent and suppress landscape pests with minimal impact on human health and the environment. The project will develop the skills of people who manage school grounds and help them fulfill requirements of a new IPM in schools law in Oregon. The project's evaluation process will document the adoption of IPM practices as well as the change in pest complaints and pesticide use. The project has the potential to significantly expand landscape IPM into other school districts in Oregon and around the West.

Objectives: 1) Launch a model learning and demonstration site for landscape IPM at one Oregon school, and 2) conduct a training to provide practical, hands-on landscape management IPM techniques to the people involved in managing school landscapes.

Video Production: "An Introduction to IPM" and "The City of Phoenix IPM Program" (1 year)
P.I.: Glenn Gigstad, University of Arizona

The City of Phoenix has been practicing IPM for more than 5 years. Two videos will be produced, each with an estimated total running time of 20 minutes. The first will demonstrate integrated pest management practices in a municipal environment, including testimonials from the City of Phoenix employees who are using IPM practices in city buildings. The second video will introduce structural integrated pest management basics. The videos will be used as part of an outreach effort by the City of Phoenix and the University of Arizona.

Objectives: 1) Create a DVD and Web links for a two-segment video on introduction to and implementation of IPM, and 2) support local and national implementation of IPM.

Integrated Pest Management Education and Outreach for Public Housing in Arizona and Oregon (1 year)
P.I.: Dawn Gouge, University of Arizona

Bed bugs are an increasing problem in low-income housing nationally. As a result, residents overuse and abuse pesticides in attempts to keep bed bug infestations at bay. Historically and currently the German cockroach is still the most common pest in low-income housing, and associated allergens are both asthmagens and asthma triggers. Asthma triggers responsible for the majority of childhood asthma cases and attacks include cockroaches, rodents, and dust mites. A model training program, Integrated Pest Management in Multifamily Housing, has been developed to educate Public Housing Authority (PHA) groups. This project's goal is to build on the existing material and develop an implementation model engaging PHA personnel, residents, and social service support groups.

Objectives: 1) Deliver HUD-endorsed IPM in Multifamily Housing training to PHA sites in Phoenix, Arizona, and Portland, Oregon; 2) expand the resources available and the network of people that can facilitate the implementation of IPM in multifamily housing in local communities; 3) develop, trial, assess, and document a model process that facilitates IPM implementation; and 4) evaluate the successes and failures of the model approach, deliver a final report describing lessons learned to HUD, and present findings at relevant conferences.

IPM/Beneficial Insect Demonstration and Outreach (1 year)
P.I.: Tessa Grasswitz, New Mexico State University

Numerous studies have shown that increased plant diversity can reduce pest pressure and increase populations of beneficial insects in agricultural systems. However, site-specific information on the best plants for beneficial insects is needed. Project researchers propose to meet this need by establishing demonstration "shelterbelts" in different areas of New Mexico and to use them for workshops on IPM, focusing on ways of attracting and retaining beneficial insects. The workshops will be complemented by two color guides to beneficial insects (biological control agents and pollinators) and other materials such as plant lists and fact sheets.

Objectives: 1) Raise sufficient plants for three demonstration "shelterbelts" using the propagation facilities at the joint New Mexico State University/Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) facility at Los Lunas; 2) establish shelterbelts in three climatically different areas of New Mexico; 3) use the demonstration plantings (existing and new) as a basis for four workshops on IPM, focusing on techniques that will help attract and retain beneficial species (both biological control agents and pollinators). Materials developed for these workshops (such as plant lists, fact sheets, and other handouts) will be made available to other entities (such as county agents, NRCS personnel, and local bee-keeping groups) to use for their own outreach activities; and 4) produce two pocket-sized color guides to New Mexico beneficial insects for growers, landscape professionals, and home gardeners (one on biological control agents and one on common pollinator species). These will complement the workshops and form a stand-alone resource for distribution at similar events and via county extension/NRCS offices.

Integrated Weed Management in the Great Basin of Nevada and Utah -- Education and Outreach -- Sixth Annual Winter Weed Meeting, January 19-20, 2011
P.I.: Betsy Macfarlan, Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition

Researchers will provide information and outreach regarding the targeted use of livestock and biologicals as integrated weed management tools to manage large-scale noxious weed problems on public and private lands in the Great Basin of eastern Nevada/western Utah. This will be accomplished using seminars and workshops by subject matter experts at a regional weed-control meeting, and through information distribution using printed and electronic means. It is expected that use of the information will result in reduction in use of chemicals for weed control in the region; reduced chemical exposure for weed control personnel, livestock, and the environment; and a reduction in wildfire fuels over wide areas (with resulting reduced fire severity and suppression costs).

Objectives: 1) Present educational information and materials related to the targeted use of livestock as an integrated weed (pest) management tool on public rangeland and private ranches in the project area; 2) present information and materials relating the use of biological methods as an additional alternative method of weed control; 3) implement educational outreach activities regarding these alternatives using printed and electronic media; and 4) collect anecdotal and actual data from private and public land managers regarding the use of livestock in weed control activities for presentation at the 2012 annual meeting.

Southeastern Arizona-Southwestern New Mexico Noxious Weed Rapid Response Teams
P.I.: Kim McReynolds, University of Arizona

The spread of noxious, invasive weeds on public, state trust, and private lands in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico continues to be a cause of great economic and environmental concern. During fiscal year 2008-2009, workshops were held to identify stakeholder needs and solicit input on the development of a strategic plan to address noxious weed issues in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. A follow-up action plan session was held to further refine planning. One of the high priority action plans is to develop and implement Rapid Response Team training in several communities in the five-county area covered by the related WIPMC-funded work group. Twenty-five communities were identified in 2009. Community members will be trained in noxious weed identification, proper treatment methods by species of concern, mapping protocol, and follow-up monitoring of controlled infestations. A training manual will be developed and community rapid responders will be equipped to deal with noxious weeds in a quick and efficient manner.

Objectives: 1) Develop and implement Rapid Response Team training in 10 local communities identified through the action plan; 2) equip citizens with knowledge and tools to quickly document and treat noxious weed infestations using IPM strategies; 3) track noxious weed infestation locations and treatment efforts; 4) hold an evaluation and recognition meeting with community volunteers following the spring-summer treatment season to assess the program; and 5) support Rapid Response Team volunteers by inviting them to the annual stakeholder meetings and field tours, and add them to communication networks. (Other funds will be used to accomplish this objective).

Developing an Educational Program on Semiochemical-Based IPM Methods for Weevil Pests on Guam
P.I.: Gadi Reddy, University of Guam

Guam's agricultural professionals are generally locally trained, with minimal exposure to the finer nuances of semiochemicals. The purpose of this project is to build agricultural professionals' understanding of the role of semiochemicals in insect control and pest management and to assist them in passing their knowledge on to growers. The training will cover the semiochemical-based IPM methods on Guam for four important weevil pests.

Objectives: 1) Develop course: collect photos of trapping systems and pest damage symptoms as well as trapping date and develop into an instruction manual, Semiochemical-Based IPM Method for Weevil Pests on Guam; 2) using the new manual, instruct 10 agricultural professionals on the trapping method, including the importance of lures and trap characteristics; 3) Field day and evaluation: during the last month, agricultural professional trainees will host a field day for growers and the general public.

Growing the Sustainable Parks Information Network
P.I.: Josh Vincent, Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides

The Sustainable Parks Information Network (SPIN) is an online networking resource for parks managers and other urban groundskeepers. Previous funding from the WIPMC allowed researchers to develop the first phase of this professional networking site, which offers peer-to-peer communication tools as well as multimedia resources such as videos, blogs, discussion forums, and webinars focused on IPM topics. The purpose of SPIN is to connect IPM leaders with pest management practitioners across the western region, to identify and address priority pest management challenges, and to spread cutting edge IPM tactical information that will further the adoption of IPM.

Objectives: 1) Increase the number of pest management practitioners involved with SPIN by approximately 300 percent (totaling at least 200 members across the entire network); 2) improve the interactive Web and multimedia tools provided through SPIN by producing 10 videos and five webinars that demonstrate IPM strategies. A sixth webinar will be held demonstrating site functions; and 3) develop a specific Web platform for SPIN that is fully customizable, quickly adaptable, and that does not rely on a third party for any functions beyond basic hosting.

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