Peer-to-peer learning for integrated pest management for nursery growers
Extension Education
Ann Chanon
Extension Educator, ANR
Painesville
Abstract
One of the biggest challenges facing the nursery industry is the management of insects and diseases. The timing and extent of these pest problems tend to be similar for production facilities within a region and can often be correlated with environmental conditions and/or production practices. The goal for these grower-focused integrated pest management (IPM) meetings was to create an environment where problems and their potential solutions could be discussed openly. The meetings are held twice a month from April-October. Participants can attend either in person or by video conference. The one-hour meeting consists of a brief presentation, by either an Ohio State University Extension Educator or an invited speaker on a seasonally appropriate topic. For example, topics have included the control of red headed flea beetles in spring and summer weed management. Following the presentation, IPM managers share their scouting reports and treatment protocols. Participants are encouraged to ask questions either directly or if confidentiality is needed by messaging one of the Extension professionals. A typical meeting will have representatives from five to eight nurseries with ten to twenty people in attendance. A meeting summary is prepared and distributed to 103 nursery professionals and ten sales representatives regardless of their ability to attend. Impacts have directly benefited nursery producers and other Extension educators. For example, after one grower shared both his successes and challenges in using various biological control methods, the group began discussing the use of bio-based controls in the field. This led to invited presentations on various beneficial insect species. As a result, another nursery has adopted similar strategies in managing mite and insect issues learned at these sessions. A sales representative shared information about our IPM meetings with an Extension Educator from another University. Subsequently, that educator contacted us directly for additional information and joined us to observe one of our meetings. He is now holding similar events for nursery producers in his area. Overall, the peer-to-peer learning environment has led to increased participation with nurseries from five northern Ohio counties and improved pest management strategies in a supportive environment.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: Ann Chanon, Thomas deHaas
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Chanon, A. Extension Educator, ANR, Ohio State University, Ohio, 44077
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deHaas, T. Extension Educator, ANR, Ohio State University, Ohio, 44870