WEEKLY ELECTRONIC PEST ALERT NEWSLETTER OF TPM/IPM FOR ARBORISTS, LANDSCAPE & NURSERY MANAGERS
Extension Education
Chuck Schuster
Extension Educator
University of Maryland Extension
DERWOOD
Abstract
The Green Industry, arborists, landscape, nursery, greenhouse and cut flower managers, need timely informative updates on insect, disease, weed and cultural plant information in order to prevent or monitor plant pest problems. By creating a weekly electronic newsletter, http://ipmnet.umd.edu/monitor1.htm , the University of Maryland Extension made it possible to reach many in the Green Industry, sharing information on plant pests that are occurring in different regions of the state. Color photographs accompanying pest identification and control strategies help the Green Industry to make quick and timely decisions for Total Pest Management/Integrated Pest Management. This newsletter includes reports on entomology, pathology, weed of the week, and plant of the week. Degree Day Information is calculated. In 2009, the electronic newsletter reached out weekly to over 1500 professionals in the Green Industry. An end of season survey revealed 90% indicated the newsletter is benefiting their business with the information disseminated. They felt that the Pest Alerts helped them identify the insect, disease and weed pests properly, diagnose plant problems, and make fewer pesticide applications. The beneficial insect feature helped over 70% recognize beneficial organisms, with 90% indicating color photos helped make the diagnosis and control options better and faster. This same survey indicated that 94% used the “Weed of the Week” in weed management. The Plant of the Week was also considered beneficial and informational.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: C.F. Schuster, G. Rosenkranz
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Schuster, C. Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 20855
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Rosenkranz, G. Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension, Wicomico County, Maryland, 21802